The Provincial Growth Fund announced it is investing $8 million in to K’aute Pasifika Trust’s Pan Pacific community hub
in Hamilton city.
The funding is a $6 million grant and $2 million loan and will help to redevelop the vacant Hamilton Stadium Bowling
Club at Hinemoa Park. The hub will include an integrated health centre, a stand-alone early learning facility and an
open fale-style community space.
Leaupepe Rachel Karalus, chief executive is excited to see the significant Government investment. “We are extremely
honoured and excited about the investment in the wellbeing of our communities in the Waikato.”
She acknowledges the journey to get to today’s significant announcement didn’t happen overnight.
“This has been a 20 year journey that began in 1998, when the Pacific community held a fono to understand why Pacific
peoples were not accessing mainstream health services, and suffering unnecessarily poor health outcomes,” said Rachel.
Over the past three years MP for Hamilton East, Jamie Strange has advocated for the project.
“The Pan Pacific Community hub is one of many exciting projects happening in Hamilton’s CBD. I call it the hi-five in
the CBD: Waikato Regional Theatre, ACC building, Union Square, the Waikato Regional Council and the Pan Pacific
Community Hub.”
Located in Hamilton city the hub will also provide a meeting and activity space for the community.
“It’s important that the hub is situated pride of place in the heart of Hamilton city and we’re delighted that this $11m
project will create over 100 jobs,” said Jamie.
The Pacific population in the Waikato region is growing rapidly and the demand for Pacific business support and social
and health services is increasing as a result. The funding will provide cultural, social and economic wellbeing support
for all of the Waikato community.
“The hub is about inclusion, ensuring the needs of the community are understood and met. This is more than a collection
of buildings. We know the hub will bring people together regardless of their ethnicity, religion, gender, age and
sexuality.”
The Pan Pacific Community Hub is the outcome of a collective of people and organisations that value and believe in
improving the health, social, education and economic outcomes for people.
“We’re extremely grateful for the support from our community, local and central government, our strategic partners,
funders, private sector organisations and not-for profits. All who have walked alongside us in this journey.”