|
Getting your Trinity Audio player ready...
|
A community’s role in managing a hall is crucial to its success, and Orere War Memorial Hall is a testament to that.
The hall was built in 1956 after many years of fundraising by the Orere Ladies Social Club and matched by funds from the Department of Internal Affairs under the war memorial scheme. It officially opened on December 8, 1956.
According to Muriel Du Feu’s book Orere: The story of a small community it was built by GT Scarlett of Papakura. It was later extended in the mid-1980s with a stage, dressing room, and toilets added.
Orere War Memorial Hall committee chairperson Nicky Schwarz said many locals have happy memories of school concerts and parties at the hall over the years.
“Some remember enjoying afternoon tea after school, when their mothers had finished their monthly Country Women’s Institute (now Women’s Institute) meeting.”
The hall is right beside the school, and there have been times when the hall was used as a school for short periods. It primarily serves the Orere Valley, and Orere Point village, sometimes including Kawakawa Bay and Kaiaua.
“I was a paid hall custodian for many years for Manukau City Council and then Auckland Council until they centralised their halls. At this time, it became difficult and expensive for locals to book the hall.”
In 2016, a group of locals formed the Orere War Memorial Hall Incorporated and worked with the Franklin Local Board to take over management of the hall.
“This has proved to be a successful partnership.”
These days, the hall is used weekly for karate, yoga, and dancefit classes, also hosting the local market once a month, along with meetings. The hall is also used for the Anzac service and the over-60s annual Christmas lunch.
On a more casual basis, it’s home to weddings, parties, workshops, and concerts, while also used by the nearby school and community boating club for storage and functions.
“Last year, Auckland Council repainted and refurbished the hall. And gave us a new roof. Wonderful! We also built a patio, which is a great addition to our hall.”
