The historic Te Horo Hall was reopened officially on Saturday, February 8, after a hectic year of community fundraising and earthquake strengthening work.

Work on the hall began in August last year, with the last coat of paint applied on January 27. The hall was built at the start of the First World War, in 2014.

During the restoration, fascinating inscriptions were revealed – messages from as far back as 1934 such as a heart painted on a wall with “Joey loves Colleen” on it, a reference to Joe and Colleen Walker. Another said “Ray’s a laugh”.

At Saturday, Te Horo locals – many of whom contributed in significant ways with fundraising schemes, direct donations and volunteer work – mingled with Kāpiti mayor Janet Holborow, chief executive Darren Edwards, councillors and community board members. The hall is owned by an incorporated society and receives no direct funds from Kāpiti Coast District Council.

The chair of the Te Horo Hall committee, Andrew Annakin, said the community aspect of fundraising was crucial.

He read through a long list of sponsors and supporters who all made the renovation works possible. They included Te Horo individuals and families – including Grant Robertson who came up with the successful “RoadRaise” fundraising concept – corporate sponsors, and the biggest funder, the Lottery Grants Board.

“It was a real community effort, and that’s what gave us credibility,” he said, referring to the task of seeking grants and other funding.

He said phase 2 would get under way soon. It was to raise more funds to reclad the exterior and reroof the old building.

Waikanae Community Board chair Michael Moore said the hall had been preserved for future generations after being the heart of the community for 110 years – a place of laughter, learning, and celebration.

“Thanks to our community’s dedication, the hall now stands stronger than ever as Te Horo’s emergency community hub.”

He said the earthquake strengthening was more than just a safety measure, but also a commitment to the community’s past and future.

“This space will continue to serve, inspire, and connect us for generations to come.

“Years from now, we will look back and say: we did the right thing. We protected a treasure.”