Radio New Zealand - Te Reo Irirangi o Aotearoa

Iwi praised for input into cultural and community centre

Updated at 7:26 am on 1 October 2012

Horowhenua District Council says local iwi have played a huge part in the design of a new cultural and community centre, with the tribe working together with the council every step of the way.

Te Takeretanga o Kurahaupo, which also houses the Levin Library, opened on Saturdayafter two years of careful planning involving Muaupoko iwi.

Project manager at the council David Clapperton says the collaboration is the first of its kind with tangata whenua, who embraced the venture after being invited to have some input to help tell the wide history of the area.

He says Muaupoko has been fully involved in the project from the beginning, when the council welcomed them to have a say in the blueprint of the facility, and has been engaged in the detail and concepts that have been developed.

Mr Clapperton says the council has been very fortunate to have a number of tribal members who have participated at a very high level.

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