The focal point of Roto-o-Rangi – the community hall – is getting some love.
The Roto-o-Rangi Memorial Hall has a playground to keep children entertained. Photo: Supplied
The Roto-o-Rangi Memorial Hall committee are preserving the history of their beloved 87-year-old building while bringing locals together.
Grants and sponsorship co-ordinator Lynda Curin was on the committee 30 years ago and has reignited her involvement in the last three years.
“I’m very passionate about the hall and the community. I want the hall to be there for my grandchildren and further generations to come,” Curin said.
“My own family have had a wedding, a 21st, a 60th, an engagement and lots of good times in the hall. It means a lot to me.”
The small village between Cambridge and Te Awamutu has many residents who are proud of their hall and keeping it relevant.
Curin, chairperson Graeme Norvill and the other six committee members are working hard to raise money, make improvements and keep the community spirit alive.
‘Friends of the hall’, volunteers who help when needed, also put in countless hours.
Indoor bowls is one of the committee’s latest ventures. Table tennis and a book exchange are also on the cards.
“The book exchange is outside the front entrance of the hall. Any donations of books would be great. People will be able to pop down and swap a book,” Curin said.
“It’s another way of getting people down to the hall to have a bit of a chat.
“We’ve recently had children’s parties, a 21st, a funeral, a wedding and there’s a playground for kids too. It’s a real asset for the school as well. Use is starting to pick up.
“The hall is the hub of the community. When there is an event on or a social, it’s lovely.”
The Roto-o-Rangi hall is only one of three in the Waipā district to not receive council funding.
For some years, the committee have asked the community for a yearly $50 donation to ensure the hall remains in the care and ownership of the Roto-o-Rangi residents.
Householders are more than welcome to make further donations as the building needs upgrades to keep it going for future generations.
“Most of the other areas have their hall levy incorporated into their rates, which we don’t,” Curin said.
“We are raising money to replace the ceiling in the supper room. We had a quiz night with Matt Hicks last year, which brought in some funds to help with that.
“We have a lot of rotten boards on the hall that need fixing, painting, a roof that needs to be replaced. All sorts of things on the hall that need to be upgraded.”
On November 1, the committee is hosting a Maize Paddock Fun Day at the Curins’ farm on Norwegian Rd.
They’re hoping to entice at least 200 motocross riders to race on different courses.
“It’s on our farm and we are taking the grass off prior to the event. Afterwards, we’ll plant the paddocks with maize,” Curin said.
“Went want people from across the region to come along, have fun and the hall benefits from the day.”
They’ve had plenty of community backing from sponsors. Funds will be raised from entries as well as an all-day barbeque and a coffee cart.
“Money is tight out there but the businesses in Cambridge and Te Awamutu that have supported us, big and small, have been amazing.”
In 2026, the committee is planning “a good country social” with The Bruised Brothers Band, formed by Cambridge Rotary members.
“We can’t wait for them to come and play,” Curin said.
“It’s just getting the community together. The community own the hall. It’s their hall and we want them to enjoy it.
“The committee would like to enhance the community spirit and use the hall as it was intended by the original committee of 1938.”
Roto-o-Rangi Memorial Hall has been the centre of the community for 87 years. Photo: Supplied
