The 500m2 building will be complemented by great outdoor spaces that will meet the needs of the community now and in the future.
The Gate Pā Community Centre will be more than just a physical building. It’s about creating a central hub where the communities of Gate Pā can gather, feel safe, welcomed, develop new friendships and learn new skills.
The community centre will be something the community can own and be proud of, and becomes part of their identity. It will support the community to enhance their own wellbeing and create a more connected and inclusive community.
Everyone will be able to use the community centre. The community centre will provide a variety of professional services and advice; community programmes and events; multi-purpose rooms; a computer/digital hub, a kitchen for food preparation, kaumatua services, and a community noticeboard.
Artist’s impression of proposed concept (subject to change)
Gate Pā Community Centre Trustees
Ron Scott, Rachel Pinn and Doug Barnes have been appointed to the board of the Gate Pā Community Centre Charitable Trust.
The Trust will govern the new Gate Pā Community Centre on behalf of the residents of Gate Pā and the community and will oversee the management of the centre.
Ron, Rachel and Doug were successfully appointed through a formal Trustee appointment process.
Rachel Pinn (from left), Ron Scott and Doug Barnes are looking forward to developing a community centre that reflects the hopes and needs of Gate Pā.
About the Trustees
Ron Scott JP
Ron is a Gate Pā local and an elected member of the Bay of Plenty Regional Council. He also sits on the boards of the Blind Foundation, SILC Charitable Trust, Workbridge, the AA National Council and Consumer NZ.
“I’m thrilled to be part of establishing the Gate Pā Community Centre. The Gate Pā Community Centre is an exciting project because it creates a social centre for the Gate Pā community.”
Rachel Pinn
Rachel has made Tauranga her home and brings a fresh perspective to the Gate Pā Community Centre Trust, drawing on her background in governance and infrastructure planning. Though not locally born, she’s become deeply engaged with the local community through her volunteer roles and profession.
“I’m honoured to be involved in a developing a community centre that reflect the aspirations of the community. While my journey here began elsewhere, I’ve found real purpose in helping shape inclusive, transparent systems that serve the people of this place. It’s a privilege to contribute to something that’s bigger than any one origin story.”
Doug Barnes
Doug moved to Gate Pā in 2014 and quickly became involved in the local community, attending a newly formed Gate Pā stakeholders’ group that was set up to discuss the needs within the community. The idea of the community centre came from this group.
“I took the lead in submitting to Tauranga City Council for our community centre. I am passionate about the community centre as it will bring the community together to address the needs within the community. It will be a place where people are valued, and a place where they feel they belong.”