The Masterton Town Hall is up for demolition. Local Democracy Reporting has asked Masterton’s mayoral candidates whether they support the council’s current Long Term Plan direction to build a new facility on site.

Bex Johnson (also standing for General Ward)

I will continue to support the council’s current long term plan direction to build a new facility on the current site within the agreed budget. 

If that is not possible, I would explore other options which would include the Trust House Recreation Centre and Masterton War Memorial Stadium which is ripe for an upgrade and refurbishment. 

It is a council-owned asset in a perfect location close to many public amenities with easy access. 

It is important not to be locked into one school of thought and remain open to new solutions that could achieve a similar outcome. 

I am always mindful that it is ratepayers’ money that is being spent so affordability and practicality is paramount. As is an open mind.

Craig Bowyer (also standing for General Ward)

It’s my belief that a new town hall is a want. 

After demolition and the regeneration of the site into an amazing outdoor area, we have to seriously look at a do-up of the War Memorial Stadium to make it fit for purpose for holding about 700 people.

If we need more people, go to Wairarapa College, even more, use Memorial Park. 

Times are tough for a lot of people, now is not the time to go spending $25 million on a town hall when $5m is probably all that’s needed to make the alternative, a building we already own, fit for purpose. 

In my opinion, it would be better for council to support the private sector in the building of a tourist attraction, so people have a reason to stop and stay in Masterton. 

Money from outside the region coming into the local economy every day instead of possibly once a month. 

We need to think differently about the future, we need to think 10 years or more ahead. We need to think better.

Stella Lennox (also standing for At Large Ward)

Yes, I support the Long Term Plan direction to build a new facility on the existing town hall site.

Masterton has been without a modern civic and events space for too long, and it’s time we invested in something that will serve not only today’s needs but the needs of future generations.

I’m a long-term thinker. When making decisions, I look ahead to where our district will be in 10, 20, even 50 years. 

Our population is steadily growing year on year, and with that comes greater demand for spaces that can bring people together, be it concerts, conferences, theatre, cultural events, or community gatherings. 

Rebuilding gives us the opportunity to create a facility that is flexible, accessible, and truly fit-for-purpose, rather than trying to patch up an outdated building that could never meet those future demands.

I am also very conscious of affordability. 

This project must be staged carefully, with transparent costs, strong external funding input, and smart design choices that deliver value for money. 

But at its heart, this is about vision: investing in a facility that reflects Masterton’s confidence in itself, supports our growing community, and stands as a functional facility for the years ahead.

Waireka Collings (also standing for Māori Ward)

The Masterton Town Hall has so much potential and is an amazing opportunity to build a great community vibe in our town. 

A place where we can gather in and with our diverse communities promoting pride of place and space. Tautoko, tautoko!

I absolutely agree with the demolition of the town hall and the current decision in the Long-Term Plan and believe that this is exactly a decision that needs to be accelerated. 

Despite the memories and nostalgia that we might have in regards to retaining the façade, demolishing the town hall and pushing on with this decision is of the utmost importance. 

If we had said yes to this when it first came up we would be enjoying it by now. 

Masterton is on the cusp of joining up our beautiful spaces and places to create now the vision for the future and this is absolutely one of the key opportunities right in the heart of our community. Kia kaha tātou.

-LDR is local body journalism co-funded by RNZ and NZ On Air

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