Netballers take shelter in new sport complex
The first stage of Waitara’s multimillion dollar Clifton Park Sports and Community Hub has been completed.
A large crowd gathered at the facility on Sunday for the official opening of the administration block and covered netball courts which were sponsored by Methanex.
The ambitious $6 million project began more than a decade ago, when the town’s gymnastics club wanted to build its own premises, and has been championed by North Taranaki Sport and Recreation Incorporated (NTSRINC).
Gymnastics Waitara moved into its new $1.8 million state-ofthe-art home in the complex in July 2017.
NTSRINC chair Howie Tamati said it was exciting to see the first stage completed and the project moving forward.
‘‘The concept is around gymnastics being the core. It’s the beginning of sports participation. It’s the strength, suppleness, agility and confidence which will give them the potential to move into other sports.’’
Tamati said he expected as the children got older they would progress on to other codes including basketball, netball, rugby and league.
‘‘They will have that solid base so Waitara can continue to produce athletes of New Zealand status.
‘‘That’s the key really. It’s the long term dream of the development of champions.’’
Tamati said the opening had been a long time coming and he was now looking forward to stage two - the construction of the community clubrooms.
‘‘We’ve really had to just focus on getting this done and set up ready to go.’’
Venue manager David Haskell said the project was a great initiative and would help nurture the sportspeople of the future.
‘‘It’s probably the most significant thing to happen in Waitara in the last 30 years,’’ Haskell said.
‘‘The town also has great expectations for it as well.’’
Haskell said once stage two was completed there was potential to work with additional sports and recreational groups in the final stage to try to incorporate as many activities as possible at the complex.
The ceremony included the unveiling of nine pou, or posts, designed by local artist Rangi Bailey.
Gymnastics Waitara head coach Shirley Baker said the club’s membership had gone from 100 to 400 since moving into the facility.
‘‘I’m sure that the community will use it and respect it.’’