$6.4 million multi-sport centre opens doors in Ōtara
A $6.4 million sports centre has reopened in Otara after a major facelift.
The Ngati Otara Multi-sport and Cultural Centre boasts a new clubroom, kitchen, changing rooms and first-aid centre at Ngati Otara Park.
The south-Auckland building comprises a laundromat for sports kit along with a first-aid room and a cafe/bar for members of the community.
Health services will be provided there at the Whanau Ora Medical Clinic.
Pacific Homecare will hold its Fia Ola (Want to Live) programmes for older residents at the complex.
Manukau Ward councillor Fa'anana Efeso Collins said earlier the upgrade would help develop and retain sporting talent in a disadvantaged community.
The Ngāti Ōtara sports centre was pivotal to the growth and development of local sports in Ōtara, he said.
"It gives local sports codes like rugby league, kilikiti, tag and netball decent playing areas where our local athletes will excel."
Auckland mayor Phil Goff said the new complex transformed the old facilities.
"This investment by Auckland Council recognises that Otara deserves a decent 21st-century sports facility that encourages our young people into sport and inspires them to realise their potential," he said.
Five different sports and more than 150 teams would use the facilities, he said.
Ōtara-Papatoetoe Local Board chair Apulu Reece Autagavaia said he grew up playing kilikiti (cricket) on the fields nearby.
"I remember, as a kid, it was my job to fetch stray kilikiti balls that made their way on the deteriorating roof.
“The previous building was dark, old and no longer fit for purpose. It feels incredible to be able to provide a beautiful, brand new building to the community we can all enjoy and be proud of. "
How much are you paying for your bin tags?
With bin tags on the way out, we want to hear how much you are still spending on them.
Q&A: Animal Welfare with SPCA's Dr Corey Regnerus-Kell
We're back with a Neighbourly Q&A session. This time with Dr Corey Regnerus-Kell who is a qualified veterinarian and SPCA’s General Manager Animal Services.
A little bit about Corey:
Corey has an interest in veterinary medicine, animal welfare, and biosecurity. He shares his home with ostriches, guinea pigs, bees, a rescue tortoiseshell named Lynk, a ragdoll named Oscar, two mini foxies called Chester and Maya and a black Labrador named Bonnie.
Dr Corey Regnerus-Kell is excited to answer your questions on all things animal welfare, whether it's how to best look after your new pet, how to combat separation anxiety or how to report neglect.
↓ Share your questions now ↓
Poll: Should you ask before planting tall shrubs/trees near your property line?
It may be fine now but in a few years trees can block out light or views for neighbours.
Do you think neighbours should ask before they go ahead and plant these?
-
69.3% Yes, always ask
-
29.9% No
-
0.9% Other - I'll share below!
Loading…
