Featuring both contemporary and historical photography, this book records a part of New Zealand history and culture that risks being lost as small towns change and become more urbanized: the importance of local community halls. Telling the stories of the people who lived in those small towns and whose social lives were mainly centered on the community halls, the account demonstrates how community spirit eased hardships. Colorful, funny, sad, happy, and at times tragic, this book will interest social historians and those who value kinship.