Kaipara District Council has announced the Dargaville Town Hall project is moving into its next phase, with the resource and building consent for demolition now issued and the search for a contractor to carry out the work underway.
This follows the decision of elected members in December last year to demolish the 1950s Northern Wairoa War Memorial Hall and the 1990s Annex, after a building condition assessment found that significant remediation would be required to bring the Hall up to code, and the Annex was found to have further deteriorated since previous inspections, impacting the connected buildings and posing compliance and health risks.
Council Deputy Mayor, Gordon Lambeth said while the Hall held deep significance for many in the community, council had a responsibility to act on expert advice and ensure public safety.
“The Hall has been part of Dargaville’s story for decades, and we know this has been an emotional decision for many,” he said.
“Council carefully considered all options based on the information available before making its decision last year. Our focus now is on progressing that decision while also working with the community to shape what comes next for Dargaville.”
The resource and building consent for the demolition of the Hall and Annex has now been issued, and the contract to demolish the Hall and Annex, and to reinstate the 1920s Municipal Chambers, was released for tender on Thursday 16 July. The tender process closes on 13 August, with the contract expected to be awarded early September.
Reinstatement of the Chambers will include external remediation, making good where the Annex is removed, adding new toilets, and fire system upgrades.
Once a contractor has been appointed, a timeline for the physical works can be confirmed.
The project team expects to take possession of the site at the end of August, with demolition anticipated to begin in September.
While work progresses on the current site, Council is also planning for Dargaville’s future community facility needs.
In May 2026, elected members established the Northern Wairoa War Memorial Hall Working Group, following the loss of central government funding for the former Community Hub project and the approved demolition of the Hall and Annex.
The working group’s role is advisory, and is to help Council identify funding opportunities, define the purpose and requirements of a replacement community facility, and explore practical options for delivering a facility shaped by the community it will serve, the Council said in a statement.
