Ruataniwha Kaiapoi Civic Centre Turns 10!

Published: 17-Jan-2025

It’s hard to believe that it's 10 years since the Ruataniwha Kaiapoi Civic Centre opened.

Waimakariri Libraries Customer Services Assistant Jacqualene Youle was there on the first day.

“It was sort of like growing up when we moved to the new library. The thing I remember most about the move was all the glass, the traffic outside and the sudden increase in visitors that we weren't accustomed to in the temporary library.”

Damage caused by the Canterbury earthquake in 2010 forced the Kaiapoi Library and Service Centre to be demolished. While Ruataniwha was constructed, library staff operated a temporary library next to the Kaiapoi Aquatic Centre, where the Toy Library is today.

When it officially opened on 17 January 2015, Ruataniwha was a welcome addition to the community and one of the few places people could gather and socialise in Kaiapoi.

The name 'Ruataniwha' was gifted by Te Ngāi Tūāhuriri Rūnanga and refers to an old Ngāi Tahu food gathering settlement along the banks of the Whakahume, also known as the Cam River.

District Libraries Manager Luke Sole said it was vital to reassert a sense of identity in a town centre which changed so rapidly.

“The blend of library, art and museum experiences has inspired other civic facilities including the likes of Tūranga in Christchurch, and more recently Te Ara Ātea, in Rolleston.

“The Art on the Quay art gallery and the museum have presented some rich opportunities for storytelling and connection with our unique landscape and culture. It’s always a delight to see so many people engaging with exhibitions and being inspired by the stories within.

“Here’s to the next 10 years and beyond!”

Have you enjoyed Ruataniwha over the last decade? Have feedback about what we can do better? Let us know by filling in our Library Survey.