Step into one of Auckland Council’s community centres, hubs or libraries and you’re bound to see, hear or taste something interesting. Whether it’s sampling kimchi from a cooking class, watching a Chinese dance rehearsal or seeing a 3D printer in action, these centres are where Aucklanders connect and thrive.
There are more than 200 community venues managed by Auckland Council or in partnership with community groups. Some are also integrated with Auckland Council Libraries. Each hub offers a range of unique services for the community, along with hireable spaces that cater to various needs.
Whether you’re in a community group looking for a home for its monthly meeting, you’re looking to connect with new people or try something new in a weekly class, community hubs have something to offer everyone. From weddings to workshops, four hub managers share what makes their community hubs special.
Te Paataka Koorero o Takaanini | Takaanini Hub*
30 Walters Road, Takaanini
What to expect: “We are a vibrant community hub with a library and bookable spaces in the heart of the community of Takaanini. Te Paataka Koorero o Takaanini is a space that seeks to re-indigenise community spaces,” says Jamie-Lee Kingi, Pouturuki Community Library Manager of the bilingual te reo/English facility.
“Walk in and you might hear your favourite waiata (song) playing or hear kaimahi (staff members) greeting you with a big ‘Kia ora!’”
Get involved: The hub’s whaanau Maaori offering includes He Rangi Mokopuna, a full immersion te reo Māori programme for kids under five; Kaumatua Hauora, a seniors programme exploring rongoa Maaori (Māori healing); and free te reo classes.
There’s also kaimahi and community-led activities such as a Dungeons & Dragons group, first aid, chair yoga, dance classes and free ceramics classes during the school holidays.
What spaces are there: There are three bookable spaces (fees may apply), the largest of which, Te Wao-nui-aa-taane, has a capacity of 60. There’s also the Whaanau Room for parents, study booths, a community kitchen and Ruma Hui, a space for services such as the Justice of the Peace, meetings with the local MP and hearing testing.
Something unexpected: “The whole whare is designed to transform for special events,” says Jamie-Lee. “The whole library collection is on castors, which means we can roll it into Te Wao-nui-aa-taane. Then the space can be turned into an events venue. We’ve had a mini-market, hosted kapa haka performances, a wearable arts runway show, haoura (health) days, dance shows and Diwali celebrations. Join us for a Waiata i te whare, where a local musician performs every couple of months.”
*Mana whenua provided the name for this facility with the use of the double vowel in Takaanini representing the area’s history. This, rather than a macron, is the preference of iwi Te Ākitai Waiohua and honours prominent chief Ihaka Takaanini, after whom the suburb is named.
Albany Community Hub Te Pokapū ā-Hapori o Ōkahukura
575A Albany Highway, Albany
What to expect: “The Albany Community Hub (ACH) is primarily a facility for hire and people book the space for birthday parties, small weddings and receptions, milestone celebrations, fundraising, business and community events,” says Amanda Isada, Albany Community Hub Manager.
“Others come for workshops and classes, to use the kitchens, tend the community garden or donate or take food from the community pantry. We also have one-off workshops on topics such as growing microgreens, woodworking, kimchi making and cooking classes. There are also special events such as the Albany Lunar New Year Festival, Eid in the Park for Ramadan, a Filipino Food Market and a Christmas festival.”
Get involved: Fitness lovers can enjoy tai chi, gymnastics for children, Zumba for Arab women or taekwondo. If you wish to learn something new or upskill, there are many classes, including English lessons by English Language Partners and MIT, maths tutoring, Chinese after-school learning sessions and business classes. Other activities include baby and parent playgroups, meditation sessions, seniors yoga, scrapbooking clubs and children’s performance arts classes.
What spaces are there: There are four bookable rooms (charges may apply). The largest, The Fruit Growers Room, has a capacity of 80. There’s also a community kitchen and a swap-and-borrow book nook. “ACH is a new space that opened in 2017, and it includes the heritage Albany House, which is a separate building.” says Amanda. On the first Saturday of the month, locals come together for the Albany Community Market.
Something unexpected: “Albany used to be an orchard area, so a couple of the room names were inspired by varieties of apples.”
Te Manawa (Westgate)
11 Kohuhu Lane, Westgate
What to expect: “Te Manawa is a welcoming and inclusive community space where people can connect, learn and access support,” says Operations Lead Sally Benzie. “It brings together services such as Citizens Advice Bureau, venue hire and library services, alongside kaupapa that reflect and respond to the needs of our local community.”
Get involved: “We offer a range of weekly programmes for children, rangatahi (youth) and adults, from library-led activities run by our staff, to programmes delivered in partnership with community organisations,” says Sally. Classes and activities include a popular Kaakahu Raranga (Māori cloak weaving) workshop, te reo Māori classes, tai chi, Caffeine and Craft sessions, Chinese dance classes, yoga and Come Write In, a creative writing session.
Rangatahi aren’t forgotten, with Flicks on Fridays film sessions (on the first Friday of the month) and a Drawfest Comics meet-up. There’s an extensive kids programme, too, including storytime sessions, Wriggle and Rhyme, Kreative with Kritika (a sustainable craft session) and special school holiday programmes. Check out Te Manawa’s regular updates on Facebook and Instagram.
What spaces are there: There are four venue hire rooms available, and the largest has a capacity of 200. “Recently, we hosted a beautiful three-day wedding in our large venue Kōkiri Ngātahi – the combined auditorium space,” says Amanda. The hub also has a fully equipped commercial kitchen and two music studios, which are all bookable through the Council’s venue hire website (charges may apply). Te Manawa offers a range of study desks, reading areas and a large children’s zone, and the Creative Space is packed with tech available for hire, including a Cricut machine, T-shirt press and 3D printers.
Something unexpected: “Tucked away in the Creative Space, our two soundproof music studios are ideal for local musicians, podcasters or creatives needing a space to record, rehearse or jam,” says Sally. “These spaces aren’t always visible at first glance, but they’re part of what makes Te Manawa so special – a place where creativity, learning and community come together in unexpected ways.”
Gribblehirst Community Hub
5 Cabbage Tree Swamp Drive, Sandringham
What to expect: “The Hub is like an extension of home. It’s a multipurpose space that’s as suitable for meetings and co-working as it is for games, cooking, dancing and just catching up with friends,” says Anna Wong, coordinator of the Gribblehirst Community Hub, which is supported by the Albert-Eden Local Board.
Get involved: “A bit of everything takes place here,” says Anna. “There’s knitting, sewing, mending, music, cooking, shared meals, exercise, crafts, puzzles, games, market days, workshops, skill-sharing, gardening, beekeeping, bike repair... the list goes on!” Popular sporty activities include Monday yoga class, strength and balance classes and table tennis, while cyclists can make use of bike repair services at Tumeke Cycle Space.
For craft lovers, there is a weekly Gribblehirst Knitters group, a monthly Modern Quilting group and a twice-monthly Sewing & Mending group. At the same location and also supported by Auckland Council is the Auckland Central Community Shed, which includes a workshop and woodworking equipment (separate membership required).
What spaces are there: “We have a large open hall divided into a lounge area with a meeting table and tall craft tables, a commercial-style kitchen and a dining space. Outside we have our community garden and a large open area for outdoor events and play,” says Anna. The facilities are available to members (who pay an annual fee), and areas and tables can be booked.
Something unexpected: “On our doorstep is a magnificent remnant of lava rock forest. It's an ecological treasure, and a beautiful place to walk through and clear your mind.”
