Construction set to begin on new Manuherekia Valleys Community Hub
The construction contract is now signed for the much-anticipated facility at the Omakau Recreation Reserve, the Manuherekia Valleys Community Hub.
Breen Construction will be setting up on site this week and excavation work will begin from Monday 24 November.
Site preparations have already started, including the removal of a few existing trees to make way for the new building. As part of the project, new fencing and landscaping will be installed to enhance the area once construction is complete.
The new Hub is a collaborative effort between the Central Otago District Council and the local community, led by the Manuherekia Valleys Charitable Trust. Trust chair Andrew Paterson was excited to reach this stage.
“We’re over the moon to think that we’ll soon be turning the turf on a project that has been so long awaited and needed by the community.”
With $3.5 million already raised towards an expected total build cost of up to $4.1m the project was approved to proceed in July 2025, following Council’s commitment to fund the remaining shortfall on top of the $1m already approved from Vincent ward reserves.
Funding support has come from local, regional and national sources, acknowledging the value of the new facility and the strong community spirit behind the project.
Key contributions include:
- Central Otago District Council – $1,000,000
- Bob Turnbull Trust – $600,000
- CLT – $800,000
- OCT – $540,000
- Lotteries – $200,000
- Matakanui Combined Rugby Football Club – $80,000
- Santana Minerals – $25,000
- Otago Masonic Lodge - $10,000
- Omakau Toy Library - $10,000
- Plus, other generous donations from local businesses and community groups.
The Trust continues to fundraise for the internal fit-out, landscaping, and other finishing touches. A Golf Tournament in Omakau on 28 December will raise funds for the Hub, and plans are underway for a major fundraising event in the New Year.
Construction of the facility is expected to take around 12 months and once complete, the new Community Hub will serve as a vibrant gathering place for the Manuherekia Valleys, bringing people together and supporting local events and activities for years to come.
Breen managing director-commercial Peter Breen said it was an exciting time for the Omakau community and the wider stakeholder group in the Manuherekia area to have the exciting project underway. The building company and the domain go a long way back.
“The Breen Construction team is thrilled to be back at the Omakau Domain constructing this community hub 70 years after completing the original pavilion.”
- If you would like to attend the whakawatea/sod-turning, please contact the Manuherekia Valleys Charitable Trust:
info.omakauhub@gmail.com.
