Waipawa to get $100,000 town centre refresh with park, library and sign upgrades

The main street through Waipawa township in Central Hawke's Bay, pictured in 2025.

Waipawa is in for a $100,000 refresh, with the Central Hawke’s Bay District Council planning improvements to Nelly Jull Park, the library courtyard and the “Welcome to Waipawa” signs.

A CHB Council spokesperson said they were some of the improvements the community had asked for during consultation for the council’s 2020-2050 Integrated Spatial Plan.

Better Off Funding, a Government financial support package provided to enable councils to invest in their communities, has enabled the work.

A shortlist of potential town centre improvement projects was developed in 2024, with a budget of $100,000.

The package criteria included delivery of infrastructure and services that supported local place-making and improvements in community well-being.

The council is now set to improve signage to Nelly Jull Park, and give the toilets a complete internal refresh.

The toilets will be unavailable from April 10 until May 1 while the full refit is carried out.

Improvements will also include a pedestrian crossing to the Nelly Jull Park playground.

The garden in the courtyard behind the library will be replaced with a grassed area and interactive play items.

“Welcome to Waipawa” signs will be cleaned and relocated to the car park beside the CHB Museum, and museum and tourism signage will be improved.

The CHB Museum Committee is also replacing heritage signs around the town centre.

Last year, seating and planting works were completed at the Waipawa Museum forecourt.

Central Hawke’s Bay District Ruataniwha Ward councillor Pip Burne said the funding allowed for vital upgrades.

“External funding like Better Off Funding helps us deliver on our community’s hopes and aspirations without relying on rates.

“The Waipawa Library is much loved, and by replacing the garden with grass we are opening up the centre court for everyone to enjoy, with a pedestrian crossing providing a safer connection to Nelly Jull Park.”