FAQ's
Wakatere Venue Hire Frequently Asked Questions
PRICING
Our pricing varies depending on the type of event (wedding, conference, private function, etc.) as well as the time of day and time of year.
Please contact our Venue Hire Manager for a quote.
PERMITS & APPROVALS
Do I need a council event permit?
No permit is required to use the club building itself. Wakatere owns the sailing club and facilities. However, if you plan to use the area immediately beyond the club building (Narrow Neck Reserve) to erect any outdoor structure, sports or catering setups, you may need a Council event permit. It is your responsibility to see that this is completed.
Can I get married on the beach or grassy area outside the club?
Yes. Outdoor ceremonies are common, but approval must be obtained directly from Auckland Council.
Please note: Fort Takapuna is a Historic Reserve managed by the Department of Conservation (DOC), and a separate DOC permit is required.
CATERING & ALCOHOL
Do you have caterers?
No. You will need to organise your own catering. We are happy to provide local recommendations.
Where can food be prepared?
We have a full kitchen available. See our Catering information in the Venue Hire Info.
Please note: Caterers or suppliers may not cook or prepare food (including BBQs) on any part of the club’s wooden decks or floors.
Do I need a liquor licence?
Wakatere does not take bookings for events that require a licence. Our venue hire bookings are for private functions only, where alcohol may be served but never sold. You will need to supply your own alcohol. A LICENCE IS NOT REQUIRED TO SERVE ALCOHOL TO GUESTS AT A PRIVATE FUNCTION. (See additional note under Fundraisers)
Can I hold a fundraiser?
No. Due to council licensing requirements, Wakatere does not accept fundraiser bookings. You may not:
Sell alcohol
Charge an entry fee
Collect donations during your event
FACILITIES & EQUIPMENT
What facilities do you offer?
See our Venue Hire Info page for full details. See "what features does your venue offer"?
What does Wakatere supply?
We provide sturdy rectangular trestle tables and chairs.
All setup and pack-down must be completed by the hirer.
Do you have measurements of the hall?
Yes. See our Floor Plan document.
DECORATIONS & RESTRICTIONS |
Where can I hang decorations?
Decorations may only be hung from the existing mid‑level wall hooks. Under no circumstances shall any decorations, lighting fixtures, electrical wiring, or event-related materials be affixed to, suspended from, or otherwise attached to the ceiling or acoustic panels. The use of staples, nails, tacks, or tape is prohibited throughout the venue. Wall fixtures or club memorabilia must not be removed or altered. Any such action is strictly prohibited and may result in penalties or removal from the premises.
The following are STRICTLY PROHIBITED:
Attaching anything to the ceiling or acoustic panels
Using staples, nails, tacks, or tape anywhere
Removing or altering wall fixtures or club memorabilia
Penalties may apply for non‑compliance.
VENUE ACCESS & LOGISTICS |
Can I visit the venue before booking?
Absolutely. Use the venue hire contact form to make an appointment - Venue hire info
Does my function need to end at midnight?
Yes. Music must finish by midnight, and guests must depart shortly after.
What am I responsible for at the end of the function?
You must:
Leave the hall neat and tidy.
Remove catering supplies, furniture or hire equipment brought to the venue.
Stack chairs and tables as instructed.
Turn off all electrical equipment.
Lock and alarm the building.
What do I do with my rubbish?
Rubbish removal is included in the hire fee.
All rubbish streams must be carefully managed during your event. Separate recycling, compost, and landfill into the correct bins.
The cleaner will not do this for you, and our rubbish contractor will not collect unsorted rubbish. Penalties may apply for non‑compliance.
What will the cleaner do?
The cleaner will:
Mop floors
Vacuum carpet
Clean kitchen, bar, and bathrooms
Dispose of correctly sorted rubbish and recycling
Can we pack up the next day?
Sometimes. This depends on sailing activity or other bookings.
From spring to autumn, Sundays are regular club sailing days.
Please discuss options with the Venue Hire Manager - additional charges may apply.
PARKING & SURROUNDINGS |
Where can people park?
Guests may park in the free public Woodall car park across the road on Old Lake Rd (entry via Wairoa Rd or Seabreeze Ave).
Parking is not permitted on Wakatere grounds or on the reserve, including the grassy area beside the clubhouse. Refer to other transport options
Is there a road in front of the club?
The original Old Lake Rd once ran in front of the club but has been closed since 1980 and is now part of the Narrow Neck Beach Reserve.
We refer to it as the “old road.” Current Old Lake Rd traffic runs behind the club. Refer to Google Maps.
MUSIC & NOISE |
What kind of music is allowed?
Any kind of band, DJs, jukeboxes, and other music is allowed inside the hall.
However, the club is in a residential area, so noise levels must be kept to a reasonable level.
This is not a venue for very loud music.
SAILING ACTIVITY |
Will sailing be happening during my hire?
It depends on the day.
If sailing is scheduled, club members will not enter the building and will respect your booking.
Please check with the Venue Hire Manager for details.
EVENT TYPES NOT ACCEPTED |
We do not take bookings for teenage parties, 21st birthdays, or fundraisers.
Need to get in touch?
You can reach us via the contact form on our Venue Hire home page




