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A small village near the northern banks of the Waikato River, Otaua is thought to be one of the first communities in Waiuku and Franklin to have a public hall.
Longtime local Kay Vincent said that in 1898, Alex Hammond, with the help of local settlers, built the hall with timber supplied by Alfred Cobourne. Puriri foundation blocks were supplied by Joseph Hanfling, with joinery from the Auckland Kauri Timber Company.
Vincent said legend has it that the first dance was held when the floor was constructed and before the roof was added. The Hammond, Deed and Enright families provided the music, mostly with button accordions, and lighting was by lanterns.
A new floor was laid in the early 1930s, and the existing stage was moved back further into where the supper room was to allow more space for dances. Today, the hall site has a sealed car park, grass area, deck, and tennis courts. Inside, there are a variety of rooms, including the main hall, kitchenette, and toilets.
When the Otaua Memorial Bowling Club closed in 2011, the Otaua Hall Committee inherited its buildings and facilities across the road. The bowling club is now used regularly for smaller functions and meetings, and it is particularly popular for family and children’s parties, as the grounds comfortably and safely accommodate a bouncy castle.
The hall itself recently held a Halloween Disco, and hosts birthday parties, meetings, and other larger events. The tennis courts are also well-used by the community.
