Another milestone for Sports Hub project
Kaitaia’s Te Hiku Sports Hub project has reached another milestone with establishment of a new board to replace the outgoing management committee that has got the project to where it is today.
The board will comprise five independent members, to be appointed by an appointments panel, one appointed iwi representative and two members elected by the member sports organisations.
Appointments panel spokesman Mark Osborne said the “changing face” of the sports hub organisation was the result of a recommendation from Sport Northland and the Kaitaia Sports Infrastructure Plan to amend the constitution to ensure that the governing body was made up of individuals chosen not only for the skill and experience needed for the project, but also to ensure continuity from the previous management committee, a voice for Ma¯ori and a voice for the member user groups of the proposed facility.
The panel, which was drawn together by Sport Northland, had worked hard late last year on a transparent process to select the five appointed members, which involved advertising and then interviewing a number of “great candidates”.
Three appointees — Angelina Wakarua, Ralph Garvin and Mike Mitcalfe — would join previous management committee members Robin Schiff and David Senior.
“All five board members bring a wide range of skills and experience required to take the project through the development phase and into the operational phase,” Mr Osborne said.
“They will be joined in time by the newly appointed iwi representative member and two elected members. This will be one of the first jobs to be completed by the five new members.”
Mr Osborne added that he was delighted with the result of the process, and the calibre of those who had joined the board.
“The project has gained much momentum recently, and I’m sure that having a governance-focused board driving it forward will take it to the next level,” he said.
He commended the previous committee for the job it had done over the last six years, and looked forward to its continued support and “vital” input.
“I take my hat off to the previous committee, most recently led by David and Robin, for their vision and for the commitment and dedication they have shown to get the project this far,” he said.
“We now look forward to their continued support of the new board in making the project a reality for the benefit of Far North residents”.
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The first phase of the $12 million Te Hiku Sports Hub project, consisting of earthworks, a new entrance off South Rd, a new car park, improved sports field drainage and a stop bank beside the river, which will double as a 2km walking/cycling/fitness trail encircling the whole development, has been completed.
“This has resulted in highquality multi-sports fields for rugby, soccer, cricket, rugby league, softball, athletics and archery,” Mr Osborne said.
The next phases would see the existing netball courts upgraded and the development of an indoor sports facility, including shared sports clubroom space, changing rooms, a gymnasium and a heated indoor pool complex, complete with lane pool, hydrotherapy pool, learn-to-swim pool and toddlers’ water play area.
Major funding for the project had so far been secured from Far North District Council (including a targeted rate) and the Northland Regional Council’s regional sports facilities rate. Applications to the Provincial Growth Fund and Foundation North were pending, while another to the NZ Lotteries Grants Board was currently being prepared.
Success with those applications could see work begin on detailed drawings this year, and a start to construction as early as 2020.