Name our place - community engagement opens 2 March

Central Otago residents will have the opportunity to help name the new lakefront facility in Cromwell.

The purpose-built facility is on track to open in July and will feature dual names: a gifted te reo Māori name and an English name. The English name will be confirmed following community feedback and a Council decision.

Residents can share their ideas by completing an online or hard-copy survey by 5pm, Monday 16 March 2026, or by attending a drop-in session in Cromwell or Alexandra.

The building itself, which spans approximately 3000m2, includes an auditorium, cinema, café, meeting rooms, museum, and a dedicated area for the Returned Services Associated (RSA) to gather and display their taonga. It’s been thoughtfully designed to provide useful spaces for the community to use, while connecting with the Memorial Gardens where the cenotaph was relocated to early in February.

Mayor, Tamah Alley, says the naming process is an important milestone for the project.

“We know this site means a great deal to many people, and we deeply respect the heritage of the former Cromwell Memorial Hall that stood here for so many years. This new building is an exciting next chapter that’s designed to be more than just a hall, and its name should reflect everything it will represent for our community.

Because we’re creating it for everyone to enjoy and feel proud of, we want to hear your ideas on what it should be called.”

All residents of Central Otago – not just those in Cromwell – are encouraged to take part. Feedback will be considered by Elected Members at the Cromwell Community Board meeting on 7 April 2026, with a recommendation presented to Council for a decision on 29 April 2026.

Name signage is expected to be installed ahead of the official opening in July.

COMPLETE THE SURVEY

Go to Let’s Talk and complete the survey HERE

Hard copies are available at all council service centres and libraries.

DROP-INS

• Tuesday, 3 March 11.30am - 1.30pm, Cromwell Library
• Tuesday, 3 March 5.30pm - 7pm, Cromwell Town and Country Club
• Sunday, 8 March 10am - 12pm, Cromwell Market
• Wednesday, 11 March 11.30am - 1.30pm, Alexandra Library