Curated by Dyane Hosler, Community Libraries Manager

Wednesday 1 May

Ruataniwha Kaiapoi Civic Centre

Opened in 2015, the Ruataniwha Kaiapoi Civic Centre houses the Kaiapoi Library, Museum, Service Centre and “Art on the Quay” Gallery. The Ruataniwha Centre won a best in category award in the New Zealand Rider Levett Bucknall Property Industry Awards which are the country’s most prestigious and longest running commercial property awards. The Centre provides learning and recreational facilities and is a popular community hub. More than a library, it symbolises Kaiapoi’s post-earthquake recovery and future.

Orauwhata/Bishopdale Library and Community Centre

This community facility is located in the north of the city. It opened in July 2017.  The facility includes a combined library and community hall joined by an atrium in the 800m²  single-storey building. The main hall divides into two separate spaces which can be combined to give greater flexibility. Both areas open to a deck and have access to a kitchen.  The adjacent beautiful library includes a 330m² collection space with views across the local park and can also open out to a deck.

Thursday, 2 May

Matuku Takotako: Sumner Centre

This 2-story community facility, by Athfield Architects, takes its design cues from the seascape of Sumner; the cliffs, driftwood, sails, striped sun umbrellas and native bird life. Opened August 2017 with a project budget of $10m, the facility includes a library and community office on the ground floor, meeting rooms and a voluntary museum on the first floor.  Defying the notion of the traditional library service model, a central atrium linking the ground and first floors creates one building united in serving its community. Artworks by Ngāi Tahu artist Fayne Robinson and Art Fetiche’s Brent Brownlee are a feature. The reuse of materials salvaged from the demolished library and community centre buildings leave imprints of the past on the future.

Hāpua: Halswell Centre

This community facility is in the south-west of Christchurch. It opened in November 2015 and had a project budget of $23.6m. The facility offers a 3,000m² library, a learning centre, a service desk, several large meeting rooms, inclusive community spaces, a café and an outdoor summer swimming pool. The Learning Centre offers emerging technologies, 3D printing and modelling and Maker stuff, musical instruments, photography and video equipment and robotics.

This tour may return via the airport for those with evening flights if there is interest. Please add this to the comments section of your registration.