About Featherston Community Centre
Kia ora! Featherston Community Centre is the town’s non-profit community hub, established in 1992 and owned by a charitable trust on behalf of locals (fcc.nz ). Nestled on Wakefield Street behind Featherston’s boutique shops and deli, the building is fully renovated (2020) with 2022 soundproofing (fcc.nz ). It serves as a warm, welcoming gathering place for the Wairarapa community – a “bumping space” for everything from social events to support services. The centre’s constitution explicitly dedicates it to hosting services, classes and events that boost the well-being of Featherston and the wider South Wairarapa (fcc.nz ). In practice this means support groups, community programmes and creative clubs all find a home here. Signature features include a large professional-style kitchen area, murals on the exterior walls, modern AV facilities, reliable Wi-Fi and a cozy woodburner for heating. The vibe is friendly and inclusive: the centre buildings are “warm, inviting and easily accessible” (fcc.nz ), with wheelchair-friendly parking, ramps, entrances and restrooms to suit all ages. Its relevance goes beyond the building itself – Featherston locals describe it as a pivot for local culture and mutual aid, helping coordinate community projects (like the Booktown festival fairs and local posters) and outreach (like Meals on Wheels and free food pantries). In short, Featherston Community Centre is the heart of Feathy’s community life, making it a unique and beloved gathering spot.
Events and Programming
The Centre hosts a lively variety of weekly and one-off events – from fitness classes to music, craft workshops and support services. Regular activities include Feldenkrais “Move Better, Feel Better” classes on Mondays and Saturdays, belly-dance and yoga sessions (often koha-based), plus gentle fitness and balance classes for older residents (fcc.nz ) (fcc.nz ). Creative addicts can join weekly ukulele and guitar jams, knitting and sewing circles, toy library mornings (for families with little ones), mah-jongg or cards clubs, art & craft workshops, and special-interest meetups like the Featherston Wahine Singers. The centre’s offices are used by therapists and community groups (e.g. counselling, legal clinics, addiction support, playgroups) on a drop-in or appointment basis, making it also Featherston’s local support hub (waisct.org.nz ).
In addition to recurring classes, the Centre stages occasional larger events. In summer it plays a key role in Featherston’s creative festivals – for example, staff and volunteers collaborate on the month-long “First Friday” free music-and-kai concerts at the town’s circular Squirkle square (www.aa.co.nz ). Annual community gatherings like Booktown fringe talks, a Christmas party, or Matariki celebrations often use its halls or kitchen. Local artists have hosted small exhibitions and craft fairs in the spaces, and the Centre even ran the famous “Iti Art Sale” (supporting local schools) before passing it on to a youth art space in 2022. The Centre’s own newsletter and social media keep the calendar full, so there’s usually something on nearly every week – from senior-citizen socials and children’s playgroups to evening seminars, live music evenings and whānau-oriented events. Most programming is open to all ages and backgrounds, reflecting the Centre’s focus on supporting “all people in Featherston” (fcc.nz ).
Tickets and Booking
Apart from door-trade workshops, many Centre events are free or by koha (donation) – it’s community-oriented rather than profit-driven. When paid events are held (for example a visiting band night or a ticketed workshop), tickets can usually be obtained by contacting the Centre directly or via local listings. There is no public box office on site; instead, tickets or RSVP info might be available online through the Centre’s website or Featherston event pages, or you may need to call ahead to reserve a spot. Booking larger group events (like hiring the Kauri Room for a 50th party or corporate meeting) works via an online calendar on the Centre’s website or by emailing their office. Room hire prices are kept very affordable, with half-day and full-day discounted rates, and extra discounts for local charities. (In fact, the Centre strives to cover only half its costs through rent, making activities accessible (fcc.nz ).) **Pro Tip:** For popular evenings and weekend events, especially councillor visits or annual meetings, book at least a few weeks in advance or join any mailing list of the Centre – bookings and cancellations are handled by email or phone, and cancelled bookings within 24 hours may incur a fee (fcc.nz ). There are no complicated seating tiers – most events are general admission or simple chair seating.
Seating and Layout
The building layout is straightforward: a foyer leads to three main halls, plus a professional kitchen and five smaller office/huddle rooms. The largest hall is the **Kauri Room** (approx. 9.4 m by 7.9 m), which can comfortably fit 40–90 people depending on how chairs and tables are arranged (fcc.nz ). Because it’s the biggest space, Kauri is often used for lectures, workshops, dance or music rehearsals, community meetings and private parties. It has radiators and a woodfire for warmth, and large windows or doors opening onto an outdoor area. The adjacent **Kōwhai Room** is bigger than a meeting room but cozier – about 6.85 m by 6.4 m with seating for roughly 17–43 people (fcc.nz ). Crowds like to use Kowhai for playgroups, small conferences, games clubs or birthday parties. Both main halls have flexible layouts (conference style, theatre style, or open floor) and all facing any speaker area or front/lectern is simple. The Community Kitchen (9.3 m by 3.8 m) offers vinyl flooring and high ceilings; it’s oriented for daylight and set up for cooking classes or buffet service (stove, dishwasher, fridge/freezer, benches and dishware provided). Some groups hire Kauri together with the kitchen for catered events.
