New Zealand’s first Pasifika Hub set for construction in Hamilton

The country’s first Pan Pasifika Community Hub is set for development in Hamilton after a City Council decision to earmark a high-profile central city site for the hub’s construction.

A large modern fale is proposed for an old bowling club site opposite Hamilton’s FMG Stadium Waikato. The hub proposal includes the refurbishment of the existing building to bring together health, education, and social services run by K’aute Pasifika Trust.

“This is so much more than just a building. Having a hub in the middle of the city will change lives in our communities and communities across our broader Midlands Region,” said K’aute Pasifika Trust Chief Executive Rachel Karalus.

The Trust first proposed the hub concept in 1999 and in September, Hamilton City Council’s Community Services and Environment Committee voted in favour of the Trust’s occupancy on the central site.

“We’ve dreamed of this for 20 years. There’s really nothing like this in New Zealand so we think the committee is showing a great deal of courage and leadership,” added Ms Karalus.

The Pan Pasifika Community Hub proposal includes a medical clinic, nurse-led services, an early childhood centre, and social workers to deliver K’aute Pasifika’s health and wellness programmes across Waikato.

Around 5% of New Zealand’s total Pacific population lives in the Waikato DHB region, which is expected to increase by 70% to more than 26,000 people in the next decade.

Ms Karalus says the Trust will be working in partnership with Primary Health Care Ltd for the development of the medical practice and with Creators Educational Trust for the development of the early childhood centre. She also said the Trust will work closely with Orchestras Central, which was one of three other organisations to express interest in the site.

“A hub brings people in, it doesn’t set us apart. The future of our community is more and more diverse, and we’re really excited about creating an environment for all our community to enjoy whether we are talking about Pasifika, music, sports, arts or recreation,” she said.

Trust Waikato has approved funding of $2.1 million toward the fale and hub design and construction as a significant capital project for the city. The entire hub project is estimated to cost approximately $10 million.

K’aute Pasifika Trust will now work closely with Council staff on the design of the hub to ensure consistency with Hamilton’s West Town Belt Masterplan, and also complete a range of regulatory compliance aspects.

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