20/03/2026
Response to Recent Comments Regarding the Te Puke War Memorial Hall
The Te Puke War Memorial Society Incorporated has operated the Hall since 1996. We would like to provide the community with the facts regarding our funding, recent upgrades, and operational costs.
1. Financial Reality: Insurance and Rates
In 1996, our insurance was under $5,000 per year, covered by booking fees. Today, insurance costs have quadrupled. To keep the Hall affordable for local users, these premiums are now covered by the Western Bay of Plenty District Council through rate collection. Without this support, booking fees would have to be set at impractical levels. The insurance excess is fairly substantial so any vandalism is covered from booking income, though is often on-charged.
2. Essential Safety & Infrastructure Loans
To meet mandatory Government legislation, the Society had to undertake significant work that we could not fund alone. Long-term loans were arranged with the Council to cover:
Earthquake Strengthening: Ensuring the building remains the primary Civil Defence hub for Te Puke (as utilised in the past year).
Asbestos Removal: A legal requirement for all public buildings.
Roof Replacement: Resolving long-term leaking issues from the original internal guttering.
Note: As these specific loans are paid off, the portion of your rates allocated to the Hall will decrease.
3. Over $1,000,000 in Community Improvements
Over the last decade, the Society has successfully applied for over $1 million in grants to modernise the facility. These funds (not from your general rates) have provided:
Climate Control: Installation of heat pumps and air conditioning.
Modern Kitchens: Commercial-grade facilities including high-temp sterilizers. New crockery and cutlery.
Interior Upgrades: New carpeting, vinyl flooring, and double-glazed windows with privacy blinds. All toilet areas have been upgraded. Front foyer also upgraded.
Equipment: Over 500 new chairs and a number of lightweight, washable tables with transport trolleys. Projector screens, projectors, lecterns etc
Stage Facilities: Fire-proof curtains, upgraded lighting, and movable stage wings. Sound system added for main hall users.
Added Wi-Fi: Free access for our users
Current Projects: Replacing heavy double-hung internal doors with lighter aluminium versions and negotiating for parking at the rear of the Hall (on third-party land).
4. Operations and Bookings
We are a busy, self-sustaining operation that employs a Hall Manager and a cleaner solely from our booking income. Our main challenge is that demand often exceeds the number of Saturdays in a year!
Pricing Clarification: We do not charge $50 per hour for any of our individual rooms. If you have been quoted this rate, please provide us with proof so we can investigate. We offer substantial discounted rates for not for profit organisations and local community groups, all you need do is ask 😊
Regional Demand: We are proud to be a premier venue, frequently attracting bookings from Tauranga-based groups.
5. Get Involved
We are a community-led Society. Our AGM is held in November and is open to the public and all hall users. We welcome anyone who would like to contribute to the future of this vital community asset.
For inquiries or to join the Society, please contact our Hall Manager directly.
Yours
Christine Clement
Chairperson
Te Puke War Memorial Hall Society Inc
