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March 11, 2026
#regional: Former i-SITE Building Set to Become Cultural and Recreation Hub in Rāhui Pōkeka Huntly
Matthew Tukaki
Posted On March 11, 2026
An iconic building in Rāhui Pōkeka Huntly is set for a new life as a cultural and recreation hub aimed at strengthening community connections and celebrating local heritage.
The former visitor information centre on Great South Road will be transformed into a space focused on cultural heritage, recreation and community activities. The project is being supported through collaboration between local community groups and the Waikato District Council.
The building, which previously operated as an i-SITE visitor centre, has been vacant since its closure several years ago. Plans now aim to restore the facility and repurpose it as a hub where residents and visitors can learn about the history, identity and stories of Rāhui Pōkeka.
Under the proposal, the site will host a range of cultural and recreational activities. These are expected to include exhibitions, community programmes, heritage displays and spaces for events that highlight the area’s unique identity and whakapapa.
Community leaders say the redevelopment is an opportunity to bring renewed life to a well-known building while creating a place where people can gather, share knowledge and strengthen connections with the past.
The project also aligns with broader efforts to recognise and promote the cultural history of Rāhui Pōkeka, a town with deep Māori heritage and a strong working-class history tied to coal mining and the Waikato River.
Local advocates believe the hub could become an important gathering place for the community, supporting both cultural expression and recreation while also encouraging visitors to learn more about the region.
Council representatives say the initiative demonstrates how unused public buildings can be repurposed to meet community needs, particularly when local organisations are involved in shaping their future use.
Once developed, the hub is expected to provide a space where heritage, culture and community life intersect – reflecting the history of Rāhui Pōkeka while creating opportunities for the next generation to connect with their stories and identity.
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