$150K Slam Dunk: Titahi Bay School Scores Big With Covered Court Boost

New Zealand Community Trust (NZCT) has awarded Titahi Bay School a $150,000 grant to build a Covered Outdoor Learning Area (COLA) canopy over the school's basketball courts—ensuring students and the wider Porirua community can play, learn, and connect all year round.

Titahi Bay School takes great pride in being a community-centred kura and has long been a beacon of community engagement, offering out of hours community access to the school’s a pump track, turf field, and basketball courts.

Principal Matthew Tilley says, “Our basketball league brings together forty teams from Porirua and Tawa primary schools, creating a vibrant hub of community activity. Thanks to this generous NZCT grant, the new canopy will allow us to run the league year-round—rain or shine—giving our tamariki more opportunities to play, stay active, and develop their skills.

Beyond basketball, the canopy will support daily play, PE, Kapa Haka, and school events without disruption. It also provides a welcoming space for the whole school to gather—offering shade in summer, shelter in winter, and a lasting symbol of the strength of community partnerships and our shared commitment to healthy, active lifestyles for generations to come.”

Jacinta Kelleher, Head of Sport, adds “A gymnasium is often not financially realistic for primary schools, so this canopy is the next best thing.”

NZCT’s GM of Grants, Marketing and Communications, Ben Hodges, adds, “This project ticks all the boxes—sport, culture, learning, and connection—and we’re thrilled to be part of it. Grants like this wouldn’t be possible without the responsible gaming partnerships we share with our local venues Legends Bar, the Mariner, and the Sandbar Mana.

Notes:

Tītahi Bay School is nestled in the heart of Tītahi Bay, a short distance to the beach and harbour. They have New Entrants to Year 6 children and are a vibrant school which embraces the cultural traditions found within their diverse group of students.

New Zealand Community Trust (NZCT) is one of the largest gaming societies in New Zealand. In 23/24, NZCT awarded over $40 million in grants for a wide range of community services, including sports, rescue services, youth development, the Arts, and cultural activities.More on NZCT’s grants programme, harm prevention approach, and partnership with hospitality venues throughout New Zealand.

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