2015 a busy year for Te Rauparaha Arena
Te Rauparaha Arena emphasised throughout 2015 why it is the city’s premier venue for sports and events.
Recreation manager Wille Taurima said things had moved up a notch in 2015.
According to Porirua City Council figures, just under 200,000 users went through the arena.
With two gyms, function rooms, a dance studio, theatre, Arena Fitness and the Aquatic Centre – plus its central location and free parking – the arena has been immensely popular since it opened in 2008.
Events held at the Arena in 2015 included several Pulse matches in the trans-Tasman competition netball, the Silver Ferns taking on Fiji, conferences, concerts, wedding and home shows, festivals, dinners and awards events.
Taurima said the arena had hit new targets and that the goal for 2016 was to attract even more users.
Standout events at the arena included the Porirua 50th anniversary awards dinner and the funeral of All Black legend Jerry Collins.
The anniversary celebrations were held on October 3, 50 years after Porirua was declared a city.
The city proudly showed how far it had come in a high-quality function and the crowd of more than 650 honoured 50 of the city’s most generous residents or couples.
The Jerry Collins funeral on June 17 drew a near-capacity crowd who farewelled the big man in an emotional occasion. Several All Blacks, including such greats as Richie McCaw, Tana Umaga and Dan Carter, were present.
The three-hour funeral had moving and often humorous tributes from close family members and friends.
The Porirua Sports Awards were a hit and honoured hometown sports achievers such as Marama Elkington, Daniel Hillier and Ngarama Milner-Olsen.
Stage Challenge was hosted by Aotea College at the arena. Schools and families from around the Wellington region attended.
The Ministry of Cheer central cheer championships were another highlight, with more than 1000 athletes taking part.
Polyfest in July was as popular as ever, and the senior rock’n roll nationals in October drew huge crowds.
Hosted by the Kapi Mana Rock’n Roll club, the nationals also coincided with the club’s 30th birthday.
The nationals was a three day event that saw dancers from all over New Zealand compete, including Porirua’s own Bex Pine.