Te Mako Naenae Community Centre
Te Mako is a new community centre housed in the Heritage Category 1 Naenae Post Office and clock tower. It opened with a community event at Matariki on 27 June 2024.
We worked closely with the Whakatupu Ngaengae Community Advisory Group (CAG) to design the space, so it is adaptable to community needs. The new space includes co-working community and office styled spaces and a large activity space which can be sub-divided into two smaller spaces, as well as a community kitchen and meeting rooms.
The historic building has been earthquake strengthened and restored to its former glory. Giving it a new life is another significant component of Council’s work to revitalise the town centre, along with the Naenae Pool and Fitness Centre and the Walter Mildenhall Park.
Heritage features from the old Post Office building have been retained such as skylights, window stays, flagstones, old safe door and wood panelling.
The recreated Guy Ngan mural, plus new artworks from artists Kereama Taepa and Tiaki Dahm, all reflect our cultural narrative in various ways.
A shared space for Naenae
In 2023, the Whakatupu Ngaengae Community Advisory Group held a series of workshops and drop-in sessions asking the community for feedback on the designs for the new community centre. The community shared their ideas on how it might be used and what activities they would like to see, which included activities ranging from film festivals to cultural celebration days.
Community groups and residents shared that they want a community-led space underpinned by the values of whanaungatanga -belonging, manaakitanga - welcoming/inclusion, equity, collaboration, kindness, resilience, sustainability, and responsibility.
TEAM Nanenae Trust is the operator of Te Mako.
Residents can come to Te Mako for assistance, to work, catch up, and access programmes offered by TEAM Naenae, Hutt City Council, local iwi, community groups, youth network members and any other partner or facility user, for meetings, programmes, events, markets, or functions.
About TEAM Naenae Trust
The Trust was established to help build a stronger community, with the goal of enhancing the wellbeing of the Naenae community, through partnering with local people, the Council, central Government and other organisations.
"Our VISION: Naenae as a vibrant, connected and inclusive community of strong resilient people. Our MISSION: To make, promote, foster and facilitate connections for the best outcomes for our community."
