Back
812 days ago

Opening date announced for Te Whare Whakatere

Nicole Mathewson Reporter from The Press

Mid Cantabrians will get to unwrap a $56.75 million Christmas present.

Ashburton’s new library and civic centre building is set to finally open on December 18.

Construction of Te Whare Whakatere began in early 2021 with an original completion date for the end of 2022.

It is now set to open a year late, and will end up being over its $56.75 million budget.

The delays in the project were caused by Covid-related strains on the workforce and supply chain.

“We’re really excited to get to this point, because it’s been a tricky build at times with Covid and the shortages of staff and building materials," council chief executive Hamish Riach said.

“But this building is resilient and will serve our community well for 50 years or more, so we’re delighted.”

The public library will close on November 26 and reopen in the new building on December 18.

All other council services will be available during the three-week transition period, with a skeleton staff operating from the old administration building on Baring Square West up until close of business on December 14.

An official opening ceremony is planned for early 2024.

Meanwhile, the demolition of 255 Havelock St is scheduled for the end of October and is expected to take about a month to complete, Riach said.

The building will make way for a public car park to service Te Whare Whakatere.

Image
More messages from your neighbours
4 days ago

Poll: Do you set New Year’s resolutions?

The Team from Neighbourly.co.nz

🎉 2026 is almost here!

We’re curious ... how do you welcome it?
Do you set resolutions, follow special traditions, or just go with the flow?

Image
Do you set New Year’s resolutions?
  • 10.2% Yes! New Year, New Me
    10.2% Complete
  • 19.2% Yes - but I rarely stick to them
    19.2% Complete
  • 70.6% Nah - not for me
    70.6% Complete
915 votes
16 days ago

Scam Alert: Fake information regarding December Bonuses from MSD

The Team from Neighbourly.co.nz

The Ministry of Social Development is reporting that fake information is circulating about new ‘December bonuses’ or ‘benefit increases’

If you get suspicious communication, please contact Netsafe.

Image
18 hours ago

The Summer Kiwi Quiz is back by popular demand

Summer Kiwi Quiz - 2026

Grab a copy of your local Stuff newspaper between 1 Jan - 28 Jan and participate in the Summer Kiwi Quiz! Test your knowledge, answer the daily New Zealand based questions, and find out how well you know our beautiful country!

Each correct answer will get you one entry into the draw to WIN 1 of 5 Ooni Karu 2 Portable Pizza Oven bundles, valued at $1024! Each bundle includes: an Ooni Karu 2 Multi-Fuel Portable Pizza Oven, Ooni Karu 2 Carry Cover, Ooni 12" Perforated Peel, Ooni Digital Infrared Thermometer and an Ooni Cookbook: Cooking with Ooni. The more answers you enter correctly, the higher your chance of winning. For more information and to submit your answers, click here

The Team at Stuff
Enter Here

Image