Funding confirmed for Netball Waitakere Centre

Funding confirmed for Netball Waitakere Centre

Plans for a multi-million dollar upgrade of the Netball Waitakere Centre have taken a big step forward with confirmation of a $1.64 million grant from ASB Community Trust.

Netball Waitakere’s Project Director Sheryl Hyndman says the $5.3 million development, which also has financial support from Waitakere City Council, is on track to begin early next year. The main focus of the project is to provide a netball facility which will meet the demands of a growing community. Initially three courts will be covered, meaning games can be played in all weather conditions.

“Historically netball has been played outside, but it doesn’t have to be,” says Ms Hyndman. “Today there is more pressure on time and space and Auckland’s changing weather conditions are also making it harder to play in good conditions.

“Covered courts are now one of the essential elements of a netball facility. This upgrade will ensure the future growth of netball and provide a facility that meets modern standards.”

ASB Community Trust CEO Jennifer Gill says Netball Waitakere developed a concept that anticipates future needs as well as serving more than 8000 current members.

“Netball Waitakere Development Board has thoroughly analysed its needs and requirements for the future,” Ms Gill says. “This project allows for a facility that will suit the needs of Netball Waitakere for the next 50 years and also allows options for growth.”

The Trust has also granted $858,000 to Auckland Netball, adding to the $2.8 million it granted in 2002 to help build the Auckland Netball Centre at Mt Wellington. The latest grant will go toward a sprung wooden floor, so the centre can host national events and be used for training at a national level.

“With more than 9,000 members this centre is the third largest in New Zealand,” says Auckland Netball’s General Manager Liz Leamy, “so there is no doubt about its community benefit. However, installing the wooden floor will enable the centre to operate at a national level, as was originally intended.”

The upgrade also lets Auckland Netball offer a variety of other community and sporting groups use of the indoor facility that will be of direct benefit to the wider local community.

ASB Community Trust’s latest grant means it has contributed 26% of the Auckland Netball Centre project’s total cost. Other major funders include Auckland City Council, NZ Lottery Community Facilities, Mt Wellington Charitable Trust, Lion Foundation, Sky City Community Trust, Portage Licensing Trust, NZ Community Trust, the Trusts Charitable Foundation, Century Foundation, Southern Trust and Infrastructure Auckland.

About ASB Community Trust

ASB Community Trust decides on grants for groups and projects in Auckland and Northland each month. Using funds from the sale of its shareholding in ASB bank, the Trust has granted more than $600m since being formed in 1988.

Any incorporated or charitable trust in Auckland and Northland can apply for funds, provided they are a not-for-profit organisation.

For more details about applying, visit the Trust’s website: www.ASBCommunityTrust.org.nz

(ENDS)

© Scoop Media