Radio New Zealand - Te Reo Irirangi o Aotearoa

Muaupoko plays key role in new Levin hub

Updated at 10:20 pm on 29 September 2012

The Horowhenua District Council says the new Te Takere centre symbolises the strong the relationship it has with tangata whenua.

Te Takeretanga o Kurahaupo is the new cultural and community hub that includes the Levin Library and was officially opened on 29 September.

The council's Te Takere project manager, David Clapperton, says the council has been working with the Muaupoko iwi for the past two-and-a-half years to include their tribal influence.

He says the centre is unique and it's the first time there's has been a direct engagement with the local iwi.

He says the tribe has been keen to work with the council to help tell their rich history and their contribution to the district's development.

Mr Clapperton says the opening of the new cultural and community hub is the single most important event for the Horowhenua District in a long time, and a crowd of 6000 was expected for the grand opening.

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