Kaikōura’s Scenic Courts Repaired After Almost A Decade

Friday, 28 February 2025, 6:23 pm
Article: David Hill - Local Democracy Reporter

After a false start, Kaikōura’s community has celebrated the reopening of its multi sports courts.

Locals gathered at the newly refurbished Takahanga MainPower Multi Sport Courts, on the corner of Esplanade and Killarney Street, on Tuesday (February 25), after rain dampened last Friday’s official opening.

The former tennis courts were severely damaged in the 7.8 magnitude earthquake in November 2016.

The Kaikōura District Council received a Lotteries earthquake grant soon after the quake, but it took some time to reach agreement between local sports clubs to restore the courts as a multisport facility.

Initially the courts will be used for tennis and netball, with the opportunity to include other sports.
Kaikōura Mayor Craig Mackle said restoring the courts had been ‘‘a tremendous team effort’’ of council staff, user groups, sponsors and contractors.

‘‘We may be biased, but these multisport courts could quite possibly be the most scenic place in New Zealand to either play or watch tennis and netball.’’

The project, which has been split into two stages, is expected to cost around $350,000.

Stage two will involve installing lighting and other additions.

Other funding has come from the previous Government’s ‘‘Better Off’’ fund, MainPower, North Canterbury’s electricity network, the Kaikōura Community Op Shop and the council.

While MainPower is the naming rights sponsor, the Takahanga name has been retained to recognise the cultural significance of the site to Ngāti Kurī.

The new Takahanga Sport and Recreation Facility next door has included changing facilities for tennis players and netballers.

LDR is local body journalism co-funded by RNZ and NZ On Air.

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