After 27 years, of serving the community, the Pahiatua Information Centre will close its doors on 29 October.

The Pahiatua Information Center Incorporated Society made this decision following careful consideration of a range of challenges, including volunteer availability, rising costs and not being able to secure enough external funding.

The Pahiatua Information Centre started off in 1999 and was initially a drop in centre.

While the Information Centre is preparing to close, it is also an opportunity to recognise the contribution made by generations of volunteers who have supported the service over the past 27 years.

Martha Field, the chairperson of the Pahiatua Information Centre Incorporated Society, reflects on the many volunteers who have contributed to the service over the years. Volunteers have come from all walks of life and different generations, from long-standing volunteers such as Larry Gordon and Liz Gibbs through to younger volunteers such as Rebecca Wordsworth. Despite their different backgrounds and ages, Martha says they all shared one thing in common. “The thing they have all had in common is a genuine desire to help people.”

Tararua District Council acknowledges the significant contribution made by all the volunteers. Their dedication, generosity and community spirit have helped support residents, local businesses and visitors for nearly three decades.

Council is working closely with the Society, local businesses and community organisations to help ensure that a number of services provided by the Information Centre remain available in Pahiatua after 29 October, such as:

• Intercity bus bookings - Pahiatua Customer Services
• Computer enquiries, scans, emails and photocopying - Pahiatua Library
• Travel/tourist Tararua Maps, amenities and Freedom Camping - Pahiatua Customer Services or Library
• Murrays Contractors (Rubbish Collection Services) - Pahiatua Op Shop from 1 November 2026

We would like to extend our sincere appreciation to the many volunteers who have supported the Pahiatua Information Centre over the years.

Their generosity, commitment, and willingness to give their time have played an important role in assisting local residents and creating a welcoming first impression for visitors to Pahiatua and the wider Tararua District.

We also gratefully acknowledge the local organisations and businesses whose ongoing support helps ensure these valued community services continue to be available.