Waiora House rebuild project

For 34 years Waiora House was at the heart of the Taupō district’s social services and the place where people went for support and advice. Until 2019 it was housed in the former Taupō Maternity Hospital building, which had to be demolished following the discovery of asbestos.
Taupō District Council worked with Waiora Community Trust to come up with a purpose-built, safe and welcoming building. The new building, opened in August 2023, is designed to act as a social service hub for years to come, allowing agencies to connect and collaborate as well as providing areas for the community to meet. Rebuilding Waiora House not only provided the opportunity to bring back a district social services hub but also to create a flagship community centre.
The new building is operated by the Waiora Community Trust and owned by Taupō District Council.
In June 2024, Waiora House won the BERL Award for Excellence in Collaborating for Results at the Taituarā Excellence Awards. The award recognises projects that demonstrate successful collaboration with other agencies for community benefit.