Background
Elected members voted in December 2025 to demolish the 1950s Northern Wairoa War Memorial Hall (the Hall) and the 1990s Annex (the Annex), after a building condition assessment found that significant remediation would be required to bring the Hall up to code, and the Annex was found to have further deteriorated since previous inspections, impacting the connected buildings and posing compliance and health risks.
This decision ended years of uncertainty about the future of these two buildings and opened up the door for planning a new community asset for Dargaville.
At the same 10 December council meeting, elected members also agreed to proceed with reinstatement of the heritage-listed 1920s Municipal Chambers. The reinstatement work will include external remediation, making good where the Annex is removed, adding new toilets, and fire system upgrades.
Funding
Funding for the demolition and reinstatement has been allocated in Kaipara District Council's Long Term Plan 2024-2027.
Northen Wairoa War Memorial Hall Working Group
At the 27 May 2026 council meeting, elected members established the Northern Wairoa War Memorial Hall Working Group, and appointed Mayor Larsen, Deputy Mayor Lambeth, Councillor Tane and Councillor Nathan to the group.
The group’s terms of reference can be found in the 27 May council meeting paper.
Read the 27 May council meeting paper.
The working group’s role is advisory, and is to help council identify funding opportunities, define the purpose and requirements of a replacement community facility, and explore practical options for delivering a facility shaped by the community it will serve.
Latest updates
Updated 4 August 2026
The Dargaville Town Hall project is moving into its next phase, with the resource and building consent for demolition now issued and the search for a contractor to carry out the work underway.
The tender process closes on 13 August, with the contract is expected to be awarded early September.
