Pou Whakaaro now owns the land it stands on after purchasing the land at 40 Te Tahi Street from Whakatāne District Council. 
 
Pou Whakaaro had been leasing the land from Council for its Mental Health and Disability Services and community re-use centre CReW for the past ten years but has always had the intention of buying the land freehold. 
 
Whakatāne District Council General Manager Strategy and Transformation Steven Perdia says he is pleased to see the land remain with an organisation that contributes positively to the community. 
 
“Pou Whakaaro do so much good in our community including through their re-use centre CReW which sees many items saved from landfill and hosts their work in running zero-waste education initiatives. 
 
“Whakatāne Council holds land around the district, some, like harbour board land, are subject to a moratorium. This land was not subject to any restrictions on sale, and we are pleased to see it go to Pou Whakaaro.” 
 
The land was sold at market value with a purchase price set by an independent valuer. 
 
Pou Whakaaro General Manager Claire Pye says 40 Te Tahi Street has provided a great base for the charitable trust to run a range of mental health and disability services from. 
 
“The community also knows CReW as a great place to find many second-hand items and construction and demolition materials.
 
“CReW’s focus on reducing waste and the creation of employment are key strategic objectives for our organisation.”
 
Pou Whakaaro Chair Julie Jukes says the Board of Trustees are really pleased to now own the land that has been home to the organisation since 1982. 
 
“We are planning to develop CReW further and owning the land will support this.”