About Our
Community Centre

The 500m2 building will be complemented by great outdoor spaces that will meet the needs of the community now and in the future.

The Gate Pā Community Centre will be more than just a physical building. It’s about creating a central hub where the communities of Gate Pā can gather, feel safe, welcomed, develop new friendships and learn new skills.

The community centre will be something the community can own and be proud of, and becomes part of their identity. It will support the community to enhance their own wellbeing and create a more connected and inclusive community.

Everyone will be able to use the community centre. The community centre will provide a variety of professional services and advice; community programmes and events; multi-purpose rooms; a computer/digital hub, a kitchen for food preparation, kaumatua services, and a community noticeboard.

Source: Taranga City Council - Let's Talk Gate Pā Community Centre

Trina Taikato

Centre Manager

Born and raised in Tauranga, Trina has spent several years working across our health and social service sectors, supporting whānau and communities. Her mahi is grounded in kaupapa Māori values, relationships and a belief that strong communities are built through manaakitanga, whanaungatanga and collective action.

Trina is passionate about creating spaces where people feel connected, valued and supported, and contributing to opportunities that strengthen our community for generations to come.

Our Trustees

Trustee

Doug Barnes

Doug moved to Gate Pā in 2014 and quickly became involved in the local community, attending a newly formed Gate Pā stakeholders’ group that was set up to discuss the needs within the community. The idea of the community centre came from this group.

“I took the lead in submitting to Tauranga City Council for our community centre. I am passionate about the community centre as it will bring the community together to address the needs within the community. It will be a place where people are valued, and a place where they feel they belong.”

Trustee

Rachel Pinn

Rachel is passionate about building better communities. Her practical approach to planning, combined with her understanding of both local government processes and community needs, makes her a great fit for the community, where her Bay of Plenty connections and hands-on experience can really make a difference.

Rachel loves connecting people and has previously been the Chair of Financial Mentors here in Tauranga. More recently, she has held Board roles for the Department of Conservation and Kiwirail. Professionally, she runs her own consulting business in strategic planning and policy direction.

In her spare time, she likes to spend time with her family, walk her dog and cook.

Trustee

Ron Scott JP

Ron is a Gate Pā local and an elected member of the Bay of Plenty Regional Council. He also sits on the boards of the Blind Foundation, SILC Charitable Trust, Workbridge, the AA National Council and Consumer NZ.

“I’m thrilled to be part of establishing the Gate Pā Community Centre. The Gate Pā Community Centre is an exciting project because it creates a social centre for the Gate Pā community.”

Trustee

Esther Martin

Esther Martin is originally from Wellington and has lived in Tauranga for almost 14 years. She is married with two children. Her son is in his third year at Otago University, and her daughter is in Year 12 at Tauranga Girls’ College. Her parents have recently moved from Wellington to retire in Tauranga, and she is blessed to care for them. She is of Samoan descent, and her culture, religious faith and family are very important to her.

Esther enjoys watching rugby and netball and babysitting her great-nephews (twins).

She has worked for the Ministry of Health for many years and held many roles, including management. She worked for Pacific Island Community Trust Bay of Plenty as a Senior Manager, where she found her passion for serving and supporting the community. She now works for a national organisation that focuses on delivering disability support services as a Team Manager.

Her passion is to create pathways for communities to thrive and be resilient. She has many years of experience and skills developed over time, and she shares these with the community by serving as a member of the Gate Pa Community Centre Board of Trustees.