But when it comes to naming Central Otago’s most ambitious community facility ever, what’s in a name really does matter. As the new $46million build in Old Cromwell rises from its working title of Cromwell Memorial Hall and Events Centre (aka "the facility by the lake") the Central Otago District Council is inviting the whole district to help choose a name that reflects its bold purpose and the shared aspirations of our communities.
On track to open in July 2026, this facility is not just a replacement for the old hall but a vibrant hub for culture, events and connection. It’s a place designed for everything from local gatherings and performances to large-scale functions, cinema nights, exhibitions and conferences. With a prominent location overlooking the beautiful Kawarau River and a design that weaves together cultural stories and local identity, it deserves a name that is as ambitious as the build itself, and one that speaks to the future opportunities it represents for all of Central Otago.
While sales of the Cromwell Endowment Land is paying for construction, every community in the district will share the ongoing operational costs. That’s why the naming process isn’t just for Cromwell — the name will belong to every resident of Central Otago and everyone is encouraged to have their say.
The council will formally open community consultation in March but now is the perfect time to start thinking about what this facility should be called. What words or stories best express our district’s character, our aspirations and our sense of place? Better yet, residents are invited to join the public workshop in early February, where ideas will begin to be explored before consultation opens.
Community board members and councillors are encouraging people to think creatively. There will also be opportunities to name individual spaces within the building, such as the auditorium and meeting rooms, allowing a rich tapestry of local stories and identities to be reflected throughout the facility.
A recommendation for the English name will go to council in April following the district-wide engagement period, with a gifted te reo Māori name from mana whenua to follow.
Whatever name we ultimately choose, it should resonate across the district and reflect the confidence we have in our future. This building is more than bricks and timber, it is a place for all of us. And the process of naming it is the first step in making it truly ours.
