Gate Pā Community Centre trustees Rachel Pinn and Ron Scott, and chairman Doug Barnes.
Gate Pā Community Centre trustees Rachel Pinn and Ron Scott, and chairman Doug Barnes.
Construction is set to begin on the Gate Pā Community Centre, marking a major milestone for a project years in the making.
Gate Pā Community Centre Trust chairman Doug Barnes said the centre, located at 13-15 Anzac Rd, would be far more than “just a physical building”.
“It’s about creatinga central hub where the community of Gate Pā can gather, feel safe and welcomed, develop new friendships and learn new skills,” he said.
Barnes moved to Gate Pā in 2014 and quickly became involved with a newly formed stakeholders’ group established to identify local needs. The idea for a dedicated community centre emerged from those early discussions. He later led a submission to Tauranga City Council’s Long-Term Plan advocating for the facility.
“It will be a place where people are valued, and where they feel they belong,” Barnes said.
“The community centre will be something the community can own, be proud of and see as part of their identity.”
The 500sq m building would include flexible multipurpose rooms, a computer and digital hub, a kitchen for food preparation, kaumātua services and a community noticeboard. It would also offer professional services, advice, programmes and events, supported by outdoor spaces designed to meet current and future community needs.
Barnes was joined on the Gate Pā Community Centre Charitable Trust board by Ron Scott and Rachel Pinn.
Scott, a long-time Gate Pā resident and former Bay of Plenty Regional councillor, also serves on the boards of the Blind Foundation, SILC Charitable Trust, Workbridge, the AA National Council and Consumer NZ.
“I’m thrilled to be part of establishing the Gate Pā Community Centre,” he said.
“It’s an exciting project because it creates a social centre for the Gate Pā community.”
Scott said the centre was “aspirational”.
“Gate Pā is a mixed community with many first-time homeowners as well as residents who have been there for decades, and tenants with state housing support.
“There is a thriving business community. All parts of the community will be welcome at the centre, whether it be for budgeting advice or business expos, family functions or whole neighbourhood gatherings which spill out onto the park.”
Artist impression of the future Gate Pā Community Centre. Image / DGSE
Pinn, who has made Tauranga her home, brings governance and infrastructure-planning expertise, along with strong community involvement through her professional and volunteer work.
“I’m honoured to be involved in developing a community centre that reflects the aspirations of the community,” she said. “While my journey here began elsewhere, I’ve found real purpose in helping shape inclusive, transparent systems that serve the people of this place.”
Tauranga City councillor Rod Taylor said the centre represented a significant step forward for Gate Pā.
“This project is about creating a space that truly belongs to the community – a place where everyone feels welcome and supported,” he said.
“It will be a cornerstone for connection and wellbeing in Gate Pā.”
The centre would be built on land adjacent to Anzac Park, made available by Accessible Properties, which is part of the IHC Group, to support community outcomes.
Accessible Properties general manager of tenancy services Tania Wilson said collaborating with Tauranga City Council had been “a fantastic experience”.
“It’s part of our kaupapa to support the communities our houses are in, and the centre will provide a space that brings people together and helps them to thrive,” she said.
A blessing ceremony was held on November 26 and construction work at the site will begin shortly. The Gate Pā Community Centre is expected to open in late 2026.
