It’s on in our city centre!

He Puna Manawa, the first new building within Te Manawataki o Te Papa, has reached practical completion, marking a major milestone for Tauranga and the city centre.

Head of Community Hubs, Arts, Heritage & Events, Gareth Wallis, says the completion represents an important step forward for the new civic precinct.

“Reaching practical completion is a significant achievement for the project and for the city. It’s the first tangible look at what this civic heart will become for our community.”

He Puna Manawa, the new library and community hub will now enter its fit-out phase ahead of opening on 16 October.

While books remain at its heart, the new facility has been designed to offer much more than a traditional library. Alongside spaces for reading and borrowing, it will provide places for creativity, research, learning, collaboration, and community connection.

Gareth says people will use the building in many different ways. 

"People will still come here to borrow books, but they'll also come to learn new skills, work together, research local history, create something new or simply spend time in a welcoming public space."

Visitors will be able to access bookable meeting rooms, a dedicated research space with local and family history resources, public computers, the Eduroam university Wi-Fi network, microfilm and microfiche readers, and a purpose-built climate-controlled archive to help preserve our city’s collections for future generations.

A standout new feature will be the Creation Station, a hands-on technology space equipped with 3D printers, laser cutters, vinyl printing, sublimation equipment and sewing machines. Supported by specialist staff, the space will host workshops and help people develop new skills.

Children and families will also have their own dedicated Imagination Station, a flexible space designed to encourage creativity through class visits, school holiday programmes, after-school activities and interactive learning experiences. 

Project Manager Sershin Iyer says with construction now substantially complete, the focus will shift to installing furniture, shelving, technology and collections to transform the building into a welcoming community destination.

“Our work programme has progressed on time and on budget, and now the fit-out phase is where the building truly comes to life. We’re looking forward to seeing it filled with people, activity, and energy when it opens in October.”

The library and community hub will be blessed at dawn on 16 October before opening later that day. The community is invited to join the opening celebrations, and details will be available soon. 

For updates visit https://letstalk.tauranga.govt.nz/projects/library-and-community-hub.