Lease Opportunity – Huntly/Raahui Pookeka Information Centre

Waikato District Council invites submissions from community groups to lease the former i-SITE building located at 156 Great South Road, Huntly/Raahui Pookeka.

The building previously operated as an Information Centre for Huntly until it closed in 2019. During its time it provided an invaluable service, offering information and support to visitors and locals alike. Since the closure, the building has remained vacant and is in need of a new occupant to give it the care and attention it needs.

The spacious facility provides an open foyer and reception on the ground floor (140m2) with a kitchen, toilet and office space on the second level.

We welcome submissions and proposals from all interested community groups.


Key proposal criteria - What are we looking for?

Submissions should demonstrate:

  • Your groups history and connection to the area and its people.
  • Your groups financial position and ability to repair and maintain the building or ability to seek funding.
  • How your group supports the Huntly/Raahui Pookeka community.
  • Recreational benefit for the people of the community.
  • A vision for growth and development at the premises.
  • That you have support from the wider community.

Recreation Reserve

The land on which the building is located is classified as a recreation reserve under the Reserves Act 1977. This means that interested groups must demonstrate how their activities will provide a recreational benefit.


Repairs and maintenance

The building is in need of significant repairs to bring it up to a usable standard.

Applicants must demonstrate that they have the financial capacity to contribute to the maintenance and repairs of the building.

Council may contribute towards the repair costs if satisfied with the applicants proposal.

We can also assist you in understanding the range of community funding opportunities available.


Term of lease

The lease term is negotiable with the successful applicant. We understand that a longer lease is important to justify investment into building repairs and/or fit-out.


Rent and costings

The Lessee will be responsible for an annual rent of $520 plus GST and all applicable outgoings such as insurance, water and power usage, BWOF, and rubbish collection rates.


Registered Community Entity

Council invites applications from community groups for this lease opportunity only. Applicants must be a registered entity (eg registered incorporated society or charitable trust). Commercial lease proposals will not be considered.


Contact us to find out more

If you have any questions about the process or the condition of the building, please contact the Strategic Property team at Strategic.Property@waidc.govt.nz or phone 0800 492 452.


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How to apply?_______________________________________________________________________

Submissions must describe your groups proposed use for the facility and must cover all relevant criteria as outlined above.


  • Proposals can be submitted in person or by email in any format, no specific template is required.
    • Email: Strategic.Property@waidc.govt.nz
    • In person or by post:

Ngaaruawaahia Main Office

15 Galileo Street, Ngaaruawaahia 3720


Huntly Library

142 Main Street, Huntly


  • Before submitting your proposal, please ensure you have read all the information on this page and that your submission addresses all relevant information
  • Due date: Proposals must be submitted by the notification closure date:
    • Friday 8 August 2025 05:00 pm