About

The Ōhau Community Hall was constructed by the community in 1900 and has been a hub for various social and private events. It is a valuable asset to the Ōhau community. Sadly, the original hall was destroyed in a fire in 1942, but was rebuilt and re-opened in 1945 with the support of the community.

The Hall Committee is working to create a 1-5 year property maintenance plan. On October 30th, local tradespeople gathered at the hall to provide their expertise and identify necessary maintenance work. Their input will aid the committee in their planning and fundraising efforts.

Over the years, the community has made numerous contributions, such as time, resources, and labor, to improve the hall's facilities. The Horowhenua Council has also supported the hall with repainting, floor resurfacing, the purchase of chairs, and roof repairs. The community has also raised funds through events like home and garden fairs, metal drives, ballroom dancing classes, community dances, and regular club rentals.

In August 2022, the Ōhau Rural Women's division presented two banners to be displayed in the hall. The first represents the now-closed Muhunoa East Division of Rural Women (1979), and the second was made by the Ōhau Branch of Rural Women in 1934. Both banners are displayed alongside the War Memorial Board, honoring the sacrifice made by young men from Ōhau in WW1 and WW2.

In 2003, Ōhau Committee President Alan Singer started a community shared lunch on the Sunday before the Society's AGM. This event provides an opportunity for new families to connect and for locals to catch up. It remains a popular gathering to this day.

In 2022, the Ōhau Community Hall Society Committee established a digital presence to gather all information about the hall, its history, and events. Residents can now easily check the hall's activities through its website. The committee is also working to gather more information about the hall and society's history, and invites past committee members or families to share their memories and contribute to the documented archives by contacting the President or Secretary.