waiohiki creative arts village- our history
In the late 1980’s changing economies led to the closure of the Waiohiki dairy factory and its attached general store. The general store was a convenient place to get milk and other daily necessities and it was the thought of losing this as much as anything else that led to a community meeting being held at the Waiohiki Marae to see what could be done.
The meeting was attended by a good representation of both the Maori and Pakeha families who lived in the area and it was decided to approach the challenge as a bicultural partnership. Four founding trustees were elected, Albie Gray (Chairman), Nigel Hadfield, Ross Duncan and Brian Calcinai. The Waiohiki Community Charitable Trust was duly established and registered.
Its purpose was to: “Encourage, promote, and foster positive relationships, strategic alliances and partnerships between the Maori and Pakeha families living in the rural areas of Korokipo, Pakowhai, Omarunui, Puketapu and Redcliffe, who collectively constitute the Waiohiki community”.
The meeting was attended by a good representation of both the Maori and Pakeha families who lived in the area and it was decided to approach the challenge as a bicultural partnership. Four founding trustees were elected, Albie Gray (Chairman), Nigel Hadfield, Ross Duncan and Brian Calcinai. The Waiohiki Community Charitable Trust was duly established and registered.
Its purpose was to: “Encourage, promote, and foster positive relationships, strategic alliances and partnerships between the Maori and Pakeha families living in the rural areas of Korokipo, Pakowhai, Omarunui, Puketapu and Redcliffe, who collectively constitute the Waiohiki community”.