Central Hawke's Bay Regional Digital Hub renamed ahead of opening
The Central Hawke’s Bay Regional Digital Hub has a new name to reflect its local purpose, as the facility prepares to open its doors later this month.
Situated at the Bogle Brother’s Esplanade site, commonly known as the ‘Old Bucks’ building – the Central Hawke’s Bay Provincial Growth Funded Hub will be known as ‘The Knowledge and Learning Hub - Te Huinga Wai’.
Central Hawke’s Bay Deputy Mayor and Chair of Strategy and Wellbeing Committee, Kelly Annand said the name and interpretation gifted by local Manawhenua was "fitting".
Te Huinga Wai can be interpreted as the place where waters come together.
"In Tamatea/Central Hawke’s Bay, there are numerous examples of this, including the waters of Mākāretu, Māharakeke, Tukipoho and Tukituki, Manga-a-nuku and Waipawa and the Waipawa and Tukituki. Like the Knowledge and Learning Hub, this interpretation represents the confluence of people, water, knowledge and ideas coming together," she said.
With construction now well underway again following delays due to Level 4 lockdown, the final interior changes and fit-out is planned for the week of September 20, ready for doors to open to the public on Monday 27 September.
The facility will be home to a temporary Library and associated services, for at least five years
It will also deliver a range of programmes to bridge the digital divide, offering access for businesses, self-employed people and the community; with free Wi-Fi, co-working spaces and areas to present digital products and services.
Annand said while traditional library services will still be a key part of the temporary service, the much wider connection of people, knowledge, technology and business will be a key offering of the hub.
“The interpretation of Te Huinga Wai, well represents the benefits this Hub will bring to our community, as we bring together the threads of community, technology, knowledge and place. After the challenges of old Waipukurau Library, it’s exciting to be bringing this space to life for the District."
Ahead of the Hub opening, the Waipukurau Pop-Up at Waipukurau Railway Station will be closed, with no Council services available from the period of Monday 20 September to Monday 27 September.
However, AA Services will still be available from Monday, September 20 to Wednesday, September 22. AA Services will be closed on September 23 and 24 so they can be transferred to the new location.
The Knowledge and Learning Hub will open to the community from Monday 27 September, with current Level 2 COVID-19 restrictions creating an uncertain time to confirm wider community events and programmes.
An update on programmes and other activities in the new Hub will be provided as soon as COVID-19 restrictions allow for the commencement of these activities, programmes and events.
