My Local: Pokeno Hall

As Pokeno continues to grow rapidly, its town hall remains an important hub for the community.

The original Pokeno Hall was built in 1920, and just 10 years later a larger hall was built to accommodate the growing community.

Haupai Montgomery is the chair of the Pokeno Hall Committee which manages the hall bookings, maintenance, and upkeep. He says the hall is a key part of the wider Pokeno community.

“Over the past 10 years have seen the hall hire grow from around four to five hires a month to two to three bookings most weekdays, every Saturdays for family occasions, and two hires every Sunday.

“We have entertained past two years Diwali events run by two lots of people from our Indian Community, the recent Chinese New Year and a Sri Lankan Day coming up soon.”

Montgomery says that since the introduction of the Matariki public holiday, Te Hau Kainga me Ngaa Mana Whenua o Pokeno Charitable Trust (which he also chairs) has facilitated a Matariki ki Pokeno event. This year the event will be held on Friday, July 10.

“We are always pleased to support our local community groups, sports clubs, school, charitable trusts, youth group, all local Pokeno groups to use the hall free of charge – provided their events or activities benefits our growing community.”

Over the past 15 years, the hall has been repainted inside and outside twice. Renovations to the roofing and internal ceilings were also carried out, along with the rewiring of the whole hall. Heaters were added to the wall, and the committee is exploring whether fans can be fitted for next summer.

As the community continues to grow, Montgomery expects the hall to remain a key part of the town’s heart.