New library weaves together people and place
Te Ara Mātauranga, Waihī Beach’s new library, service centre and community hub, opened today - a space interwoven with community, creativity and connection.
From the harakeke (flax) artwork displayed in the entranceway, to the hand-woven bookmarks given to guests, the weaving together of people and place was celebrated and acknowledged.
Around 160 people gathered to mark the opening of the new $5m facility whose name, gifted by Te Whānau a Tauwhao hapū, means ‘The Pathway to Knowledge’.
A blessing was performed by Reon Tuanau, of Ōtāwhiwhi Marae, together with tamariki from the neighbouring Waihī Beach Kura, with Western Bay Mayor James Denyer cutting the ribbon to declare the building officially open.
“Libraries today are important community hubs – their role is so much more than just a repository for books. They’re public spaces where communities come together to learn, connect and thrive,” says Mayor James Denyer.
“This has been a collaborative process with involvement from elected members, Council staff, mana whenua, the school, and the community centre committee. I want to thank all those involved for achieving such a great result, and in particular our builder, Hawkins, for delivering ahead of time and on budget.”
Valeta Duncan, Council’s Customer Services Manager, celebrated the community-led approach behind the new library.
“This project has been as much about the process, the relationships, and the learning as it has about the building,” says Valeta.
“From the start, we knew building a new library was a big deal, so it had to be an inclusive process. Everyone had the chance to have a say — especially our tamariki, who were encouraged to dream about what a new, shiny library could look like for them.
“Our partnership with Te Whānau ā Tauwhao Ki Ōtāwhiwhi has been crucial. We wouldn’t have this beautiful building that honours the stories and rich cultural heritage of mana whenua, without it.”
As well as the name, Te Whānau a Tauwhao gifted design elements connecting the building to Ōtāwhiwhi marae, the taiao (environment), and the coastal nature of Waihī Beach, including a kōwhaiwhai depicting the mangōpare (hammerhead shark). Representing resilience and perseverance, the mangōpare is depicted in the steps leading into the library, and windows throughout the building.
Reading ‘cubbies’ inside the library are named after different types of obsidian found on Tuhua (Mayor Island) - Tuhua, Paretao and Kahurangi - also gifted by Te Whānau a Tauwhao.
“So, our next generations can always remember the importance of connection to the taiao, to the moana (ocean), but also to our special places like Tuhua,” says Reon.
A large harakeke weaving, by Kairāranga (weaver) Marino Magee, is on display as you enter the building, reinforcing the importance of taiao.
“The name of my piece is ‘Ngā Tikanga ō Te Taiao’, meaning the rules or guidelines of how we could behave and interact with our taiao, our natural environment,” explains Marino.
“Every piece that I created comes from it and I’ve tied it all together with our connections as people to the taiao.”
The new 400sqm library and service centre is four times bigger than the old library and is open 43 hours a week, compared to the previous 23 hours, bringing it in line with Council’s three other library and service centres, in Te Puke, Ōmokoroa and Katikati.
The space includes two large meeting rooms with a moveable wall, one smaller meeting room, public computers and free wifi, dedicated reading spaces, ‘bring your own device’ work spaces, and a table for activities such as crafts and puzzles.
It is staffed by a customer services supervisor, two customer services representatives, and a community engagement librarian, who will be working across all age groups.
Te Ara Mātauranga Opening Hours
Monday – Friday: 9am – 5pm
Saturday: 9am – 12pm
Sunday and Public Holidays: Closed
For more information about our library services, visit libraries.westernbay.govt.nz
