A GROUP of Ōpōtiki residents is hoping for community backing to restore the Pakowhai War Memorial Hall in Victoria Street.

The Pakowhai Māori Committee Trust is committed to re-opening the disused and dilapidated hall for community use and has already undertaken a feasibility study after receiving $37,000 in funding from the Lottery Community Facilities Grant last year.

The study by Carling Architects estimates restoration of the hall will cost $2.4 million, plus GST, while construction of a new hall will cost $3.6 million.

Spokeswoman Bobette Rakuraku-Thompson said the hall, which officially opened on March 19, 1960, held “significant historical and cultural importance”.

“The opening was a grand event attended by an estimated 5000 people,” she said.

“The hall was a remarkable achievement, designed by Tua Hudson and constructed through voluntary efforts and community fundraising, even involving local men who felled trees to provide timber for the building.”

She said the hall had played a central role in the community’s life, hosting a range of activities, from sports events to cultural performances, family gatherings, funerals, community balls, social dance evenings, and serving as emergency accommodation during the flood of 1964.

It is now in a state of disrepair, with several parts needing immediate attention.

“In recent years, the hall has fallen into disuse because of health and safety concerns, presenting a significant challenge,” Mrs Rakuraku-Thompson said.

“The trust has completed a comprehensive feasibility report, which will provide a path forward for the hall’s restoration and continued service to the community.  

“Restoring a hall with a budget of $2.5 million is a significant endeavour, and we feel it’s wise to approach funding in stages to make the process more manageable.”

The group is now seeking funding for detailed designs, which is the next stage of the rebuild.

This is expected to cost between $30,000 and $40,000.

“It’s time for us to seek community engagement around the restoration of the hall,” Mrs Rakuraku-Thompson said.

“The hall can take more than 300 people and it can be used by groups for kapahaka, sports and other events.”