Tapawera Community Hub

A community-led conversation about future shared spaces in Tapawera

This page brings together information about the proposed Community Hub, where things stand, and how people can be part of the conversation.

There is a range of views across our community.
This space is here to help people stay informed, ask questions, and take part in what comes next.

Shape Tasman - Submit on the 2026-2027 Annual Plan Proposal
Shape Tasman - Submit on the 2026-2027 Annual Plan Proposal
Architectural floor plan of a building with labels for rooms such as kitchen, office, conference room, and large meeting/workshop space. Contains measurements and construction details.

What is a Community Hub?

A community hub is a shared space designed to support a range of activities, services, and connections in one place.

This could include things like community programmes, visiting services, meeting spaces, and support during emergencies.

What that looks like in Tapawera is still part of the conversation.

Download the RSL Feasibility Report
Download the RSL Feasibility Report

Why is this conversation happening?

Over time, it has become clearer that some of the spaces currently available in Tapawera are limited in what they can support.

This includes:

  • accessibility

  • safety and compliance

  • flexibility for different uses

  • suitable spaces for visiting services

We’ve also seen, through things like the closure of the old community centre and recent flood response, how important it is to have spaces that can support connection, coordination, and practical support when it’s needed.

Aerial view of a neighborhood with residential houses, green lawns, trees, and parks. A large circular area is marked as the site for a new Tapawera Community Hub.
Download the JTB Site Appraisal Doc (2025)
Download the JTB Site Appraisal Doc (2025)

  • “Many of the people we support are unable to travel long distances… having access to a dedicated space locally would allow us to provide more support within the community.” - Barbara Kotua, Cancer Society Nelson Tasman

  • “Not having to travel into town for appointments would help a lot.” Karen Carleton

  • “Centralising health and support services would be particularly beneficial for those currently facing long drives.” Ana Aceves

  • “People recognising they need each other, face-to-face.” Megan Jordan

  • “A warm building with space, modern amenities, meeting rooms and easy access for all.” Sue and Sonny Grant

  • “Having one central, pleasant place for information sharing and gathering would make this so much easier.” Phoebe Quinlivan

  • “We want a bright future for our children… the existing building is very limited and outdated.” Scott Donaldson

  • “Over 40 mothers would utilise a central hub for workshops, seminars, and activities.” Tamara Eggers

  • “A clean, warm, safe place… especially during floods or earthquakes.” Deborah Cumming

  • “Transport challenges… none of the existing buildings satisfies requirements.” Steve Udy

  • “This is our chance to get some investment back into our community.” David Moulder

  • “The hub represents more than just a physical structure… it strengthens wellbeing.” Gavin Scoble

  • “A modern, warm, inviting space encouraging services and reducing travel.” Peter Phillips

  • “I want my children to have real opportunity here… a future where families can stay and thrive.” Rachel Moffitt

  • “A hub would provide a safe, functional space for volunteers and the wider community.” Mike Drake

  • “This is an opportunity to invest in Tapawera and create something for the future.” Megan Jordan

  • “I support the idea, but I’d like to see it work for everyone in the community.” Gemma Walsh

  • “It would be great to have a place to meet that is warm and welcoming.” Emily Evans

  • “A purpose-built space would support services, connection, and resilience in a rural area.” Sue Marsland

  • “I support the hub, but I’d prefer a different location.” Gary Hillerby

  • “A central space is important for community connection and support.” Carol McKeever

  • “There is a real need for a space that supports both young people and older residents.” Deb

  • “A hub would make it easier for services to come into the community.” Ali (SASH)

Have your Say

The next stage of this process is about making sure people have the opportunity to share their views.

Whether you support the idea, have concerns, or are still forming your thoughts, your input is important.

Council submissions are now open

Submissions close 3 May

  • Should we continue the project as planned, OR pause and defer to Tasman’s 10-Year Plan 2027 – 2037 discussions?

    The facility needs of the Tapawera community are not yet clear. As a consequence, the Council’s proposal is to pause this project and defer it to Tasman’s 10 Year Plan 2027 – 2037 discussions to further explore how best to support the Tapawera community’s ambitions for a new Community Hub.

    2026/2027 rating impact: 0.02% or $34k

    Potential ongoing annual operating costs: $156k*

Submit feedback to council
Submit feedback to council

  • The Annual Plan is part of Council’s planning process where decisions are made about what projects are prioritised and funded in the short term.

    Whether the Hub is included or not helps determine what happens next.

  • Some funding associated with the Community Hub, including CLDP funding, is linked to specific timeframes and project progress.

    Decisions made through the Annual Plan process will influence whether that funding can be used as intended.

  • The Long Term Plan (10-year plan) sets out Council’s longer-term priorities and investment.

    If the Hub is deferred, it may be considered again through this process.

  • No. No final decisions have been made. The project is currently at a stage where community input is important.

  • There has been a range of engagement over time, including surveys, workshops, and conversations with local groups and service providers.

    The current phase provides another opportunity for people to share their views through the Council submission process.

  • The Community Hub is a proposed shared space that could support a range of activities, services, and connections in one place. What that looks like is still being explored.

  • Any decisions sit with Council as part of their planning processes, informed by community feedback.

  • No. Tapawera Connect is not the decision-maker or owner of any future hub.

  • Our role is to help keep the community informed, connected, and able to take part in the conversation.

  • This could include community programmes, visiting services, meetings, events, and emergency coordination. These are examples only.

  • Yes. You don’t need to have a fixed view to take part. Sharing questions, concerns, or ideas is all part of the process.

  • The Community-Led Development Programme (CLDP) is a partnership with the Department of Internal Affairs that supports communities to work towards their own goals and priorities.

    It’s not about delivering projects to a community, but supporting communities to lead their own ideas and initiatives.

    In Tapawera, this has included exploring what future community spaces could look like, alongside other community-led projects and programmes.

  • The CLDP funding allocated towards the Community Hub ( $500,000) has been committed to support this project as part of the current programme of work.

    While CLDP funding supports a range of community-led initiatives over time, this portion has been specifically aligned to the Hub project.

  • There are different types of funding involved in the project, each with its own conditions and timeframes.

    In the case of the CLDP funding allocated to the Community Hub, if the project is not included in the Annual Plan, that funding would no longer be available for use in Tapawera.

  • A shared community space would be intended for a wide range of users, including local groups, services, and community members.

    Exactly how it would be used would continue to be shaped through planning and community input.

  • Funding for the Hub would likely involve a combination of sources, including external funding, grants, and Council investment.

    Specific details depend on final decisions and project scope.

  • This would depend on future decisions and how any new or existing spaces are used.

    The Hub wouldn’t negatively impact any other buildings in the area, however, it might change how we use them.

Frequently Asked Questions

Have more questions? Please get in touch!
Have more questions? Please get in touch!

More Information

Timeline infographic of Tapawera Community Hub consultations from February 2020 to August 2025, including key milestones such as community survey support, feasibility study, community plan launch, multiple approvals, and site appraisal.