We were finally able to visit the property and check out the buildings. Despite having been told that the buildings were in poor condition and would need a large budget to bring back up to standard, we actually found them to be in almost perfect condition. The main building was, of course, very dusty after being unoccupied for so long, but apart from some issues with window frame paint seemed to be in excellent condition. Other buildings needed minor repairs such as new spouting, but likewise appeared to be in good shape.

We believe that the main building could be put to good use as a community meeting space almost immediately. Some upgrades would be required to get a building warrant of fitness before it could be rented out, but these are likely minimal, things like signage, fire alarms and extinguishers.

We now need to get the Council Parks and reserves team to get on board and determine what they think is required before the space could be used, and get it priced. Then we will help the Orakei Local Board put together a business case for the facility including how it could be funded.

​We continue to work on this, but it has been a slow and frustrating process so far, and no doubt will continue to be frustrating in the future.

We made a presentation to the Orakei Local Board, and have received strong support from them for retaining the land in public ownership.  OLB has asked various organisations whether they see any uses for the land and buildings, but have not received any specific proposals back.  As a result, they have decided to endorse our proposal for a neighbourhood park and take our proposal to Panuku as the basis for getting the land back from Panuku.  We will update you on any progress.

Panuku have refused to meet with us prior to the local body elections, but have indicated they expect to start public consultation on selling the land shortly after the new Orakei Local Board has been elected.  We are putting things together to try to have a strong counter-proposal ready to present during that consultation.  In particular, we need to get the Local Board supportive, as ultimately they will operate and maintain the park out of their budgets, so without their support we would struggle to convince Panuku we have a viable alternative.