Date: 20 August, 2009

Stage One Of Northland Events Centre Project Complete

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The first stage of the $16 million Northland Events Centre project is now effectively complete with the second, final stage of the ratepayer-funded development expected to be finished - on time and budget – by May next year. (subs: May 2010)

The centre, currently under construction at Whangarei’s Okara Park, is subject to a strict $16 million budget cap; $13M to come from the Northland Regional Council (NRC) and $3M from its Whangarei District Council (WDC) counterpart.

Ken Paterson, Chief Executive Officer of the Northland Regional Council, says the first part of the staged development - a new pitch, refurbished 3000-plus seat north stand and embankments is effectively now complete.

The public is expected to get a chance to use the first stage facilities for the first time when the Northland Rugby team plays its first home game at Okara Park on Friday 28 August.

Work on the Events Centre itself – which includes a four-level building housing a new 2500-seat south stand, convention centre and office space – began several months ago and is scheduled to be handed over in late May next year.

“Work is progressing extremely well and the contractors are about to begin work on its final level. The project remains on time and on budget.”

Mr Paterson says the project was given a $2.5 million boost from Central Government in May for enhancements linked to the Rugby World Cup in 2011.

“That extra funding has enabled a raft of improvements to the facility – at no additional cost to ratepayers - which will continue to benefit Northlanders from all walks of life for many years to come. These include additional floor space on level one, extra sealed areas, upgraded kitchens, extra toilet facilities, a second goods lift, additional extra seating in both the North and South stands, upgraded floodlighting and enhanced public address and security features.”

Mr Paterson says the public can check progress on the centre via a photo archive on the Regional Council’s website www.nrc.govt.nz/eventscentre

Meanwhile, he says the NRC and WDC have been working with the Northland District Health Board and the Cancer Society Northland and have jointly agreed the entire Northland Events Centre complex – including its grounds – will be smokefree.

He says while the centre itself is still under construction, the smokefree initiative will apply to the grounds immediately, ensuring it is in place ahead of the Northland-Otago rugby match this month.

The smokefree status means smokers will only be able to smoke in designated areas outside each entrance to the grounds. Even then they will still need to be at least 10-metres away from the entrances.

Northland DHB Smokefree Coordinator Bridget Rowse says she is thrilled with the stance taken by the two Councils and the support shown by Northland Rugby as a major user of the park.

“Research shows kids are more likely to take up smoking if they see others smoking around them, because it seems like normal adult behaviour. A smokefree events centre and grounds will help keep our kids smokefree.”

ENDS

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