Raetihi community Hub Project
Te Korowai o Wainuiārua, in partnership with Ruapehu District Council (RDC), is proud to unveil the concept design for a flagship community hub in Raetihi, a central North Island town. This collaborative project aims to create a vibrant, multi-use facility that will serve as a central hub for both the local community and iwi, but funding to bring this vision to life is still needed.
The proposed facility, which will be located on the site of the town’s current police station, is envisioned as a $10 million project, with the majority of the 700 square metre space dedicated to public use. The hub will feature a council service centre, iwi headquarters, a modern library and computer hub, as well as flexible spaces for exhibitions and community activities.
Designed to cater to the diverse needs of the community, the facility will also include meeting and activity areas, community gardens, a cultural “atea” (performance space), a fire pit, a hāngi pit, and a pā harakeke (flax cultivation area). Additionally, a riverside bush walk will offer access to rongoā (traditional Māori medicine). These features will help create a space where cultural practices, social activities, and community wellbeing can thrive.
The name for the hub, Te Tihi o te Rae ki Mākōtuku, was chosen after consultation with kaumātua and trustees of the iwi. The name reflects the culturally significant foothill Te Tihi o te Rae at the base of Mount Ruapehu, and the nearby Mākōtuku stream, which runs alongside the proposed site. Public spaces in the building will offer stunning views of Ruapehu, the local marae, and the Rātana temple.
While the Ruapehu District Council has allocated $3 million for the project in its 2024-2034 Long Term Plan, the total cost of the hub is expected to range from $7 million to $10 million. Securing the additional funding will require external support, and the project partners are committed to working together to source the necessary resources.
Te Korowai o Wainuiārua, which represents the Uenuku, Tamakana, and Tamahaki iwi, has offered the land for the community hub as part of its ongoing partnership with the council. The land, which was included in the $28.5 million Treaty settlement with the Crown, will be offered on a lease arrangement to the council for the development of the facility.
The proposed site, located at the junction of State Highway 4 and Raetihi-Ohakune Road, has been identified as the ideal location for the hub. However, road safety concerns, including the need for a roundabout and pedestrian crossings, will need to be addressed to ensure the safety of those using the facility.
New Zealand Police have expressed support for the project and have requested space within the new building. This collaborative effort reflects the shared vision of Te Korowai o Wainuiārua, RDC, and the wider community to create a space that fosters connection, wellbeing, and cultural enrichment for the people of Raetihi and beyond.
