In Brief: Whangamatā library closure frustrates community

Sunday, 26 April 2026

Whangamatā Community Library’s temporary closure ‘has left a real gap for the community’ (file photo).

Whangamatā library

Whangamatā Community Library needs a temporary new home because of leaks and mould in a council-owned building.

Its closure “has left a real gap for the community” and one alternative location has been suggested, Thames-Coromandel District Council said in a statement.

However, it’s not up to the council to decide. While the council supports and partly funds the library, it doesn’t own, manage or operate it.

The library usually operates from part of a council building in Port Rd, but that area was was temporarily closed in late March, Thames-Coromandel District council said at the time.

After years of problems with water leaks the library area had tested positive for mould, and “more extensive building work” was needed, a council statement said.

The council suggested a potential new site within a council-owned building on April 15, a statement said.

“Any decision about where or when the library relocates sits with the library committee and library staff… At this stage, our Council is waiting to hear whether the library committee wishes to take up the option that has been offered.”

There had been community “feedback” about the council’s role as the landlord of the building, a statement said.

Over several years, work had been done on the building in a bid to deal with leaks. However, it hadn’t found a permanent solution. Part of the process was the building condition assessment, which revealed there was mould.

Rambo is one of the residents left facing a clean-up, and his car was damaged in the flood.

“While we appreciate it’s frustrating this wasn’t discovered earlier, the extent of the problem was not evident until this detailed review was completed. Once it was confirmed that the building did not meet appropriate safety standards for continued use as a library, closing the space was the responsible and necessary step for us to take.”

Ōhura in recovery

A week after floods swept through Ōhura, cutting off the Ruapehu township, its State of Emergency has been lifted.

Locals and tourists had to be evacuated at the peak of flooding, with reports of chest-height water in several streets. Ruapehu District Council declared a State of Emergency in response.

Mangaroa Stream flooded, sending water through Ōhura.

Many Ōhura residents had vehicles damaged in flooding that was reported to be chest-high in several streets.

That was lifted on Sunday, the council said, and the area will now move into the recovery phase.

“While the most urgent needs have reduced, the impact on the community remains significant and recovery will take time. The focus is now on helping residents clean up and get back on their feet,” a statement said.

Ōhura locals can contact the council for information on welfare support and assistance.

“Agencies will continue working closely with the community to ensure support is targeted where it is needed most.”

A Mayoral Relief Fund has also been set up by the council and Te Awa Community Foundation, and is accepting donations.

The fund “allows us to focus on immediate recovery needs such as pumping out septic tanks and clearing debris to keep people in their homes,” Ruapehu Mayor Weston Kirton said in a statement.

People can donate to the fund at this link.