History of the local hall

What is the history of the local hall and why was it rebuilt in 1989?

Our community hall is used all the time to socialise but what is the history of our hall?

The first Waerenga-O-Kuri local hall was built in the Hangaroa district in 1913. It was moved to the Waerenga-O-Kuri district in 1927. For over 60 years local people came to the hall every Friday night to socialise. In March 1988 Cyclone Bola flooded the community hall for six weeks. The hall was beyond repair.

In 1989 a decision was made to build a new hall in another place within the district. Mr Graham Mossman generously donated the land for it and $180,000 was raised by the community. Locals built the new hall with the help of a carpenter. Unfortunately the new hall was built in a damp spot, so they had to dig a trench six feet deep to drain the water. Luckily this was a success.

The new hall was opened November 3rd 1990 by Mrs Jenny Mossman, a long time resident. Over 300 people came to the opening. A few years later tennis courts were built alongside the hall.

The Waerenga-O-Kuri hall is a great asset to our community and is well used. School fundraisers are held there, such as the horse treks, 4WD treks, and quiz night. The school uses it for sports and at the end of the year for the celebration of learning and an awards ceremony. During the year the community uses it to farewell residents who are moving away and to welcome newcomers. The usual Friday night socialising continues.

By Hannah Y6 and Jazmine Y6