Mercury, the owner of the Arapuni Hall, is now managing the building, taking over from the South Waikato District Council.
The Council had leased the hall from Mercury for an annual nominal fee since 2008 under an agreement that it must pay for maintenance of the building.
Through its Long-Term Plan 2024-2034, Council identified the hall for review because of its low level of use, high maintenance costs, and the presence of another Council-managed facility, Puketurua Hall, just 3.7 km away.
A building inspection was also completed by the Council, which found the roof tiles at the Arapuni Hall contained asbestos.
The Council said the cost of repairs would fall on the general ratepayers, and so after discussing the matter with Mercury, a decision was made to end the lease.
There were no extra costs associated with exiting the lease for the Council.
Mercury is now looking after maintenance of the building, as well as maintenance of the fields between the hall and the tennis courts/bowling club.
It is planning to commission its own building inspection of Arapuni Hall to help determine the next steps.
It has met with community members using the hall to outline the changes, discuss the results of the Council's building inspection, and to discuss use and bookings.
The community is happy to continue using the hall in the short term. No decisions have been made over the future of the hall, and Mercury will keep the community informed.
Civil Defence services have the option to use the Puketurua Hall, which is a four-minute drive (3.7km) from the Arapuni Hall, for emergency management if required.
Bookings for the hall can still be made via the email: hall.arapuni@gmail.com