SOME FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS:

What is available?

The Conference Centre is available for hire by outside organizations, when it is not in use by the Congregation.  Built in 1994, the Centre is a modern, bright, well-equipped facility within the central Wellington district.

The Hall, which is located on the ground floor, has maximum seating capacity for up to 180 people in theatre style.  However, it is often used for smaller groups, for a variety of activities ranging from training seminars to public forums and wedding receptions.

To the left of the Hall and divided by the kitchen, we have two rooms that are often used for smaller groups:

* The Fellowship Room, which can take up to a maximum of 30 people if chairs are arranged in theatre style;
* The MacKenzie Room, which has seating capacity for up to 40-45 people if chairs are arranged in theatre style.

There are other rooms upstairs, which can comfortably seat from 20 to 30 people.

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Are there good access and toilet facilities for people with disabilities?

 
The entry to the Conference Centre is flat and wide enough for a person in a wheelchair.  Unfortunately, we do not have a lift to the second floor.

If any member of a group needs to be driven to the door of the Conference Centre for health reasons, please let us know beforehand so that we can  arrange for the parking bollards to be removed.

Are there appropriate toilet facilities for people with disabilities?

There is a toilet for the disabled on the ground floor inside the Hall itself.

What is the cost of hiring the various facilities?

The general rates from 1 April 2009, which are inclusive of GST, are:

Whole Conference Centre, Whole Day: $1500 (Day and Night)

Ground Floor Only, Whole Day: $1200

Cancellation Fee per room per day: $75 (For cancellation less than 1 week to event)

These costs cover the costs of heating, lighting, cleaning and maintenance.

Is there a subsidised rate for non-profit organisations?

We reductions on the above rates to any charitable trusts, clubs, community groups, or other non-profit organisations.

Whole Conference Centre, Whole Day: $850 (Day and Night)

Ground Floor Only, Whole Day: $600

Cancellation Fee per room per day: $50 (For cancellation less than 1 week to event)

What equipment can we hire and at what cost?

We can offer the use of the following audio-visual equipment:

* Overhead Projector                              $25.00 per day
* Video Recorder and Monitor                $25.00 per day
* Flipchart stand or Whiteboard              $20.00 per day
* Sound Reinforcement System             $75.00 per day

Is there crockery and cutlery available on site?

Yes.  We have an assortment of crockery and cutlery available at no additional charge.

Is there a booking fee?

No, but if you fail to cancel within a week of your booking or do not appear, there is a cancellation fee.

Do we have to set up the room ourselves?

There may be the odd occasion when we are not able to set the room up for you for logistical reasons.  Rather than refuse you the venue, we might ask you to set the room up yourselves.  Some clients prefer to do so anyhow.

Do you provide tea and coffee?

No, you are expected to provide your own tea, coffee, milk and sugar.

Can you arrange catering for us?

No.  We expect any users of the Conference Centre to make their own arrangements, although we can make recommendations if you are from out of town.

Do we need to clean up after our function?

As the Conference Centre is not run along commercial lines, we do ask patrons to do their own dishes, for which a sterilizer is provided.

How do we book?

You can either ring the Office on (04) 385 1546 or complete the  Facilities booking form   and either email or post it to us.  We will contact you within 48 hours to confirm whether your booking is possible.

Can we park within the church grounds?

There is limited parking available. For further information, please contact the Church Office.

How do we pay?

We normally invoice you at the end of the month, and would ask for payment by the 20th of the following month.  If you would prefer to pay on the day, please let the office know and we will arrange for an invoice to be ready for you on your arrival.

Some clients who use the Conference Centre on a regular basis prefer to pay by automatic payment. We have no objection to this, as long as you advise us beforehand.

Please note: On rare occasions, St John's in the City may have to override an outside booking for the use of the premises. Should extraordinary circumstances arise, we will contact you as quickly as possible.

Some comments from people who have used our conference centre

"Thank you so much for the use of your fabulous premises during the year."

"Thank you for permitting us to rehearse in your lovely facilities in late August. The convenient location, coupled with the warm and friendly venue, made it a pleasure to be there."

"I didn't realize that St John's had such a marvellous facility. It was lovely having access to the courtyard at lunchtime; great to stretch the legs."

Who can we contact?