All-day celebrations mark Katikati Library opening

Thursday 23 August 2018

Katikati's new $4.5 million library - The Centre - Pātuki Manawa - is open to the public following a day of opening community celebration on Tuesday 21 August.

Mayor Garry Webber, joined by the library's longest serving staff member Inez Cooper and youth ambassador Noelene Te Whakaara, cut the ribbon to the new building.

The official opening followed a dawn service and blessing of the buildings led by Reon Tuanau of Ngai Te Rangi and George Burt of Ngai Tamawhariua and attended by elected members and local hapu.

A community celebration was held from 3pm to 6pm featuring a range of children's and adult entertainment, displays and refreshments.

Pātuki Manawa - the beating heart - provides Katikati with a modern, fit-for-purpose facility and community centre that has been planned over 14 years.

The two-storey library and service centre is 800 square metres, including a mezzanine floor, while the adjacent 400 square metre community hub has meeting rooms, kitchen and an open multi-use function space.

Mayor Garry Webber said the library built on the traditions of the Katikati community and its passion for libraries, learning and connections.

"Libraries play a critical role by providing a wide range of services - that's why having a modern, fully functioning library and service centre available to all, remains a fundamental role of local government.''

Chief executive Miriam Taris said a great deal of effort goes into getting such projects over the line.

"They say it takes a village to raise a child. I'd suggest it takes a community to raise a library, service centre and community hub.

"Firstly it takes vision and community will. It also needs political backing and a budget to get a project of this scale into the Long Term Plan - and to keep it there.

"I'd like to acknowledge our people from within Council who have nursed and supported this project for years and are excited - and just a little bit relieved - to see it completed.''

Property manager Blaise Williams acknowledged the vision and excellence of First Principles Architects in creating an intergenerational library and community facility.

Blaise also praised the hours of work, "sweat and blood'' by the construction firm Watts and Hughes, led by site manager Brad McNamarra.

Katikati Community Board chair Jenny Hobbs said Pātuki Manawa would be an indispensable part of the town's social fabric.