Hamilton City Council’s first purpose-built community facility, the new home of Pukete Neighbourhood House, has been officially opened.
Located next to Te Rapa Sportsdrome, the new hub will enable the non-profit group to expand its services and better meet the growing needs of the Hamilton community.
The building includes larger programme rooms, flexible meeting spaces, an industrial kitchen, improved accessibility, and areas designed for whaanau, youth, and community groups to gather and work together.
Mayor, Tim Macindoe said this is a project with our community at its core.
“The local community has made it clear that the support Pukete Neighbourhood House provides is vital, and I have long been an admirer of the significant support they provide to local families and residents. The new building will set the house up for the future, enabling it to expand its services to better meet the growing needs of Pukete residents and our wider city,” the Mayor said.
Pukete Neighbourhood House General Manager, Scott Tiffany says the new facility marks a major step forward as the organisation approaches its 40‑year milestone.
“This isn’t simply the opening of a building; it’s the continuation of a story that began nearly four decades ago. We’ve called it ‘The house that community built’, and that’s exactly what it is – a partnership between Council, funders, organisations, and everyday people who backed the vision,” he said.
The project received funding support from Trust Waikato, WEL Energy Trust, and the Lottery Grants Board.
Mr Tiffany said the new space will allow Pukete Neighbourhood House to expand its services, with plans for programmes such as financial mentoring, employment support, counselling, adult education, health services, and youth initiatives.
The new building replaces the organisation’s long‑time base inside the Te Rapa Sportsdrome, where it has operated for the past 18 years, and will create space for other groups to use the in-demand sports facility.
