ROTORUA METHODIST CHURCH AND BAINBRIDGE CENTRE

187 OLD TAUPO ROAD ROTORUA

The Church Complex was built in 1983, and is designed for worship and community use. The entire complex is under one roof and comprises an octagonal auditorium, hail (gymnasium), commercial kitchen, classrooms (with children‘s toilet facilities), offices (3) and lounge. The entire floor area is carpeted with the exception of service areas.

AUDITORIUM

This comfortably seats 200/250 people on upholstered individual chairs, which can be arranged to suit any requirements. One of the main features is a~ Croft two manual pipe organ, well maintained in its original condition, having been moved from the original Methodist Church building in Rotorua.

There is an up to date sound system, and a Loop System for those with hearing impairment. The complex also has two pianos. The entrance to the auditorium is through a large foyer area, which is often used for morning teas and social gatherings.

HALL/GYMNASIUM

This was designed with youth groups in mind, and is constructed with concrete block walls. It is idea/for games etc and is large enough for a full volley ball court. There are toilet facilities off the hall, including showers, so we are well catered for if any groups wish to sleep overnight. There are also other toilet facilities for men and women, one with wheelchair access situated off the foyer and auditorium.

KITCHEN

The commercial kitchen is well equipped with both crockery and cutlery. There is also a range of utensils previously used for out-catering.

CLASSROOMS

There are three well equipped classrooms which can be used for various smaller groups. Additionally at the rear of the building is a large classroom opening out onto an outdoor playground area. This is currently rented out on a permanent arrangement to a privately operated Community Creche. This facility is used from Monday to Friday each week 9am-12 noon with two afternoon sessions weekly.

OFFICES

Three well equipped offices open off the entry foyer. One is used as the Church administration office. The minister also has an office/ library, leaving one adjacent office for other use. The lounge is self contained with tea making facilities etc.

GENERAL

The complex is electrically heated throughout with plenty of storage room. We are very fortunate to have these fine facilities for our use, and the complex is much sought after for public meetings seminars, displays etc. The complex has good access off Old Taupo Road which is the main arterial route south. Off street parking is very adequate with vehicle access under cover at the main entrance.

The lawns and gardens are maintained by both voluntary and paid workers. A recent addition is a professionally designed and planted area at the main entrance laid to commemorate the 25^th anniversary of this building in September 2008.

OUTREACH IN COMMUNITY

BAINBRIDGE HOUSES

In the early 1990‘s the opportunity arose whereby the Parish was able to purchase a three bedroom property adjoining the church.

The property was on a full quarter acre section, and had several valuable out- buildings, one of which was upgraded to serve as an office.

Church members donated chattels and furnishings, and under the direction of a Committee, consisting of church and community personnel offered the premises to be used to accommodate clients with mental health problems.

Funding was initially obtained from various sources to pay staff with the experience and skills needed to manage the facility, over the twenty four hour seven day week period.

From these small beginnings the service has grown and now the Church owns three adjoining houses with a re-locatable administration block, which is sited on the back section of house three.

Now managed by the Bainbridge House Trust this outreach project is fully funded by the local health authority and has become well known for the high level of quality supportive and rehabilitative care offered to clients.

Rent from the properties is a valuable source of income enabling the houses to be well maintained, with a surplus available to be used within the Parish.

FOOD BANK SERVICE

Items of food and produce supplied by the congregation and dedicated weekly are taken to the main Outlet, for distribution to the needy, usually through St Vincent de Paul.

HOSPICE

For many years the Parish has supported the Community Hospice, providing prepared Food for lunches, morning tea’s etc for clients and their carers.

PRISONERS AID

Proceeds from weekly sales table donations throughout the year, are used to purchase gifts and toiletries for family members separated from their loved ones at Christmas time. The gifts are sorted into age groups and attractively wrapped before distribution.

ROTORUA,

Feel the Spirit

Manaakitangi

With 14 publicly accessible lakes packed with trout, and acres of walking trails, the Rotorua Region is the perfect place to discover nature‘s spirit and revel in the best nature has to offer.

Fish, hike, kayak, water-ski, swim or while away the day on a secluded lake beach.

Rotorua is home to a growing range of adventure activities .Experience thrilling 360 degree spins in a jet boat, raft or sledge on a choice of rivers, or race friends down Mt. Ngongotaha on a luge.

Just over 1/3 of its population is Maori, so it’s little wonder Rotorua is known as a cultural heart-land. Visitors can sample indigenous food, learn the region‘s fascinating history and legends, take in a hangi and concert or try carving, weaving and traditional games.

The city‘s famed bubbling mud pools and spectacular geysers make the region a unique geothermal wonder-land. The main thermal areas are Whakarewarewa , Waimungu Volcanic Valley, Wai-o-Tapu Thermal Wonderland and Hells Gate; nowhere else in the world can visitors feel the awesome spirit of the earth. An added bonus for Rotorua residents is the reduction of admission fees to most of these attractions assisting in stretching the family budget.

Take a walk among the beautiful trees in the Redwood Memorial Grove or the Whakarewarewa Forest. Should you be looking for adrenalin-pumping action, Rotorua is the place to be. The city is renowned among mountain bikers as the location for a huge range of premier mountain biking events from the UCI 2006 Worlds and the UCI 2006 Oceania championships to the inaugural single speed nationals in April 2008.

Other attractions provide plenty for the whole family. Paradise Valley Springs Nature Park features wild trout, animals and birdlife in a native bush setting. Lion feeding takes place daily here and at times during the year lion cubs are able to be cuddled.

The Agrodome, a 160 hectare working sheep and cattle farm gives visitors a hands on farming experience and a chance to interact with commercially farmed animals. Rainbow Springs Nature Park is home to the Kiwi encounter, a working hatchery and nursery.

The heartland of New Zealand, spiritual home to TeArawa and host to some of the worlds most incredible earth forces, Rotorua encapsulates the essence of this remarkable country a truly wonderful place to live, work ,raise a family or retire we commend it to you all.

EDUCATION

Rotorua is well served with educational establishments.

- Kindergartens/Playcentres, 20

- Child and Day Care Centres 30

- Kohanga Reo 17

- Primary Schools 13

(Includes 2 Catholic)

- Intermediate Schools 3

- Secondary Schools 5

(Includes 1 Catholic)

- Maori Immersion Schools 4

- Waiariki Institute of Technology

(tertiary education provider)