Community celebrates Warkworth Town Hall restoration

The Mayor didn’t make it as scheduled, but in true theatrical style, the show went on, and the Warkworth Town Hall was officially re-opened on Saturday February 25.

A large crowd turned out for the official ceremony at 10am, which was delayed when the audience learned to their mirth that Mayor Phil Goff was stuck in traffic. However, a short time later, it emerged he was actually at home with the flu.

Rodney Councillor Greg Sayers and former Rodney Local Board chair Brenda Steele ably stepped in to fill the void, assisted by MC Illona Rodgers.

After standing for the National Anthem “just like the old days”, Cr Sayers said it was good to see the hall returned so it could continue to serve the community as it had done for more than a century.

Warkworth Town Hall Restoration Trust chair Cunitia Wilkinson thanked the community for its support of the project.

“The hall is classified as a Category 1 historic building by Heritage New Zealand – less than 1000 buildings in NZ are recognised with this level of significance,” Cunitia said.

“This is our hall and we must see to it that it is never again allowed to deteriorate as it did. We must keep the pressure on the powers that be to ensure that it is maintained and kept viable.”

Special mention was made of staunch restoration advocate, the late Maida Cook, and tireless fundraiser Glennys Oliver was presented with a bouquet of flowers.

The day’s programme provided an eclectic mix of entertainment, which included the Matakantata Choir, Warkworth & Wellsford Pipe Band, Warkworth Primary School kapa haka and the Warkworth Theatre Group. Around the hall were a number of information stands, set up by clubs and community groups.

The $5.6 million restoration project was covered by Rodney Local Board, the restoration trust, the fundraising committee, Auckland Council, a Lotteries Commission grant and Watercare.