The Central Hawke’s Bay Regional Digital Hub has a new name as the facility prepares to open its doors on September 27, following delays caused by the national COVID-19 lockdown.
Situated at the Bogle Brother’s Esplanade site, commonly known as the ‘Old Bucks’ building – the Central Hawke’s Bay Provincial Growth Funded Hub will be home to a temporary library and associated services for at least five-years.
Central Hawke’s Bay District Council says it will also deliver a range of programmes to bridge the digital divide, offering access for businesses, self-employed people and the community; with free Wi-Fi, co-working spaces and areas to present digital products and services.
With construction now underway again following delays due to Level 4 lockdown, the final interior changes and fit out are planned for the week of 20 September, ready for doors to open to the public on Monday 27 September.
In advance of the launch, it has been given a fitting local name, along with an interpretation gifted by local Manawhenua. The new facility will be known as ‘The Knowledge and Learning Hub – Te Huinga Wai’.
Te Huinga Wai – can interpreted as the place where waters come together. In Tamatea/Central Hawke’s Bay there are numerous examples of this, including the waters of Mākāretu, Māharakeke, Tukipoho and Tukituki, Manga-a-nuku and Waipawa and the Waipawa and Tukituki. Like the Knowledge and Learning Hub, this interpretation represents the confluence of people, water, knowledge and ideas coming together.
“While traditional library services will still be a key part of the temporary service, the much wider connection of people, knowledge, technology and business will be a key offering of the hub,” said Central Hawke’s Bay Deputy Mayor and Chair of Strategy and Wellbeing Committee, Kelly Annand.
“The interpretation of Te Huinga Wai, well represents the benefits this Hub will bring to our community, as we bring together the threads of community, technology, knowledge and place.
“After the challenges of old Waipukurau Library, it’s exciting to be bringing this space to life for the District”.
Ahead of the Hub opening, the Waipukurau Pop-Up at Waipukurau Railway Station will be closed, with no Council services available from the period of Monday 20 September to Monday 27 September.
However, AA Services will still be available on Monday 20, Tuesday 21 and Wednesday 22 September. AA Services will be closed on Thursday 23 and Friday 24 September so they can be transferred to the new location.
The Knowledge and Learning Hub will open to the community from Monday 27 September, with current Level 2 COVID-19 restrictions creating an uncertain time to confirm wider community events and programmes.
An update on programmes and other activities in the new Hub will be provided as soon as COVID-19 restrictions allow for the commencement of these activities, programmes and events.
