Wairoa District Council is continuing to explore options around the future management of the Wairoa Community Centre.

After 13 years of managing the Wairoa District Council-owned asset, Sport Hawke’s Bay (SHB) has advised it will not continue to operate the centre from July 1, 2025.

As a result, the Council is looking at how the centre could be run and managed in the future.

At a recent Council meeting, elected members indicated that reintegrating the Community Centre operations within the Council’s structure was not a likely option, saying that the Council does not have the expertise or capacity. They are, however, keen to seek expressions of interest from suitably qualified providers, which could see a range of operation models considered, particularly as they have been made aware there are organisations that specifically deliver this type of bespoke management.

The Council will continue to explore options and expects to have a working plan of how the facility could be managed by the end of the year.

Wairoa Mayor Craig Little said a key focus is on maintaining the current levels of service and looking at growth opportunities. “The centre had a record year in 2023-24, recording more than 94,000 people movements - one of the best results in many years. Sport Hawke’s Bay and the local team have done a great job, and while the Council was not looking for this change, it does bring opportunity, and the centre has a solid foundation for future growth to be leveraged from. “The Community Centre is more than just a pool, sports and fitness. It is a community hub, and this new change in direction gives us a chance to reflect and look at how the centre can best address the needs of our community.”

29 October 2024

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