Most people take popping to the shops for granted, but in some Franklin rural communities the local hall is where it’s at.
Orere War Memorial Hall’s monthly markets support those looking to make a few dollars but also act as a meeting place.
Started by Karen McCrindle, she says they’ve been very successful. “There’s a great range of stalls, something for everyone really, and it’s well-supported by locals and those just out for a Sunday drive.”
The hall is part of Auckland Deputy Mayor Bill Cashmore’s history, his family having helped build it after World War Two.
While his council commitments mean he can’t always attend the market, he’s at the hall regularly for meetings, and school and community events.
“Gatherings are like having your own constituent clinic. You see loads of people and none of them are shy about telling you what they think the council should or shouldn’t be doing.
“The markets are great but then you see the hall’s role in Anzac Day and it reminds you why the hall is there, and how important rural halls are.”
It’s more than five years since the hall returned to community management and hall committee chair Nicky Schwarz says that community role is crucial.
“Booking is easy because you are dealing with local people who are readily available. Nobody has to deal with strangers on the end of the phone.”
Most Franklin community halls have their own committees as part of the council’s rural halls strategy to enable communities to manage halls in a way that responds to their needs.
Franklin Rural Halls Advisor Jane Cain says they are well-cared for and the committees are always coming up with innovative events and fundraising strategies.
“There are markets, art, fitness and exercise classes, yoga, movies and burger nights. When you live in an area that in Auckland terms is remote, the social interaction that takes place is as important as the events.”
There are 31 rural halls in the board’s area, 23 are run by committees and eight by Auckland Council’s venue hire team.
Nineteen of the 23 committee-run halls get annual funding to manage and maintain 10 council-owned halls, three community-owned halls on council land, and six private halls.
The other four - Kawakawa Bay, Maraetai, Orere and Waiuku Town Hall - have committees responsible for day-to-day operational costs - funded from hire fees, but no funding, with council doing maintenance and renewals.
“We’re delighted the model is delivering what people always asked for, which was more flexibility and easier access to their halls. Instead of sitting idle, they’re once again central hubs in the community,” board deputy chair Angela Fulljames says.
Booking details for halls and community venues are here.