Best Seats & Acoustics: Seating is movable, so “best seats” depend on the event. In the Kauri Room, front-row seats near the speakers or presenter give the best view and sound. Acoustically, both main halls have had 2022 soundproofing additions, so sound carries well but is contained (neighbors munching on snacks won’t disturb a yoga class next door). Bonus: the Kauri Room’s old log burner means cosy warmth at the front in winter. In Kowhai, no seat is really bad – it’s more intimate. If you need a quiet spot, sit away from the doors (to avoid drafts) and not directly next to the kitchen door if a cooking class is on.
General Admission & Special Spots: There is no fixed gallery or standing-room only area – most events use chair seating. However, for casual gatherings you might spill out to the sunny outside courtyard. For VIPs or speakers, front rows in Kauri or a little side-room nook (there’s a small mezzanine area) are handy. In a pinch, the five office rooms (Kanuka and Totara hold 8–10 each, smaller Rimu/Rata/Tawa hold ~6) can be used for breakout sessions or overflow. If facilities allow, Kauri’s breathing room makes it a fine place to set up a projector screen or portable stage for small concerts or film nights.
Getting There and Parking
The Centre’s address is **14 Wakefield Street, Featherston (postcode 5710)** – that’s just a block off Featherston’s main street (Revans Street) and across from the Pae Tumokai medical center. By car one reaches Featherston via State Highway 2; it’s about a 60-minute drive from central Wellington over the Remutaka Hill. If you’re driving in town, look out for the brightly painted murals on the Centre’s building – they’re a good landmark. There is a **generous on-site car park** right behind the Centre (fcc.nz ), and street parking on Wakefield St too. Parking is normally free of charge (no meters) but it fills up quickly on busy nights, so arriving early is wise.
Public Transit: Featherston is served by Metlink train and bus. The Wairarapa Connection train from Wellington stops at Featherston Station (on Station Road, a 10-minute walk north of the Centre). Upon arrival by train, exit toward Featherston township and head roughly 1 km south along Revans Street or take Fitzherbert Street walkway to Wakefield – it’s flat and an easy 10–15 minute stroll to the Centre. There’s also local buses: Metlink Route 200 (Masterton–Greytown–Featherston–Martinborough) stops near the town centre on Revans Street (roughly a 3-minute walk). Once on Wakefield Street, you’ll see the Centre sign. Limited rideshare (Uber/Zoomy) service exists locally late at night, or you can call the local taxi (e.g. South Wairarapa Cab). For active travelers, Featherston’s bike trails connect nearby, and there are bike racks on site.
Inside the Venue
Stepping inside, you’ll find a friendly and relaxed community atmosphere. The main entrance leads to a foyer where guests may sign in or find event flyers on a community board. There is no formal box office; staff often welcome visitors in person. Security is minimal (no metal detectors) – trust and good behavior are assumed, though the Centre does have a no-tolerance policy for disruptive conduct. Coat racks are available in the foyers of each hall. You’re free to mingle in common areas before events start. Coffee and tea making facilities are shared – the Centre provides mugs and tea/coffee supplies (usually on donation) for attendees, so coming with a reusable cup is a plus. Private events can hire the full kitchen (with stove and dishwasher), but there’s no permanent cafe counter or bar.
Nearby are wheelchair-accessible restrooms (including at least one unisex/gender-neutral toilet), making the venue inclusive. Free Wi-Fi is accessible in office areas (fcc.nz ) (and likely spreads into halls), and mobile signals are generally good in Featherston. If you bring a disabled-access companion, the Centre has wide doors and flat floors for easy movement. For tech needs, the Centre often has a portable PA/speaker system and a pull-down projector screen – rental of this equipment should be booked in advance by the event organiser. There is a single stage riser set-up occasionally available, but many performances just use the flat floor. Plan to wear comfortable clothing – “smart casual” is typical. Do check the event notes: some classes require bare feet or mats (e.g. yoga) while casual concerts allow normal outdoor shoes.
Nearby Amenities
When you arrive early or have time after an event, Featherston offers plenty of local options. The Centre is within easy walking distance of Featherston’s cafés, restaurants and shops. For pre-show dining: try The Royal Hotel (Revans St) for pub-style meals and craft beer, or Harvest Barn (a gourmet deli-cum-cafe around the corner) for sandwiches, soups and local cheeses. On main street check out the modern Featherston Restaurant-bar (upstairs at the Art Hotel) or cosy cafes like Java Valley and bakery-sandwich shops. For quick coffee or breakfast, the Station Cafe right outside the railway station is popular. There’s also a next-door liquor store and dairy convenience store in town.
