Rototuna community hub a boost for diverse community

Hamilton's North East has recently had two playgrounds added to the fast growing suburb. Photo / Terry Su

During Hamilton's 10-year plan, the council unanimously approved $18 million to go ahead with the construction of the community hub in Rototuna.

The community hub will contain a library and work spaces, with the possibility of a swimming pool. The pool will need to be funded and run by a private partner.

Chairwoman of the North East community hub, Katy King, who submitted to the council on the 10-year plan, said she was delighted when council ticked off the project.

"There was a huge feeling of relief at hearing that the council had approved the funding for the Rototuna hub and library in the 10-year plan. To me it would have been a great injustice if the project had not been approved," said Ms King.

"If you have a look at the map of Hamilton libraries and their catchment areas, there's a massive gap in the north-east. Similarly, if you Google 'Community house' and look at Google Maps you'll see that lots of areas in Hamilton are served by existing community houses and centres, but there's nothing in the north-east.

"This area is sadly lacking in these basic facilities that most other suburbs of Hamilton already take for granted in their neighbourhoods."

Ms King said the Rototuna and Flagstaff area is one of the fastest growing parts of Hamilton, and that the diverse community needs a beating heart.

"Most people here are immigrants, be that migrants from overseas, or from other NZ cities, or from other parts of Hamilton. Such a new community needs a beating heart to bring it together; somewhere where people can meet and mingle; where people can connect and form friendships."

Ms King hopes the new hub will be able to suit different needs than just a library.

"Wouldn't it be great to have a room that could be used by a Justice of the Peace one day a week so you don't have to discuss personal affairs in the shopping mall? Or have Citizens Advice renting a space? Or if someone wants to run a coding class for kids? A well-designed and managed facility could be all these things and more. A true community heart, accessible to everyone, and where anything is possible."

Along with hub, Ms King hopes an organisation will take up the challenge of running an aquatic centre as part of the project.

"Schools in the area are lacking in learn-to-swim facilities; new schools are deliberately built without pools but Waterworld is over-capacity and it means bussing kids across town for swimming lessons.

"Even a basic lane pool would be great for lane swimming, swimming lessons and aqua fit classes; It would take pressure off Waterworld which could focus on being the recreational pool for the city."

Councillor James Casson, a resident of the area, said council made the correct decision signing off the hub.

"You just have to look at what a community asset the Western Community House is in the Nawton area," Mr Casson said.

"I see the North East Community Hub being the same in Rototuna.

"I fully understand when ratepayers around the city question such an expense in Rototuna, but they also have to remember that people in the north-east also pay huge rates and it's about time they receive some back in a community infrastructure that will benefit not only their community but also Hamilton."