Carterton Events Centre Fund Raising

Carterton Events Centre - Questions and Answers

What is the Carterton Events Centre?
A multi-purpose community centre for public use in Holloway Street. Built on Council land, it is the modern, vibrant heart of the community where current and future generations meet, connect, learn, create, and be entertained and inspired.
The flagship of the complex is an upgraded and extended historic Library. The new Auditorium/Town Hall is a truly multi-functional, flexible space able to host shows, cultural and community activities, exhibitions, conferences and social events.
A Youth Centre provides a safe, robust, dedicated space for young people to engage with each other and their community.

What else does the Centre offer?
Young children and their families can benefit from having the new Plunket rooms and the Toy Library as part of the Centre. Modern meeting rooms are available for hire and include a full AV suite, multiple internet connections and adjustable lighting.
The Foyer/ Information Centre also acts as an art exhibition area. Public meeting spaces, a kitchen, toilets, parents’ room, storage, and ancillary rooms and spaces are included. Attractive, landscaped outdoor spaces include an inner courtyard and a paved plaza.

How can I hire a part of the Centre?
The following parts of the Centre are available for hire, separately or together. A floor plan can be viewed here. (link to Plan page) Fees apply according to commercial or not-for-profit use. These are available on request by contacting the Carterton District Council.
·      Auditorium
·      Meeting Rooms
·      Youth Centre
·      Foyer Space
·      Library (outside of normal working hours)
·      Reception Room (part of Ron Wakelin Wing)
·      Catering kitchen

How was the Centre’s construction funded?
Carterton District Council has funded $4.5 million of the $6 million construction cost through cash available in its Major Projects Fund and a loan. The Carterton Events Centre Trust will contribute $1.5 million through fundraising.

What is the role of the Carterton Events Centre Trust?
The Trust was formed as a Charitable Trust in January 2009 to help meet the need for a modern community facility for the benefit, use and enjoyment of current and future generations of Carterton people. The Trust’s goal is to raise $1.5 million to help fund the cost of building the Events Centre.
It is close to achieving this target thanks to the generosity of local and national trusts, businesses, groups and individuals.
This work is continuing and the Trust will keep working until we reach our target.

How can I help contribute to the Centre’s construction?
Carterton community organisations, businesses, schools, families and individuals are invited to help the Trust meet its target through fundraising efforts or donations. The Trust welcomes any contribution, large or small.
Several special places in the Centre recognise those who have contributed.

Why did Carterton need this facility?
Under the Local Government Act 2002 Carterton District Council has a responsibility to promote the social, cultural, economic & environmental well-being of the district.
The Centre contributes to community well-being by providing a venue for a wide range of opportunities for social and cultural and development.
The Carterton Library, believed to be the oldest operating public library in NZ, was previously unable to meet the demands of modern library users and was long overdue for a major upgrade. Our Library is a key part of encouraging lifelong learning for all – one of Carterton’s agreed community outcomes.
Before the Centre was built, Carterton had no Town Hall. There was a shortage of meeting space in the district. Many of Carterton’s 70-80 voluntary organisations faced increasing operating and maintenance costs for venues which they have historically owned.
The district had limited facilities; some would say none, to cater for youth. The Youth Centre will help to create a culture of activities and target youth most at risk, which ultimately benefits the wider community.

What is the project’s history & what consultation took place?
The idea came about in 2001 when a focus group of Carterton citizens was formed to investigate future community facilities in the district. Since then a great deal of work has been done including:

	2005 Feasibility Study: a comprehensive study by Opus that included wide consultation with many community groups. The study concluded that a new integrated facility was the best option to cater for the social and cultural needs of Carterton.
	September 2007: 8-page Information Update delivered to every Carterton District household.
	September 2008: Council delivered a questionnaire to all Carterton households and received 225 responses. 76% were positive about the facility or in clear favour.
	2009: Carterton Events Centre Trust formed to fundraise a significant contribution to the capital cost.
	Costings were outlined in the draft 2009-2019 Long Term Council Community Plan (LTCCP). This plan also detailed how Council planned to fund the capital and operating costs of the building.
	2010: Carterton District Council increased funding commitment to $4.5 million of the approximate $6 million capital cost. 2010: Construction began in October 2011: The Centre was opened on 29 October by Hon Chris Finlayson, Minister for Arts, Culture and Heritage.