Waiau Community Hall & Library

Location: between Highfield and Cheviot Streets, Waiau

History: The building is classified as a Category II listed building under the Historic Places Act 1993 exhibiting two architecturally distinct parts. The original building of the Arts and Crafts style was constructed in 1911-1912 with government subsidies made available for the construction of public facilities to commemorate the coronation of George V.

Additions and alterations were made to the building in 1937-1938 to better accommodate the needs of the growing community. A neo-Georgian style hall was added at right angles to the existing north elevation of the old hall. The new hall contained a stage, dressing rooms, a 'Bio Room’ (projection booth) for showing films, and a shooting range. At this time the old hall was altered to serve as an enlarged supper room, whilst the library ceded a portion of its space for the insertion of new toilet facilities.

The Waiau Community Hall and Library continues today to serve the community much as it has since 1912. The library is administered by its own committee, and remains well utilised despite being open only on Saturday mornings.

The Hall is administered by the Waiau Citizens Association, and fulfills a variety of uses. It is a popular venue for functions, school productions, and badminton. A Kids Club, an after school programme for children, is run on Friday afternoons. The Waiau Community Project also runs computer classes from the building for the benefit of disadvantaged children. The shooting range remains but is presently unused as the club has been in recess since 1987.