FAQs

Why are changes being considered?

The LMC remains valued by the community, but its use has significantly reduced in recent years. Its current layout and operating model are no longer appear to be fit for purpose. 

This project is exploring opportunities to reimagine the centre, improve its utilisation and community use, and reduce the ongoing cost to ratepayers.

Has Council already decided what will happen?

No decisions have been made.

This initial community engagement will help inform what the future uses of LMC will be to inform the development of the concept designs.

These designs will then be presented to the community for formal consultation through the 2027–37 Long Term Plan process in April 2027.

What options are being considered?

A key option being considered is moving the Library into part of the centre, as a corner tenant. It potentially could be partially housed in a potential extension to the building. 

Beyond that, we’re keeping the possibilities open. We want you to think creatively about what the centre could offer, how its spaces could be used and what would encourage more people to visit. 

Your ideas will help inform the concept design.

Are you renovating the building or reimagining its wider purpose?

The project is exploring opportunities to reimagine both the centre now, and how it could be used into the future.

 There is a potential for some reconfiguration of spaces which may involve renovation.

 However, its role as a place for community gatherings and events would remain.

Why are you considering moving the Library?

Libraries have developed from quiet places for books into spaces offering a wide range of resources, learning and information services, events and community programmes.

It’s becoming difficult to accommodate all these activities within the current Library. A larger space could provide quiet areas, breakout spaces for programmes, technology spaces, and open areas where people can meet.

 Combining the Library into part of the LMC space could also bring more activity and vibrancy to the centre and means that there would be staff in the centre through business hours. Currently having no one in the centre makes it very hard to manage and make inviting for users.

Has the decision to move the Library already been made?

No. 

Moving the Library into part of the LMC is a key proposal being considered as part of the overall project. 

The concept designs will be informed by community feedback and presented for further consultation through the Long-Term Plan process.

How would the Library operate alongside major events?

Several design options could be considered. 

The building could be redesigned and extended to provide the Library with a permanent space that could remain open during events. 

Other options could require the Library to close temporarily for events, such as the New Zealand Shearing Championships.  

If temporary closures were required, ways of maintaining access to core Library services would be provided.

What would happen to the existing Library building?

This would need to be worked through. Council would consider whether leasing or selling the building would provide the best value for ratepayers. 

The upstairs area is currently leased to the Te Kūiti Community House. This would also need to be taken into account.

Would the centre still host weddings, parties and community events?

Yes.

The centre’s existing role as a place for gatherings and events would remain.

Would the New Zealand Shearing Championships still be accommodated?

Yes.

The New Zealand Shearing Championships remain one of the major events that would need to be accommodated within the centre.

How would Library users and event users share the centre?

This would depend on the final design. 

One option is to provide the Library with its own permanent space so it could remain open while other parts of the centre are being used for events. 

Other design options could require temporary Library closures during the largest events, with access to core services maintained in another way.

How much could the project cost, and how would it be funded?

The cost will not be known until community feedback has been received and concept designs have been developed and costed.

The project would only proceed if Council could fundraise a significant portion of the construction cost.

What could the project mean for rates?

Some funding may still need to come from rates, but the idea is not to increase the level of rates funding that currently goes into the facility and to actually reduce it.

The amount of rates funding required will not be known until the designs have been completed, costed and potential external funding has been considered.

The designs and costings will be presented to the community through the 2027–37 Long Term Plan consultation so people can provide feedback on the level of cost they would be prepared to support.

What is the community being consulted on?

This initial engagement will focus on what the community needs from the LMC now and in the future.

Formal consultation will then seek feedback on the concept design, project costs and proposed rates contribution.

The concept designs and project costings will be presented for formal consultation through the 2027–37 Long Term Plan process in 2027.

When can people have their say?

This initial community engagement is your first opportunity to tell us what you think and help shape what the centre could become.

A second opportunity to provide feedback will be available through the 2027–37 Long Term Plan consultation process.

Council will continue to be open to ideas and discussions between September 2026 and March 2027.

How will community feedback influence the proposal?

This early feedback will help identify the community’s needs and inform the concept design.

Feedback received through the Long Term Plan consultation will be considered before Council makes any final decisions.

When will Council make a final decision?

Council will make a final decision in June 2027.

Council will formally decide what to do with the project when it adopts the 2027–37 Long Term Plan at the end of June 2027. External funding will be a major consideration. This will also approve the project budget for the next 10 years.