James Cumming Community Centre and Library opened in Gore

Fred Cooper with Minister Kiri Allan and Peter Cooper.

The 18-month project involved converting the council-owned James Cumming Wing into a new home for Gore’s 35,000 books as well as providing upgraded community rooms and supporting facilities.

“It’s difficult to over-exaggerate the positive flow on effects in investments like this. Libraries are the touchstone of every community, and this new asset will serve the community well,” said Regional Development Minister Kiri Allan.

The council collaborated with local hapū, Hokonui Runanaga, both in the creation of 5 artworks and with gifting Māori names for the new meeting rooms.

Artworks created by Hokonui Runanga for the new library.

The project was co-funded by a $3 million grant from the Government’s COVID-19 Response and Recovery Fund, which is administered by Kānoa.

Minister Allan expressed satisfaction in seeing the tangible results of Government investment in the region.

“In 2020, the Government made the best of these challenging times and used the downturn in tourism as a chance to make upgrades to infrastructure. Just a couple of years later, we can see the results of these investments.

“It has meant that not only does the community get the benefit of infrastructure upgrades, it has kept people employed during quiet times. It has also created new jobs and provided on the job training opportunities for our rangatahi,” said Kiri Allan.

The opening event was attended by many community members, with a performance by Gore High School kapa haka Group. The minister acknowledged 101 year old Gore resident, Fred Cooper, whose building company built the original James Cumming wing in 1974. Fred’s son, Peter, took over his father’s company some time ago, and was at the helm of the rebuild. Fred and Peter Cooper were both in attendance and were given special acknowledgement by the Minister.