Opening day celebrations on the right path

Hundreds of locals, visitors, school groups and dignitaries are expected to descend on Kaikohe on Monday 9 November for the official opening of the new library and civic hub.

With large crowds anticipated, a partial road closure, detour and a temporary reduced speed limit will be in place around the new community space on the corner of Broadway and Raihara Street to help keep everyone safe during the event.

The Kaikohe Library and Civic Hub’s opening day celebrations begin with a formal blessing at 5.30am, followed by a programme of activities, entertainment and tours until 1pm.

During this time, traffic management will be in place, with motorists coming from the east will be directed from Broadway down Mangakahia Road, along Recreation Road, and up Raihara Street as far as Memorial Avenue. Drivers arriving from the west should head down Station Road and along Recreation Road.

Raihara Street will be partially closed at its intersection with Broadway during the celebrations, but Broadway will remain throughout the event.

Parking will be available along Recreation Road, with overflow parking on the adjacent sports field. From there, pedestrians can walk up Raihara Street to the new library and hub. Staff and volunteers will be on hand to guide visitors and help manage the crowds.

Motorists and pedestrians should follow the directions of the traffic management team to ensure a safe and fun day for all.

Ruben Garcia, Group Manager – Community and Engagement, says the opening is an incredibly exciting moment for Kaikohe and the wider Far North.

“With hundreds of people expected to join us for this significant occasion, our priority is making sure everyone can celebrate safely and enjoy the day,” he says. “We’ve put traffic management arrangements in place to accommodate the large crowds while minimising disruption to surrounding roads and businesses. We appreciate everyone’s patience and co-operation as we come together to mark this important milestone for Kaikohe.”

Everyone is welcome to join the celebrations. Just RSVP here and keep an eye out on our social media channels and website for up-to-date event information.

The library and hub at 69 Broadway will be a place of learning, connection, and creativity offering everything from library collections and a creative Makerspace for kids to meeting rooms, a gaming room, a pop-up recording studio, and a café.

The Kaikohe Council Service Centre is also relocating from the council’s headquarters into the library and civic hub, further strengthening the building’s role as a central space and access point for local services. To find out more about this $14.6 million project, head to our website.