Why do some community centres become true neighbourhood hubs while others struggle to engage? In a recent learning forum, venue managers from our global network of community spaces, came together to swap ideas, challenges, and a few laughs. The stories they shared offered practical strategies that any community space can adapt — no matter its size or location. Here's our write up of the best nuggets of wisdom that they had to share on community building.
Lucy Mary, from Āiotanga Community Space in central Auckland, reminded us how powerful it is to connect a centre’s activities to the story of the land it sits on. She spoke about the whenua (land) gifted by Ngāti Whātua Ōrākei and how this legacy still shapes the role of their venue today.
“I often sit inside the Āiotanga community space, and I think about that aspiration… how might we play some role in nurturing partnerships that create prosperity for people and place here in our neighbourhood?”
Lucy-Mary
Āiotanga now hosts language classes, yoga, workshops, and local gatherings — all with the goal of weaving together neighbours, histories, and cultures. Their approach shows that when centres root themselves in the unique story of their place, people feel a deeper sense of belonging.
Kieran Patel runs MoveSpace, a creative hub on Dominion Road in Auckland. His family once operated one of the first Indian restaurants in the city from the same building — and today, it has been transformed into a multi-use community space for gigs, workshops, and co-working.
Kieran shared how MoveSpace thrives by focusing on values over activities. Instead of defining themselves as just an art space or just a co-working space, they began with a simple guiding statement:
“A place between home and work where you can create and share what you love with the world.”
That openness has led to salsa nights, murals, recording programmes, and even magic shows. The lesson? Centres flourish when they allow people to bring more of themselves into the space.
Both Lucy Mary and Kieran emphasised the importance of programmes that repeat and deepen bonds. At MoveSpace, for example, a small recording project evolved into a funded programme where local musicians like Jamila recorded their first singles — and now run workshops for others.
At Āiotanga, cohorts of residents come together for composting, storytelling, and local history projects. This model of “journeying together” gives people ownership and strengthens ties.
It wasn’t just the speakers who shared ideas. Attendees from other community venues joined in with inspiring examples:
Factory Theatre (Sydney, AUS): Highlighted their free library, a simple initiative that encourages exchange and connection.
Holden Hill Community Centre (Adelaide, AUS): Celebrated their stunning Indigenous mural, a visual anchor for the community.
MoveSpace Rooftop (Auckland, NZ): Mentioned by participants as a much-loved creative gathering spot.
These stories show that success doesn’t always require major funding or infrastructure — sometimes, a mural, a garden, or a shared library can be the spark for community connection.
A recurring theme was the importance of moving past simple room hire. Centres succeed when they invite people to contribute — whether that’s painting a wall, running a workshop, or sharing personal stories.
As Kieran put it:
“You want people to move from being a customer to being a community member. That’s when they really bring themselves into the space.”
Start with your story: Every centre has a history worth sharing — let it shape your activities.
Design for authenticity: Vulnerability and creativity build stronger connections than polished perfection.
Run programmes, not just events: Cohorts and residencies deepen bonds and create lasting impact.
Celebrate what’s local: Murals, gardens, and seasonal traditions are powerful connectors.
Think beyond bookings: The magic happens when people become co-creators, not just hirers.
Watch the full webinar 'Learning from fellow community venues'
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