For refreshments during events: you may bring your own snacks, and volunteers sometimes sell home-baking or coffee at community gatherings. There is no full kitchen service open to the public aside from functions – any catered food would need to be pre-arranged through the Centre.
Nearby Hotels/B&Bs: Featherston has lodging options surprisingly close by. Ti Arakura (The Art Hotel) [^1] on Revans Street offers artistic, modern rooms and a bar (just a 2-minute walk). The heritage Golden Fleece Motor Lodge and Station Road Motel are 5–10 minutes’ walk away. If you prefer a rural stay, Domain Retreat is just outside town on Wharf Road with a shuttle service. (Many locals even open their homes as B&Bs.) Arriving the night before? It’s easy to park and drop off a car at most inns.
Given Featherston’s laid-back pace, it’s good to arrive 15–20 minutes early to enjoy the atmosphere, grab a cuppa and settle in. Public amenities: there is a public restroom at the Featherston Domain (stationary car park on Duchess St) open late, and ATMs are in town. For late-night departure, Wellington trains stop in Featherston around 8 pm on weekdays and 10 pm on weekends, otherwise local taxis service overnight.
What Makes This Venue Special
Featherston Community Centre stands out for being 100% community-owned and fiercely locally focused (fcc.nz ). It’s not a sterile corporate venue – every corner feels cared for by volunteers who live here. Many long-time residents note that “everyone mucks in,” whether painting murals outside or chopping wood for the fireplace inside (the logs are stacked invitingly in Kauri). The Centre has a very Kiwi character: for example, trust manager Jo Baldwin and staff once even rallied volunteers to upgrade the public kitchen to commercial standard so excess produce could be turned into soup for hungry locals (www.aa.co.nz ). Cultural significance comes through projects like the town magazine (covering community news) or the organization of century-old traditions (Anzac commemorations often have meet-ups here).
Architecturally, the Centre may not be heritage in itself, but it frames Featherston’s heritage – sitting just below the Remutaka Ranges and across from the Pae Tū Mōkai Māori healing centre. Inside, folk-art by locals adorns the walls. It hosted iconic literary festival moments (part of Featherston’s famous Booktown) and often rings with the sound of Māori greetings (the foyer actually carries a mural with a Māori proverb). Both visitors and performers love the Centre because it “gets” the Feathy vibe: too small to be impersonal, yet full enough for a good crowd. Notable moments include packed-out knitting markets, kids performances at candlelit Christmas concerts, and that time a touring band played acoustically in the log-fire-heated Kauri Hall. For many, the Community Centre is more than a building – it’s like coming home to the whole town’s living room, where lifelong friendships are made at the Piknik Pasifika or chess matches on a Sunday afternoon.
Visitor Tips and Information
Accessibility: The Centre is wheelchair-friendly, with ramped entrance(s) and accessible toilets on the main floor (fcc.nz ). Assistance dogs are welcome. If you have mobility needs or sensory concerns (e.g. loud sounds), call ahead—staff can usually accommodate requests, such as reserving an easy-access piano seat or providing a quieter corner.
What to Bring: For events, check your ticket details (if any). Generally, no special gear is needed. If it’s a class, bring any personal equipment (yoga mat, sports shoes, instruments) as directed. Weather can vary so layers are smart – while there is heating, winter events can be snug near the fire. A reusable water bottle or snack is handy (especially for all-day workshops). And bring koha/cash (even $2–5) – many community classes and the pantry welcome donations to keep the Centre running. You might also bring a notepad for workshops or a small bag to collect any literature provided.
Venue Policies to Know: No alcohol is sold on-site unless pre-approved by the Centre (BYO drinks may need permission). Smoking or vaping is strictly banned inside and within 10 m of entry ways. Pets are not allowed, except service animals. For safety, large bags or equipment might be asked to be kept near you – valuables can often be stored in a supervised cloakroom when available. The venue adheres to basic COVID-19 guidelines: if infectious or unwell, please stay home (hand sanitizer is on hand). Photography during classes or confidential meetings is usually discouraged unless you have permission. Most attendees dress casually – there is no formal dress code.
Common Mistakes to Avoid: Don’t arrive late – doors often close right when events start. Plan transit ahead, as the last train and bus can leave before 9 pm on weekdays. Register for events early since free classes may still have limited spots. Remember, the Centre is shared space; if you spill something or rearrange furniture, please clean up or put it back. Finally, if visiting for the first time, ring the doorbell or knock (the glass entrance can look closed even when people are inside). You’ll usually be greeted warmly.
