Piha Ratepayers and Residents Assn. has finalised the signing of a Lease with Auckland Council and a Sublease to the Piha Community Library Trust. Both leases are for 10 years with a right of renewal for a further 10 years.
The Lease, which is over the land, safeguards the ownership of the library building for the Piha community. And importantly, the Sublease provides security of tenure for the Library Trust as provider of library services. We can all look forward to the continuation of the much valued library service.
This has been a long process and we thank the Waitakere Ranges Local Board for their generous support of Piha Library and the Piha R&R in the negotiations.
The Piha R&R reiterates its ongoing support for the work of the Piha Library Trust and anticipates that the resolution of the leases will provide a solid foundation for future cooperative communication for the benefit the Piha community.
Below is a statement published by the Piha Community Library Trust:
Important message from the Piha Community Library Trust :
The Piha Community Library Trust recently signed a sublease for the Library building from the Piha Residents and Ratepayers Association.
This sublease provides security of tenure for 10 years, with right of renewal after this date.
There had been a delay in the signing of the sublease until some ownership issues were aired. However, extra pressure was put on the Trust by the Auckland Council after a crucial grant was directed to be withdrawn unless the sublease was signed.
In spite of this situation, the Trust is excited to be able to continue to provide a vital community service to the residents of Piha, Karekare and Anawhata, and are now looking into ways the Library can adapt and be relevant in the digital age.
As well as providing reading material for these communities, the Library is now becoming an information hub for our region, and also a venue for exciting community workshops and programs for families.
– Ella Ussher, Chair