RĀWHITIROA HALL GETS A REMAKE

Rāwhitiroa is a rural district near Eltham, South Taranaki. With a population of around 785, it’s well known in the area for its school, outdoor swimming pool and the Rāwhitiroa Hall. 

“The hall was built in 1901 and has hosted so many occasions over the years,” said Annalisa Evans, Hall Secretary/Treasurer.

“We’ve been a venue for Covid vaccinations & a voting booth among the usual weddings, funerals, celebrations, club meetings and Anzac services. The Rāwhitiroa School uses the hall often and we’ve been a pitstop for car rallies, triathlons and summer pool functions.”

The 123-year-old hall’s weatherboard exterior had deteriorated over the years, and the building looked rundown and unattractive.

With extensive repair work needed to replace rotting boards before painting, the decision was made to replace rather than repair the hall’s exterior.

Funding of $25k from the Toi Foundation helped to reclad the building with white Coloursteel and a Zincalume roof.

“Everybody seems to love how the hall looks now,” said Annalisa.

“It’s a major improvement. We’ve had many favourable comments and people are more keen to use an updated facility. We’re proud of how it looks now. It really complements the new Anzac memorial area, the swimming pool and the school.”