Projects seek Council dollars and support

Pasifika hub, hockey turf, sports centre: they’re all proposed in Hamilton and all want something from council.

Backers of the city projects made their pitches in the council chambers this month during hearings for Hamilton City Council’s long-term plan.

Hamilton’s Pasifika community has been working towards a central community hub for two decades, councillors heard.

K’aute Pasifika Trust is leading the charge and was among the first group of submitters.

The vision is a pan-Pasifika community facility with community space, a Pasifika GP service and early childhood education, and a head office for K’aute Pasifika.

The group has its eye on a spot in Hinemoa Park, where the Hamilton Stadium Bowling Club was, and is hoping council will give it ownership.

It would cost about $9.63m for modifications and buildings at Hinemoa Park, a submission from K’aute Pasifika chairman Edgar Wilson said.

There’s also a project brewing in the hockey community.

‘‘At the moment, we’re des- perate for turfs,’’ Waikato Hockey chief executive Declan Wyndham-Smith told councillors.

That’s why his organisation backs a plan for Hamilton Boys’ High School to build a turf for community use.

The school has committed $600,000 and built 50 parking spaces.

It will approach funders for a further $600,000, and Waikato Hockey has agreed to operate the community turf once built.

What the groups want from council is a contribution to renewal and operational costs, and about $300,000 for turf lights.

On the other side of the river, Hamilton Girls’ High is planning a community performance, health, and wellbeing centre.

The school would like Hamilton City Council to consider a partnership.

The proposal is for four to six indoor netball courts, an international court, four to six outdoor courts, and a highperformance area and fitness centre, she said.