Corrections project is a game changer for new Kaikohe hub

A dedicated group of detainees at the Northland Region Corrections Facility at Ngāwhā are putting the fun into the new Kaikohe Library and Civic Hub, building a collection of play equipment for the community to enjoy when the premises opens next week.

Four prisoners put their carpentry and creative skills to work to build giant versions of some popular games to be donated to the new community space on the corner of Broadway and Raihara Street.

The collection includes giant dominoes, Jenga, a cornhole game and a supersized version of the dice-based game Shut the Box, which can be played by four people.

But there is more to this project than just fun and games. The initiative has given the men the chance to put their practical skills to positive use, tackle new challenges, and create something that will benefit the Far North community.

Working from drawings, the small team had to figure out how to scale up the games, plan their construction and turn the designs into finished products. They’ve also been able to show off their artistic flair, with one adding creative painted designs to some of the equipment.

The project came about following a conversation between a Far North District Council representative and a Corrections manager at a Corrections Service Recognition event. What started as a simple idea became an opportunity to combine practical learning, creativity and community connection.

For some of those involved, who have already completed much of the unit standard-based training in the corrections facility, the project has offered fresh challenges and an opportunity to put their skills to the test.

Corrections instructor Lee Tyson says the project benefits the men involved as well as the wider community.

“It’s great for the everyone to know that some of the men are contributing positively to the community and doing the work to a high standard,” he says. “It signals that these men are still part of this community and willing to give something back.”

And the games have already earned a big thumbs up. Earlier versions were put to the test at a youth event in May, where the positive feedback gave the men a real boost and showed them how much enjoyment their creations could bring.

The project also highlights the value of giving people in Corrections the opportunities to contribute positively to their communities.

Corrections staff will lend a hand during the official opening celebrations on Monday 9 November, helping to set up their games and supporting the event.

The library and civic hub at 69 Broadway will be a place of learning, connection, and creativity with a range of activities from library collections to a creative Makerspace for kids, meeting rooms, a gaming room, a pop-up recording studio, and a café.

"This is an incredibly exciting moment for Kaikohe and the wider Far North,” says Ruben Garcia, Group Manager – Community and Engagement. “This project has been a long time coming, and after years of planning, hard work and anticipation, we're thrilled to finally open the doors and share this beautiful new facility with our community. It's more than just a library – it's a space for people to connect, learn and access services, and something our residents can be genuinely proud of for generations to come.”

The Kaikohe Council Service Centre is also relocating from the council headquarters building into the library and civic hub, further strengthening the building’s role as a central hub and access point for local services.

If you would like to be a part of the opening day celebrations on Monday 9 November, just RSVP here. To find out more about the Kaikohe Library and Civic Hub project, head to our website and follow us on Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn.