Joinery install turns focus inward at Kaikohe hub build

Aluminium joinery, now installed throughout the new Kaikohe Library and Civic Hub building, will soon be followed by a number of exciting interior elements.

The completion of windows looking into this place of learning, connection and creativity for Far North residents and visitors, will continue over the coming weeks.

These two elements mark a significant milestone in the steady progress of Te Āta Haere – the project to build the Kaikohe Library and Civic Hub – on the corner of Broadway and Raihara Street. When completed the 994m2 space will include a café, meeting rooms, a gaming room, a recording booth and a creative Maker Space for kids, as well as the full range of library services.

With internal services such as ducting, wiring and pipework completed, the fitting of the interior lining is now in progress – but this is no ordinary lining. Local contractor Riparia (Riverwood) is supplying recycled native timber for wall panelling as well as skirting boards and some fixed furniture. These rimu and matai elements will help shine a light on the strong local and environmentally conscious focus of the build. Investigations are also underway into the inclusion of solar panels and an electric vehicle charging unit for the site. Keep an eye on the council’s latest news website for updates about this.

More exciting news is also around the corner regarding design and artistic elements being developed collaboratively with ĀKAU, a design and architecture studio based in Kaikohe. A series of timber pou is an important design element, set to be installed in the coming months.

Outside, with the roof completed the installation of exterior cladding is continuing including the creation of a feature stone wall next to the side entry doors at the front of the building. Construction of the carpark area at the rear of the building is next on the schedule.

Far North Holdings is leading both planning and project management for the development of this modern, multi-purpose hub which has been years in the making. Importantly, the project remains on schedule for completion and continues to track within the $14.6m approved budget, funded through the council’s Long Term Plan 2024–27.

A name for the facility will be gifted by local hapū Te Uri-o-Hua, Te Takotoke, and Ngāti Kura when the construction project is completed, later this year.

For background information about the project go here. For more photos on the project's progress go here.

Below - the central space in the 994m2 building.

Below - the installation of window glass will be completed in the coming weeks.

Below - a stunning stone wall is taking shape next to the side entry doors at the front of the building.

The project working group – which included several elected members as well as council staff – recently took a tour around the site that will become the Kaikohe Library and Civic Hub. Come see inside the build with us...