© Raahui Pookeka Community Centres Trust 2024.
All Rights Reserved
Raahui Pookeka Community Centres Trust, formerly known as Friendship House (Huntly) Community Charitable Trust, became a legal entity in 2011 to oversee Friendship House. Operating as a community centre since 2005, our mission is to provide a safe and welcoming resource hub to help our community thrive.
Our Trust board consists of eight dedicated community members, including a chairperson, deputy, treasurer, and secretary. They meet at least six times a year, adhering to the trust deed and New Zealand laws governing charitable trusts. The board provides strategic guidance to our operational team, which includes a manager, coordinator, energy navigator, creative director and arts coordinator.
In 2013, Te Whare Awhi (formerly Huntly West Hub) began as a community police initiative, Project Harmony, aimed at fostering community connections, pride, and well-being. Initially run by volunteers and the community policing team, the Hub steadily increased its range of services and programs. By late 2017, our Trust was approached to take over the Hub and its lease from Chorus. We grew its funding to employ two staff members.
However, the original building limited the Hub’s potential. Responding to community feedback for a better space, we began working with BuiltSmart and the Waikato District Council in 2020 to plan a new facility.
After years of effort, Te Whare Awhi is now open in a new building at the Fraser Street Reserve, providing an enhanced space for our community to connect and thrive.
Since 2018, Creative Huntly has been a vital part of our work. In early 2022, we partnered with six community members to develop the Raahui Pookeka Huntly Arts Strategy. Community engagement revealed the need for a permanent art space to nurture and grow local arts and culture. In 2023, the Trust began leasing the old Scout Hall at Hakanoa Domain to fulfil this vision.
In November 2024, Te Whare Toi o Hakanoa opened its doors, offering a dedicated space for creativity, connection, and growth within our vibrant community.
A thriving, connected
community.
Supporting our community to wellbeing.
Working together with the people of our community and building capability and capacity.
Our Community Centres
Friendship House was formed originally as an outreach arm of St Paul’s church to provide community support. During the last 10 years the services and opportunities provided for our community have grown.
Connection is important for everyone and our place provides many opportunities to learn, grow and connect.
We offer a range of workshops as well as a space for those needing to use a computer to create or update a CV. There are rooms available for short-term hire. Community lunches are served on Mondays and Fridays. There is also food rescue 5 days a week with a take what you need and being mindful of others in need.
Hine and Joy are always there with an ear to listen and a cuppa tea, they are both always happy to help where they can.
Creative Huntly is a not-for-profit organisation that facilitates and supports the arts in our local community of Raahui Pookeka Huntly. We are based in Te Whare Toi o Hakanoa, a building that is a dedicated space for arts and crafts, as well as a community facility to be enjoyed by all.
Situated in Huntly Domain by Lake Hakanoa, Te Whare Toi o Hakanoa art centre features a main hall that is the venue of many classes and workshops hosted by Creative Huntly. There is also a room available to be booked by members of the public, for arts related activities.
Our Professional Team
Victoria Kemp
Trust and Friendship House Manager
Alicia Leef
NWTT Coordinator
Hine Timothy
Te Whare Awhi Coordinator
Joy Tengu
Energy Navigator
Sasha McGaughran
Creative Director
Sarah Morcom
Arts Coordinator
Our Trustees
Kallua Ashby
Jahmin Tengu
Theresa Christie
Hayley Taylor
Sandra Cleaver
Tony Perkins
Judi Muru
Wayne Beaver
Raahui Pookeka Community Centres Trust operates centres that offer a variety of workshops and services throughout the community of Raahui Pookeka Huntly.
