Franklin Local Board is giving its rural communities the power to run their local halls.
The Maraetai, Beachlands and Orere community halls are the first three council-owned halls in the region to be managed by local hall committees.
This handover is part of Auckland Council’s rural halls strategy to empower rural communities to look after their halls in a way that responds to their needs.
“Residents told us they wanted more connection and responsiveness when it comes to their local halls,” says Franklin Local Board member Malcolm Bell. “In this way, rural communities have more flexibility and are able to encourage greater use of the halls as a community resource.”
Local board deputy chair Jill Naysmith says the local committees were formed in response to interest from locals.
"It really makes a difference having a management committee that knows locals and their needs. It’s also a great balance between community leadership and local board governance,” she says.
Find out more about community halls.
Maraetai Community Hall – Maraetai Beach Community Hall Inc
Beachlands Community Hall – Beachlands Community Trust
Orere War Memorial Hall – Orere War Memorial Hall Inc
