South Waikato Sport and Events Centre open!
The brand new South Waikato Sport and Events Centre is now open to the community and bookings are coming in steadily.
November and December event bookings already include a wedding reception, the District Sports Awards, the Trade Training Apprenticeship Graduation, a hippy Graduation party, the Taniwha registrations and prizegiving, the Raukawa Māori Language Awards, the Raukawa AGM, Tainui School class fun day, Business After 5, the Local Government Zone 2 meeting, a volleyball league and a Sue Nicholson - Answers from the Other Side session.
"One of the major drivers in building this facility is that it is for the community and we needed to ensure that bookings costs were affordable," said Centre Manager Heather Gaby. "We are pleased that we have been able to achieve this with really affordable rates for both function rooms and the sports arena. An added bonus is that we have discounted the full day arena booking by 50% for locals."
The official blessing of the brand new South Waikato Sport and Events Centre took place on 23 October. Over 60 people attended the blessing by Raukawa Kaumatua. Those present included Councillors and staff, members of the Sport and Leisure Board, Raukawa, youth, the Pacific Island community, representatives from the architectural and construction firm, individuals who have a long association with the project and the Partner - Business, Central Plateau Manager of BNZ. BNZ has just confirmed sponsorship of over $200,000 to the project over the next 10 years.
"We are extremely grateful to BNZ for seeing the value in this facility and what it will mean to our community," said Mayor Neil Sinclair. "The blessing of the facility saw all sectors of the community coming together to celebrate. Council appreciates the support from the Raukawa Board, youth and of course the many people who have worked tirelessly to see this project through to completion."
"Now it's up to the community to get in there and start using it!"
The project has been talked about in this community for over 20 years. With the funding commitments from Lotteries, Trust Waikato and The Lion Foundation last year of over $1.5 million; it was a 'now or never' for Council to finally commit to breaking ground in October last year.
quot;We are very pleased that the total project cost, including the services, surrounds, parking and roading came in under budget; and the project was completed ahead of schedule," continued Mayor Sinclair.
Staff are working towards the official opening which will be held on Saturday 1 December, over the Tokoroa Big Weekend. ends: words: 424
