The building sits beside and behind the Rangiora Town Hall and was closed in 2019 to undergo seismic strengthening. Investigations showed the building was irreparable and in 2021 Police deemed it surplus to need.

The property was offered to Ngai Tahu under the Treaty of Waitangi settlement process, who had been working with the Council on possible collaborative options for the site. They sold the site to Paenga Kupenga Limited (Ngāi Tūāhuriri’s economic arm) who then on-sold the site to the Council.

Waimakariri Mayor Dan Gordon says the site is a strategic, long-term purchase.

“Properties like this seldomly come up and the Council decided to act to protect the space around the town hall and western gateway to Rangiora and put in place a plan that will make best use of this great space.

“When we put together the Rangiora Town Centre Strategy, locals and business owners told us they wanted to see Rangiora remain inviting, attractive, have good parking, and be a pleasant and vibrant place for people to shop.

“This purchase will allow for both growth in population and demand for commercial and community spaces in the township as the community nears 100,000 residents by 2050, as well as provide for more parking spaces in the short term.”

Rangiora Ashley Community Board Chair Jim Gerard says the land used to belong to the Council before it was a Police station, so it’s fitting to see it back in community ownership.

“The Town Hall has always been an anchor tenant of Rangiora, and this purchase is an opportunity to further enhance this unique character area, provide parking, and make sure this entrance to Rangiora town centre continues to thrive.”

The property cost $1.3m and was funded by transferring funds from an existing budget for Rangiora Town Centre development.

Rangiora Police will continue to operate from their temporary location in Southbrook. Council will support and help Police in finding a permanent location.