Hamilton City Council's advocacy of a new Pan Pasifika community hub has been rewarded with today's announcement of government funding for the project.
K'aute Pasifika Trust will receive $8 million from the Provisional Growth Fund to help build a purpose-built facility at Hinemoa Park on Hamilton's Western Town Belt. The $6m grant and $2m loan will kick start work on an integrated health centre, an early childhood learning facility and an open fale-style space for community and cultural events.
The project has been planned for more than 20 years to support a fast-growing Pacific population in Hamilton and the wider Waikato.
Today's announcement was welcomed by Hamilton mayor Paula Southgate who has backed the project since it began.
"This is a huge endorsement of the incredible work began by Peta Karalus and then picked up and carried on by her daughter Rachel and her team," Southgate said.