Community food support new focus for historic Victoria Hall

An historical hall more than 125-years-old has received a new lease of life and a new focus – supporting community food security in Mt Roskill, Auckland.

Victoria Hall, which was previously located in Avondale, was moved to the Community Feeding Communities (CFC) and The Storehouse site on Dominion Rd, Mt Roskill, in 2022, as part of a joint initiative between Presbyterian Support Northern (PSN) and the Northern Presbytery.

The building was previously set to be demolished.

It has since been renovated and will now play a key role in CFC’s support for local community food security and support for the Christian community through The Storehouse.

PSN Community Relations Manager Anne Overton says the new facilities in the hall are impressive and will offer much to the community.

“Victoria Hall will allow us to do so much more to realise our vision to nurture the strengths of the local community. We now have a new community kitchen for hands-on and demonstration cooking classes and local use for events, an urban living room for people to meet in and a community hall that will be used by both CFC and The Storehouse, a community of faith that will be based there under the guidance of Reverend Fa’amanū Akeripa.

“The Storehouse already meets fortnightly for regular Sunday worship. Over time, as the number of people who join us grows, we hope that people will see Victoria Hall as their spiritual home,” says Rev Fa’amanū Akeripa.

“A wide veranda at the back overlooks the gardens and the children’s play area and there’s a deck at the front where people can sit and talk. There’s also an updated food bank space for emergency food parcels for locals and people referred by support agencies,” says Anne Overton.

“Victoria Hall will allow us to provide budgeting support and deepen our relationships with the community and find creative ways to help people on their journey.

“We can host workshops, special events, and work with different community groups to help foster local well-being and food security.”

From The Storehouse team’s point of view, the priority is to hear and respond to the needs of the community, and offer a space that nurtures people’s spiritual well-being and faith. Their community-focused activities include the Jesus Kids ministry on Wednesday afternoons and a lawn mowing service. They are looking forward to developing a mainly music group once Victoria Hall opens.

The official opening of the renovated Victoria Hall as well as an open day, took place on Saturday April 6 at CFC, 1207 Dominion Rd, Mt Roskill.

Celebrations included music and entertainment from local schools, fun activities for children run by the Recreators, and a communal feast that symbolised the rich tapestry of cultures woven throughout our community.

“We’re really looking forward to welcoming the community and everyone who has helped, worked, visited or volunteered in our kai space and gardens,” says Anne Overton.

“Come and find out what we’re all about, see the new Victoria Hall and enjoy  the gardens, the amazing food and our nature play area, hear about what’s going on and let us know how we can help or work together.”

Communities Feeding Communities is led by Presbyterian Support Northern and The Storehouse is led by Northern Presbytery (a region of the Presbyterian Church). The CFC team’s main focus is on working with the local community on achieving food security. The Storehouse’s main focus is to build a mission-focused community that looks to do church differently.