Chartwell Library - Kukutaaruhe

Te Ohomauri o Kirikiriroa, Hamilton City Libraries have been an essential part of life for Hamilton Kirikiriroa for over 150 years. Libraries exist to help people find their place in the hapori (community), provide access to reliable information and services, and help people connect through the koorero (stories) they love.

Chartwell Library Kukutaaruhe is the largest of the Community Libraries, servicing the expanding northeastern suburbs of Hamilton. It is situated in Lynden Court, directly across the road from bus stops and the Chartwell Shopping Centre.

Kukutaaruhe was the name of the gully system that extends through Claudelands and northwards towards Donny Park in Chartwell. In Te Reo Maaori, Kukutaaruhe translates as Kuku (native pigeon) Taaruhe (flight) in reference to the once large flocks of native pigeons that flew en masse in this area, densely forested with kahikatea and tawa trees. Ancient Maaori made snaring troughs termed Waituhi that were used for catching thirsty pigeons when they feasted upon the berries of the Miro, Kahikatea and Tawa.