The Upper Harbour Board (UHB) has granted the management contract for operation of its two Auckland Council-owned venues on the Point – Headquarters and the Sunderland Lounge – to the Hobsonville Community Trust (HCT).

HCT will take on the role on July 1, though there’s still no confirmation yet on when the buildings will be available.

HCT has been running community events on the Point since development started here, and the HPRS wishes them well.

The Residents Society was also invited by the local board to submit an Expression of Interest, and your committee did so on the grounds that our constitution requires us to “ensure Hobsonville Point is a strong community with good communication, engagement and respect between Members; and with regular opportunities for participation in community events, the Common Areas, Facilities and Services”. The decision went to the HCT, however, and we have agreed to work together on areas of common interest, as it is good for all of us have well-run places where we can enjoy social, cultural, sporting and learning activities.

At the Upper Harbour Board meeting, HCT assured board members that its Christian values and beliefs will not affect how they rent out the facilities, which will be open to all.

Our local board has no plans in the next 10 years to open any more community venues across its area – from Gulf Harbour to Whenuapai and across to Paremoremo and Unsworth Heights.

We can therefore expect the spaces in HQ and Sunderland Lounge to be in hot demand once they are finally open.

Bookings are not yet possible but anyone interested in future use can click here or email [email protected]