$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. "
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Harbour Bridge lane closure - protests
The Treaty Principles Bill was introduced to parliament last week and could have ramifications on the partnership between the Crown and Māori.
Hīkoi mō te Tiriti (March for the Treaty of Waitangi) set off from Cape Rēinga on Monday morning and is expected to reach Wellington next Tuesday. It has now passed through Kaitaia, Kawakawa, Whangārei, Dargaville and is passing through Auckland on Wednesday.
What you need to know today:
- The hīkoi is due to cross the Auckland Harbour Bridge about 9.30am on Wednesday. Two northbound lanes will be closed at some point before the crossing, and remain closed during it.
- NZTA shared at 8:50am Wednesday:
'Curran St northbound on-ramp will be closed shortly, with two northbound lanes on the Harbour Bridge expected to close from approx 9.30am this morning. Allow extra time for likely delays through this area.'
- The hīkoi is expected to go across the Harbour Bridge, in a controlled fashion before marching through parts of the CBD towards Okahu Bay.
- Auckland commuters should expect traffic disruption in vicinity of both sides of the Harbour Bridge.
Stuff reporter Steve Kilgallon was at Stafford Park on the north side of the Harbour Bridge at 8.30am Wednesday and shared:
"I just walked through Stafford Park, where there’s about 400-500 people quietly assembled and more arriving; and about 20 police standing over near the motorway off ramp. Lot of Tino Rangatira flags in evidence, local streets very busy with parked cars."
Police have shared that they will respond accordingly to any issues that may arise along the route.
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