The country community halls, once the focal point of many rural living families, have all but disappeared, the result of farm amalgamations and mechanisation causing the decline of our farming population.
One hall in the Tararua District going against this trend is the Papatawa Hall administered by a community-elected board. This hall is in regular use by many community groups such as harriers, garden club, Women's Institute and the local Papatawa School. Recently a farm auction was also hosted.
Not only does this hall have modern facilities, fresh paint inside and out, its acoustic qualities have also been improved. Chairman Robert Harding said the Board was approached about whether the sound quality could be improved in the hall.
Acoustic panels sourced from NZ Acoustics Christchurch, and complying with the building code, were recently expertly glued into the ceiling by James and Oliver of Creative Homes Dannevirke using their mobile scaffolding (recently imported) with the assistance of Board members volunteering their time to help with the gluing process.
Board member and project manager Athol Sowry reports that the Board is extremely pleased with marked improvement in sound quality. Those using the hall have commented that there is now no echo, the panels look nice and what an improvement there has been in acoustics.
The real test will be later this month May 26 and 27 when the Papatawa school 130 year reunion celebrations are hosted in the hall.
At 85 years old the Papatawa hall continues its role as the hub of the community.