A new commercial kitchen in Flaxmere is hoped to create employment opportunities for community members.
The Flaxmere Community Centre kitchen, which was named Wharekai (house of food) following a public naming competition, was opened during a ceremony attended by about 50 people on Saturday morning.
It will be available for hire to community groups holding functions at the centre and will be the location of a free cafe and barista course run by FutureCol starting next month.
Flaxmere Community Centre manager Graham Takie said the kitchen will open many doors for people in Flaxmere bygaining employment skills through FutureCol's course.
FutureCol head of department Dianna Karamaena said the course will create opportunities for people in Flaxmere who need employment and will also benefit the hospitality industry.