On behalf of Ngāti Whātua Ōrākei Trust
15 December 2017

Ngāti Whātua Ōrākei Trust calls for support of new multi-use sports facility

Ngāti Whātua Ōrākei (the Trust) is encouraging the Ōrākei Local Board to embrace the opportunity to build a multi-use sports facility at the Ōrākei Domain.
The Ōrākei Local Board is currently undertaking public consultation on how the Ōrākei Domain should meet the community’s needs, with initial consultation closing today.

Trust spokesperson Renata Blair says a sports and well-being facility would bring considerable benefits to the community and says there is strong support for one.

“We think it is a no-brainer really. A multi-use sports and well-being centre would provide a focal point for community and cultural activities in Orakei and serve as a major boost for our local people.

“We know that establishing such a centre would provide the many clubs and interest groups around Orakei, such as the Volcanoes, with a local base they can be proud of,” Mr Blair says.

Ngāti Whātua Orākei has made a formal presentation to the Ōrākei Local Board outlining community and iwi support before consultation commenced.
However, Mr Blair says the hapū is disappointed that despite several hui and interest from the Local Board, that it did not include the sports facility in its initial ‘possible layout’.

Ngāti Whātua Ōrākei is also concerned that the draft plans have included the potential removal of the existing bowling club – an important social resource for the community and a building currently leased by the Trust.

“If the Board is suggesting the removal of the bowling club this early in the consultation process, then it is surely not too early to canvas support for a possible sports facility as well,” says Mr Blair.

“To propose demolition of the bowling club with no consideration of a suitable replacement is a poor decision. We know there is widespread community support for a sports facility, so does the Board, so why not include it?”

Mr Blair says the Trust is also disappointed that Ngāti Whātua Orākei has not been engaged with directly about the Domain’s future – given the hapū connection to the area.

“The Local Board talks about its desire to work with community groups and individuals in delivering beneficial programmes and initiatives across the area.
“Ngāti Whātua Orākei are mana whenua of Orakei and have had a connection with this whenua for centuries.

“We are passionate about the community and its people, and we have a lot to offer, yet the Council is not willing to directly engage with us on this matter as partners”.

Ngāti Whātua Ōrākei has indicated to the Board that it is open to investing significantly in a sports and well-being facility, and is keen to discuss how this could happen.

“The facility would be largely funded by third party investors, so we are at a loss as to why the Local Board would ignore this request. We hope that they will reconsider their plans and recognise the full value of our proposal”.

The Trust will continue to encourage all members of the community who support the sports facility concept to contact the Local Board with their support – even after submissions have closed.

“Let’s show the Board how much support there really is for this project, and hope that they include the facility in their next round of consultation,” says Mr Blair.

ENDS

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