Tararua District Council understands that any change can be unsettling, especially when it involves people and services that have supported our community and visitors over many years. We acknowledge and appreciate the contribution the Dannevirke Information Centre has made, and we are committed to ensuring continued access to visitor information in Dannevirke.

Information services for locals and visitors will continue at the Council's service centre in Dannevirke. Council is not expecting any less service to the community or visitors. Starting 1 July 2025, brochures, booking of bus tickets, maps, local event info, and travel support will be available at 26 Gordon Street, instead of the Town Hall. This new location will offer extended hours, and a one-stop shop for payments, bookings, and other services.

Ratepayers have given Council a clear message to save money and look for efficiencies. That is why, as a Council, we’re on a mission to streamline operations being smart about where we spend, while keeping services strong and accessible for everyone. This aligns with the Long Term Plan direction on 'Integration of Services'—which we informed the public about last year. Concurrently to this, we are exploring changes in Woodville to better integrate the isite into the library and service centre.

Council has supported the Information Centre through an annual rates-funded grant of $55,468 (excl. GST). Council has proposed, through the 2025/26 Annual Plan, to remove the annual grant funding for information services. Council is not consulting on this decision because the same service of providing information to visitors and locals will continue. The only change is that this will be done in a more cost-efficient way, at the Council Service Centre.

Council has seen a lot of concerns and some confusion about Council’s plans to relocate the Dannevirke Information Centre, particularly on social media and through an online petition.The most effective way for residents to have a say on this is by providing feedback through Council’s draft Annual Plan, which outlines the proposed changes. Consultation is open until 15 May at Annual Plan 2025/26 | Tararua District Council.

The Dannevirke Information centre is in the Town Hall. The Town Hall building is owned by Tararua District Council. The Dannevirke Information Centre is managed by the Dannevirke Information Centre Incorporated Society, which also employs one staff member. The Council does not oversee day-to-day operations or staffing decisions at the Information Centre, as these responsibilities sit entirely with the Incorporated Society.

It’s important to note that in September last year, prior to the release of Council’s current integrated services change proposal, Council was approached by the Incorporated Society with concerns for the future of the Information Centre and the Society’s ability to meet ongoing employment needs. Council then made an offer to bring the Information Centre under Council management, including the employment of the current staff member. This offer was declined by management of the Incorporated Society and they decided to continue to manage it in house.

Since then, Council has progressed with an internal change proposal, which looks at how we deliver services across libraries, customer services, and information functions. This proposal is currently pending final decision. In the context of that proposal, and with our responsibility to existing staff, Council is now not in a position to take on an additional staff member at this time. The Incorporated Society remains the legal employer and is responsible for all employment matters.

Management of the Town Hall building has been returned to Council effective 30 April 2025. The Incorporated Society has advised Council that they will cease trading from 27 June 2025 and vacate the building on 30 June 2025. No final decisions have been made about the future use of the Town Hall space.

We acknowledge and thank the Society and its staff for their longstanding contribution to promoting Dannevirke and supporting visitors to our district.