
Kyra Shaw-Toomey
Community Facilitator - Kumeū & Surrounds
Huapai Hub Comes Alive: Community Spirit Shines at Family Fun Day
On June 20th, 2026, the Huapai Hub hosted its inaugural Family Fun Day, a vibrant event designed to foster local connection and play. Organized by the Rodney Community Team, the afternoon successfully brought neighbors together to celebrate our community and envision the future of the Hub.
The area behind the Kumeū Arts Centre was filled with laughter and activity, featuring entertainment for all ages including Hungerball, Junk Play, face painting, and a scavenger hunt hosted by the Kumeu Library. Inside the art centre, families got creative with rock painting and a doodle table, with many parents joining in alongside their children. Everyone was kept fed by a free sausage sizzle, courtesy of Green by Nature.
The event’s success came from a collaborative effort between local partners, including the Kumeu-Huapai Lions Club, Kumeu Arts, Kumeu Library, and Green by Nature, with funding provided by the Rodney Local Board.
Beyond the activities, the event gave residents a platform to voice their vision for the area. Community feedback highlighted a strong desire for more local initiatives, including:
- Community markets, dance classes, and cultural/food festivals
- A Huapai playground, community kitchens, shared benches, and improved stage lighting
- Ongoing community-led classes for children
The Rodney Community Team expressed their appreciation for the turnout and the constructive input from the community. As the community continues to grow, the feedback gathered will help shape the future of the Huapai Hub as a shared community space.
Have ideas or want to be involved in our next community event? We’d love to hear from you. Contact me your local community facilitator, Kyra Shaw-Toomey, at kyra@rodneycommunity.org.nz.










