Test of faith

A council-owned chapel is charging a hireage fee of more than $300 an hour. Hayley Hannan reports from a community that feels ripped off.
Sitting at the edge of Waikumete Cemetery is a small, white, historic chapel. The arched front doors show the marks of time, a large brass lock secures them shut firmly.
The lock is symbolic of the problem with the chapel, says Deborah Penk. The Glen Eden resident says the council-owned property should be open to the public and hired out at a more affordable rate than it is now.
"It's locked and it's too expensive to get into," she says. "I'm unhappy that it's not being used.
"It's been refurbished with $800,000-plus of ratepayers' money and I don't see why it should be hired out at such an exorbitant cost. It makes it prohibitive to have community events here."
The council-owned chapel was built in 1884 and was refurbished recently. The property reopened in November and is now hired out at $310 per hour.
"No community groups that are not-for-profit have that kind of money," says Ms Penk. "It's certainly not what the majority of people want, but how you get through the bureaucracy is beyond me."
Up until the renovation, the site was used for community services and events. Ms Penk says the chapel is owned by the council, and should be used by the community - as it used to be.
Mark Bowater, acting parks manager at Auckland Council, says the chapel rent is in line with rates for the other two Waikumete Cemetery chapels. He believes the site is best-suited to spiritual events such as weddings, funerals, christenings and prayer meetings.
There are three Waikumete Cemetery chapels. Chapel One, as it is called by the council, seats 110 people and costs $350 an hour. Chapel Two seats 60 people and costs $310 an hour. The Chapel of Faith seats 50 people and costs $310 an hour.
Mr Bowater says the refurbishment of the Chapel of Faith cost the former Waitakere City Council $700,000 and this was funded by rates.
Ms Penk has taken the matter to the Waitakere Ranges Local Board, saying this is an ideal problem for the board to "cut their teeth on".
Board member Mark Brignell says he is aware of the issue. "I think $300 is outrageous and [the board] will be investigating further. We are going to be looking into it with a view to have a reasonable rate as to what facilities in the area charge."
The Chapel of Faith is the oldest building in Glen Eden.
A hire purpose
So what are other Auckland Council-owned and run facilities charging in the Waitakere area? The Aucklander found:
Kelston Community Centre main hall: Community group prices range from $16.30 to $31.60 a hour, depending on the day and time. Discounted rates apply for social service groups, and higher charges for private groups. Holds up to 350 people. No minimum booking, additional security and bond charges.
Ceramco Park, Glen Eden: Community groups  pay $12.20 to $24.50  a hour, depending on the day and time.  Discounted rates apply for social service groups, and higher rates for private groups. Holds up to 200 people standing. Bond and security charges depend on day and time. No minimum booking period.
New Lynn Community Centre: Prices range from $16.30  to $31.60 per hour for community groups. Discounted rates apply for social service groups, and higher rates for private functions. Holds up to 300 people standing. Security and bond fee depend on day and time, no minimum booking  period.