Corps officers Kylie (left) and Ralph Overbye had been getting the new premises ready for months. Photo / Stephen Parker
Corps officers Kylie (left) and Ralph Overbye had been getting the new premises ready for months. Photo / Stephen Parker
The Salvation Army's one-stop-shop has been officially opened in Rotorua today by community, iwi and church leaders.
The large building on the corner of Pukuatua and Amohia streets lay vacant for months before the Salvation Army packed up their various spots across the city to move into an "integrated space".
The Salvation Army's family store, community ministries, foodbank, church and conference space are now in one place and set to be instrumental for the city's most vulnerable.
Te Arawa Kaumatua Dr Ken Kennedy blessed the new building at dawn this morning and about 100 guests headed along to the official opening this afternoon, where a plaque was laid and a ribbon cut.
Corps officers Kylie and Ralph Overbye had been working since last November towards the move.
Rotorua MP Todd McClay, Mayor Steve Chadwick, corps officer Ralph Overbye and Te Arawa Kaumatua Dr Ken Kennedy at the opening of the building. Photo / Caroline Fleming
The pair were proud of how it had come together with Kylie describing the new space as the "lighthouse" of the city.
She said the new base was a welcoming light for any person in need and people could come to experience "community, relationship and kindness".
The new building would make a huge difference to the city's vulnerable as it was "central and accessible" and a person could receive all the help they needed in one place, she said.
"Rotorua is a place with such great need... this will help us to continue to invest in this city in meaningful ways."
She said they would be able to "support the community" much better in one space.
Mayor Steve Chadwick was at the opening and said the building was one they "didn't know what do with" and it was great to see it being used to "lift" the people of the community.
The entrance for the Community Ministry's offices. Photo / Stephen Parker
The Salvation Army did "remarkable things in our community" and it was great to have them in the "heart of the city".
Rotorua MP Todd McClay was also there and said the Salvation Army brought "life" into the city and was vital for families in need. He said the foodbank was only going to become more in demand.
A tour of the premises revealed how each of the rooms would be used.
One part of the community hub in the new building. Photo / Stephen Parker
At the first entry point, a person is welcomed with a large open space filled with tables, couches, chairs and sometimes nibbles.
Kylie said this was "the heart" of the building where they held their Sunday services, interviewed clients, had community events and drop-in centres.
