The Upper Wairoa Memorial Building Fire

The Upper Wairoa Memorial building was devastated by fire in the early hours of Thursday 16 January 2020 under suspicious circumstances.

The complex has served the community for weddings, funerals, meals, farewells and other community events for over 30 years, leaving the people of Tangiteroria heart broken at the loss of the building and history that was contained within.

The complex was built over 3 years by the community, for the community. Wood to construct the complex was milled from the surrounding farms, the man hours put in to the build was completed by the people of the community and any money required was raised by those same people - our parents, grandparents, in some cases great-grandparents and most important of all great friends.

Theses a very strong pride of being part of Tangiteroria. The community treasured the building for the memories it allowed us to create, and with no other remaining public hubs we will once again band together like those before us to build a new gathering place. While we have insurance in place, it is unlikely to cover the full cost of the rebuilt. Any donations would be greatly appreciated to pick up this shortfall.