New chapter for Kerikeri Service Centre

Far North District Council’s (FNDC) service centre in Kerikeri will be relocating from the John Butler Centre on Kerikeri Road to nearby Procter Library next year.

The council has given notice that it will be moving out of the ground floor premises and plans to open the service centre at the library by 1 May 2025.

The relocation is part of wider efforts to reduce costs within the organisation, without reducing services, by investing in council-owned assets rather than spending money leasing non-council premises.

The move also reflects the changing demands of our community. There are now fewer walk-in customers at the service centres, and residents complete more tasks online. The role of libraries is also changing. They are now much more than just book lenders – they are community hubs offering a wide range of services and activities, so it makes sense to enhance the facilities by incorporating the service centre within the library.

The change will maximise existing resourcing and support the operation of increasingly busy libraries while maintaining critical service centre functions for Kerikeri. FNDC is focused on developing a multi-skilled workforce so staff can help the public at both the library and the service centre.

Designs are being drawn up to adapt Procter Library to accommodate the new service centre, with a contractor expected to be appointed in the next few months. Works to reshape the library will be carried out using renewal funds already allocated to this building. No new budget is required.

Adaptations include changing the front counter, opening the area around the current counter to increase the public area on the lower floor, adding two meeting rooms, altering the customer returns and self-checkout area to make access easier, and increasing the upstairs office space.

Free parking is located across the road from Procter Library, and disability parking is designated outside the library.

Head to the Kerikeri Service Centre, Procter Library webpage for more information.