Te Tūmatakahuki purchases the Foxton War Memorial Hall for community use.

Te Tūmatakahuki secured the future of the Foxton War Memorial Hall by purchasing the building from Horowhenua District Council to ensure it continues to serve the community.

The purchase would not have been possible without the collective leadership of Ngāti Tūranga, Ngāti Rākau, and Ngāti Te Au — the three hapū at place — whose guidance and collaboration helped make this opportunity possible for both iwi and the wider community. 

We also acknowledge the many years of dedication and advocacy led by the Foxton War Memorial Hall Society. The FWMHS will continue to play a role leading the day-to-day management of the Hall to ensure that the community can continue to use this taonga.

As part of the sale, the Hall is subject to earthquake-strengthening requirements under the Building Act. Work will be required to bring the building to at least 34 percent of the New Building Standard (NBS) by 2037. The building remains structurally sound, and Te Tūmatakahuki will plan strengthening works responsibly and in stages, ensuring the Hall’s long-term safety and continued community use.

Recent government announcements on the reform of the earthquake-prone building system have been welcomed as a positive step. These changes are expected to reduce compliance costs for smaller towns such as Foxton and provide greater flexibility in managing heritage and community buildings — outcomes Te Tūmatakahuki welcomes as positive for regional communities. The group looks forward to greater clarity as these reforms are enacted.

The Foxton War Memorial Hall officially transferred ownership on 31 October. Operational planning is now underway to prepare the Hall for reopening, with bookings expected to resume in the near future. The Hall will continue to host a variety of community events from concerts and exhibitions to gatherings, and local celebrations.

This purchase marks the return of a community taonga. It’s about protecting an important piece of Foxton’s history while ensuring it remains active and meaningful in the present. A reminder of what can be achieved through partnership, shared purpose, and collective care.

Tongikura – ‘I riro whenua atu, me hoki whenua mai’