Council to begin conversations about the future of their halls
Selwyn District Council media release: 25th March 2026
Selwyn District Council is preparing to begin conversations with local communities about the future of five community halls – starting with listening.
In recent years, Council has taken on the day-to-day operation of some community halls with a focus on encouraging greater community use as well as increasing use by private individuals and businesses. However, popularity and use of several facilities have continued to decline, yet, like many historic buildings, these community halls continue to require ongoing care and investment. This situation presents an opportunity to talk with communities about different approaches that could encourage greater local use and stewardship in the future, with a potentially diminished role for Council.
The halls that will be the focus of the upcoming engagement are Sheffield Community Hall, Tawera Memorial Hall, Mead Community Hall, Greenpark Memorial Community Centre, and Greendale Hall
Community members will be invited to share their knowledge and experience, including:
- how halls are used now and, in the past,
- what people value most about them,
- what changes could help them be used more often,
- their ideas for how halls could be run and used in the future,
- what options the community would like councillors and the mayor to consider in the upcoming Long-Term Plan 2027-2037.
“We acknowledge that community halls are more than buildings. They are local landmarks, shaped, built and cared for by generations of community members,” says Executive Director Community Services and Facilities, Denise Kidd.
“Many people have deep personal connections through events, volunteering, fundraising and family history. Nothing has been decided, and nothing will be decided without communities being part of the conversation. The first step is for Council to listen. Communities often know things about their halls that aren’t visible in booking data or reports. We want to hear this so the mayor and councillors have the full picture before options are considered.”
Conversations and engagement are expected to begin in June, after the Annual Plan consultation finishes. This will include community meetings, surveys and opportunities for written feedback. There may be no changes, but if significant change is being considered, no decisions will be made until the Long-Term Plan 2027-2037.
These conversations will ensure future decisions are informed by facts, data, and the views of communities, stakeholders, and both current and potential users, rather than assumptions.
The Council is committed to working alongside communities to shape the future of these important spaces.