Insider Advice: Join the Centre’s mailing list or Facebook group (even if you don’t use social media, their posts are very informative) to catch surprise pop-up events. Chat with volunteers—many are locals who can point you to hidden gems in Featherston. You might score discounted class bundles or learn about off-hour hall rentals by word-of-mouth. And if an event involves kai (food), arrive with an appetite – Featherstoners love to share treats!
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I book a room or event space at Featherston Community Centre?
To reserve space, visit the Centre’s website where you’ll find a booking calendar, or contact the office (06 308 8239 or
[email protected] ) during weekday business hours. Essential details (date, time, room required, expected numbers) are needed. The Centre staff will confirm availability and guide you through their low-cost hire rates. Short notice bookings or urgent needs are handled faster by phone (
fcc.nz ).
What is the capacity of the Featherston Community Centre?
It depends on the room: the large Kauri Room (9.4×7.9 m) can seat roughly 40–90 people (
fcc.nz ). The medium Kowhai Room (6.85×6.4 m) fits about 17–43 people (
fcc.nz ). Smaller office rooms hold 6–10 each. Overall the venue can comfortably host up to 120 people spread across all spaces, but fire-code limits mean you should stick to posted room occupancies.
Is the centre accessible for people with disabilities?
Yes. The building is single-story with no steps at main entrances, and parking spaces close to the door. Doors are wide for wheelchairs, and there are accessible toilets on site. The venue advertises itself as “easily accessible” (
fcc.nz ), reflecting its inclusive design. If you need extra assistance (e.g. moving seating or special equipment), contact the Centre ahead so they can accommodate you.
How can I get tickets for events at the centre?
Most community centre events are free or by koha, so formal tickets aren’t always needed. Paid events (like guest speakers or concerts) may use simple advance booking or door sales. Check Featherston event calendars or the Centre’s Facebook/website for details. Often you simply RSVP via the listed contact (email/phone). Buying tickets is usually handled directly by the organizers, not a third-party box office.
Is there onsite parking, and do I have to pay?
Yes – the Centre has a substantial free car park at the rear of the building, as noted on its website (
fcc.nz ). It fits dozens of cars, so it’s usually easy to find a spot close to the entrance. Street parking on nearby Wakefield Street is also free (mind local time limits). There are designated accessible parking spots too. No ticket or parking meters are required.
What public transport goes near Featherston Community Centre?
Featherston’s train station on Station Road is about a 10–12 minute walk north to the Centre. The Wairarapa Connection train from Wellington stops here regularly (about once an hour off-peak). For buses, Metlink’s Route 200 travels through town (Masterton–Wellington line) and stops on Revans Street near the Centre. Both train and bus schedules can be found on the Metlink website. If you take the train, follow Park Rd off Station Rd and cross Revans St to head down Wakefield St. Ride-share services are limited but a local taxi service covers the area by phone.
Can I bring food or drink into the venue?
For most events, you can bring your own snacks and non-alcoholic drinks – attendees often do. However, the Centre provides a well-equipped kitchen and sometimes offers tea/coffee at a donation basis. Alcohol isn’t sold on-site; drinking alcoholic beverages usually requires prior permission for a private function license. If you hire a room, you can use the kitchen to serve food, but must leave it clean. In general, pack what you need (e.g. water bottle, or picnic foods) as only full-fill catering is done by arrangement.
Are children allowed at events? Is it family-friendly?
Absolutely. The Centre is very family-friendly, and many programs are specifically for kids or whānau (families) – for instance, playgroups and holiday workshops. Some evening events (like alcohol or adult-only classes) may be 18+ only, but those will be clearly advertised. There’s even a toy library that runs inside every Saturday, so bring the little ones to borrow toys or play with community kids. In short, children and elders are welcome at most activities as long as they are accompanied by an adult.
Is Featherston Community Centre wheelchair accessible?
Yes. There are ramps at the entrances and an accessible restroom, so wheelchair users have full access to the main halls. The entire facility is on one level, with flat floors throughout. The Centre explicitly notes it is “easily accessible” (
fcc.nz ), which means doorways and bathrooms accommodate mobility devices. Volunteers can assist if needed, so just call ahead if you require extra help.
Is there on-site technical equipment like microphones or lighting?
The Centre has basic AV gear for community use. A portable PA and microphone (cordless or handheld) can usually be borrowed, and there’s a pull-down projector screen in the Kauri Room. Stage lighting is limited – overhead lights are bright white fluorescents, dimmable if arranged in advance. For film nights you may need to bring a projector, but many groups simply plug laptops into the provided HDMI port and use the hall lighting. For bigger gigs that need pro sound or elaborate lighting rigs, organizers must bring in external AV specialists. Always check with the office about what the Centre can supply for your event.
