Socially distanced opening for Central Hawke’s Bay’s Knowledge and Learning Hub
Covid-19 restrictions didn't hamper the opening of Central Hawke's Bay's new Knowledge and Learning Hub - Te Huinga Wai,
Situated on Bogle Brother’s Esplanade, Waipukurau, in the building commonly known as the ‘Old Bucks’ building – the Knowledge and Learning Hub - Te Huinga Wai will be home to a temporary Library and associated services for at least five years.
It will 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.
The Hub was formally opened on Friday afternoon by a small group in accordance with COVID-19 event restrictions. The opening included a karakia by Whaea Amiria Nepe Apatu, and a walkthrough of the new facility for Elected Members, Manawhenua, representatives from key funders Kānoa - Regional Economic Development & Investment Unit and Centralines, Council staff and supporters from the community, including whānau of Mrs Margaret MacGregor, a private contributor of the Hub.
A walkthrough of the new facility was held on Friday afternoon.
In her opening address, Mayor of Central Hawke’s Bay Alex Walker said she was lost for words.
“This space has been the coming together of a number of very important kaupapa for us here in Central Hawke’s Bay."
“When we think about what a Thriving Future looks like, it is about our commitment to our young people, but it also relies on the way we are connected as a community and how we strengthen and enable businesses. To create a platform for all of this through Central Hawke’s Bay’s new Digital Hub, and to connect it to a new library service, is incredible.”
Funded externally by Kānoa - Regional Economic Development & Investment Unit, as well as other key sponsors including Centralines and the late Mrs MacGregor, the facility provides the opportunity to fast-track the reinstatement of a library service in Waipukurau, after the unexpected closure of the Waipukurau Library in 2020.
Deputy Mayor of Central Hawke’s Bay Kelly Annand said walking through the Hub made her emotional, and that it was moments such as these that are the reason she ran for Council.
“This space is hugely important to our wider community,” said Deputy Mayor Annand.
Central Hawke's Bay's Knowledge and Learning Hub - Te Huinga Wai is now open.
“This will be where ideas and plans come to life, and where people can be innovative and create. It will be known as many different things, for many different people, and that is really exciting.
“The intention of this facility is to ensure digital enablement, business service and community connection to knowledge and learning – a bringing together of the waters of life.
“Through the Knowledge and Learning Hub – Te Huinga Wai, we will be able to try and test new ideas and consider the huge growth we are experiencing in Central Hawke’s Bay to shape what library services will look like going forward.
“Thank you to our very patient community for allowing us the time and space to do this. We look forward to working with you over the years to come to decide what the future will look like.”
