Name Our Place

A new, state-of-the-art facility will be opening in Cromwell in July 2026, but first it needs a name. This facility will be a place that respects its memorial status while providing a modern, contemporary space for all of our community and visitors to feel welcome.

Purpose of the name

· Explains what the facility offers

· Easy to say and remember

· Directional tool

· Will stand the test of time

· Respectful

· Can be marketed

What's in the Facility

There will be something for everyone, including a café, museum, auditorium (up to 400 capacity), cinema (up to 40 capacity), meeting rooms that vary in size (up to 120 capacity) and a room with a wooden dance floor. We imagine people enjoying live events, school formals, watching a movie with friends, attending meetings or just relaxing in the cafe. This facility will be an incredible asset to Cromwell and the entire Central Otago District.

The design of the new facility respects and honours the past and looks to the future. This includes the War Memorial Gardens, the relocation of the cenotaph and a dedicated space to proudly display RSA memorabilia and host RSA meetings.

Dual Name

The facility will be dual named, with an English and te reo Māori name. The te reo Māori name will be gifted by mana whenua. The two names will be complementary rather than direct translations of one another.

How to get involved

Complete the survey on this page from 2 - 16 March 2026. Hard copies will be available at all council service centres and libraries. Come see us at any of the drop-ins below to have a chat and learn more. Click here for the community flyer.

We take your privacy seriously. Any personal details you provide will remain confidential. The results will be collated in a summary report that will include key themes that come through in the comments.

Please note that comments received for any survey are considered official information and may be released if requested under the Local Government Official information and Meetings Act 1987 (LGOIMA).

Please read our privacy policy before you begin.