Ever wondered why the Methven Domain always looks so good? Or how the Mt Somers Memorial Hall managed its recent facelift? It’s your local Reserve Board, Domain Board or Hall Board in action, quietly working with Council to get things done.

These Boards are made up of volunteers who love and support their communities, and they make sure they have good local facilities where people can meet, celebrate and play. The boards operate in the same three-year cycle as Council, and in the next three months will be looking to elect new members.

The Methven Reserve Board held its last meeting of the cycle recently and its volunteers include a mix of long-time members and newcomers. They have all devoted countless hours to improving their domain and can also tap into a network of community helpers with a wide range of skills.

Most of the Board has a connection to or represents groups that use the reserve area and all are keen for the green space to be used well. Recent business included organising and putting up signs at each of the domain’s four entrances, an issue highlighted when an ambulance was called to the grounds recently.

Looking ahead to November, the board heard about plans by the Methven Tennis Club to celebrate its 125th jubilee, and what they can do to help.

At Mt Somers, the hall floor has been sanded and coated with polyurethane and new stage curtains installed, while further afield the Mayfield Reserve Board will be ensuring its grounds are in top condition for a major Scout camp in January involving 1000 venturers and adults.

The Mayfield Hall Board has also been busy and gained funding from the Creative Communities Scheme to frame Ngaio McKee prints that were gifted to the hall. Once framed, these will be put up in the supper room at the hall.

Council Chief Executive Hamish Riach said the 18 Reserve and Hall Boards did important work for their communities, and were keen to recruit new people.

“These groups will be holding their triennial meetings soon and I hope their communities support them, whether that is joining a board or committing to helping on a regular basis.”

Each board has a chairperson and finance person, and the Boards have a Council officer dedicated to helping them be as effective as they can.

Council established the special support staff role several years ago and it has proven a success – boards have help to set their budgets and workstreams, and a point of contact within Council.

Mr Riach said the Reserve and Hall Board members planned big work, like exterior painting or a new roof, and small work, which they often did themselves.

“They are resourceful and knowledgeable, and proud of their community, and in return, the assets they help look after draw people to their area, to visit or live.”

The triennial meetings will be advertised as dates and times are confirmed.

Meeting dates set so far:

• Rakaia Reserve Board - Monday 31 October, 7.30pm at Rakaia Bowling Club
• Ruapuna Reserve Board - Tuesday 1 November, 7pm at Ruapuna Hall
• Tinwald Memorial Hall Board - Wednesday 9 November, 7pm at Tinwald Hall
• Methven Reserve Board - Wednesday 23 November, 7pm at Methven Rugby Club