More funds needed to finish complex
BY KERI MOLLOY
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Bay Chronicle
The BaySport complex at Waipapa is set to be a key factor in drawing regional sports events to Kerikeri but $100,000 is needed to close in the new wing and finish off toilets.
Further funding will be needed to complete a cafe and changing rooms and for a fit-out.
The expansion of BaySport ran into some unbudgeted expenses relating to geophysical works and the complexity of the onsite sewerage.
The BaySport committee is hoping to find a benefactor who is willing to con-
tribute to the building project.
The facility, with its 1200-square metre sprung floor surface, was one of the first few sports centres in the country to use the surface, back in 2006.
Since then the stadium has been in demand locally and is now attracting increasing interest from further afield as a top indoor
venue, linking with the new sports complex at Waipapa and the Domain sports field.
"The Auckland Judo Association wants us to finish this facility so that they can send up the New Zealand junior team to train on our dedicated floor area", says David Manning, one of a number of volunteers who help with the building project.
Mayor Wayne Brown says he expects the Far North District Council will offer some form of help with funding but it has to think of the whole district.
"Kerikeri has done well with recently developed facilities and Kaitaia is going to get its cultural centre – it is only right that the council should spend money in towns throughout the district. Sponsorship or a large contribution from a benefactor to complete the BaySport development would be very welcome."
The completion of BaySport will give Kerikeri a cocktail of sports facilities that will make the town a desirable training venue in the lead-up to the 2011 rugby world cup, Mr Brown says.
"Canada is keen to train in Kerikeri, using BaySport for indoor sessions to work on moves they don’t wish to show in public and they have already said they would like to use the Domain for public sessions, because it is close to town."
Tonga and Japan are also expected to make themselves at home in Kerikeri, using all three venues – the Domain, the new rugby fields on Waipapa Rd near the Heritage bypass and the BaySport facilities at Waipapa.
Sports affiliated with BaySport are basketball, football, inline skating, tennis, judo, squash and badminton. Inline hockey has gone from strength to strength since the stadium was built and the club’s Friday skate nights have a strong following.
"Community groups trying to improve their facilities could learn a lot by paying BaySport a visit and talking to these volunteers who have made it happen through hard work and perseverance", Mr McNally said this week.
Contact: committee chairwoman Florence Annison, on (09) 407-6555.
Fun skating has started again at Baysport Stadium, Waipapa, run by the Stingrays Inline Hockey club. Come along and have fun, all ages and skills. Competitions and prizes each week. Entry $5, skate hire $2. From 6pm to 8.30pm every Friday. Visit www.north landstingrays.org.nz.
- © Fairfax NZ News
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