Our story

A grassroots, community-led centre

Merivale Community Centre is a grassroots, community-led organisation in the heart of Merivale, Tauranga. We provide a safe, welcoming space where people can find support, connect with their neighbours, and access the services they need.

Our vision is a thriving, vibrant community realising its potential, where people are safe, connected, and making healthy choices for themselves, their whānau and their community.

We've been operating from the heart of Merivale since 1993, growing from a small drop-in space into a recognised hub for whānau support, youth development, and community wellbeing across Tauranga.

Tūtarawānanga

Our new home

In 2025, we opened a purpose-built facility designed for the next generation of Merivale's community life.

Our new building, Tūtarawānanga, was blessed by Ngāi Tamarāwaho and Ngāti Ruahine in 2025 and opened soon after. It was designed in partnership with the community to support the way Merivale already works – flexible spaces, room to gather, and places to meet quietly.

The facility includes Pekerangi Hall, three meeting rooms that can be combined, a commercial kitchen, dedicated youth and counselling spaces, and a basketball court (maintained by TCC). It's available to community groups for free and to organisations and businesses at affordable rates.

Explore our spaces →

Our team

The team behind the Centre

Dave Merton

Centre Manager

Jen Murray

Operations

Team Member

Social Worker

Team Member

Youth Worker

Governance

Our Board

A volunteer board of trustees keeps the Centre accountable to the community it serves. Tap any name to read more.

Board MemberChair

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Board MemberTrustee

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Board MemberTrustee

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Board MemberTrustee

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