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1276 days ago

$6.4 million multi-sport centre opens doors in Ōtara

Caryn Wilkinson Reporter from Community News

A $6.4 million sports centre has reopened in Otara after a major facelift.

The Ngati Otara Multi-sport and Cultural Centre boasts a new clubroom, kitchen, changing rooms and first-aid centre at Ngati Otara Park.

The south-Auckland building comprises a laundromat for sports kit along with a first-aid room and a cafe/bar for members of the community.

Health services will be provided there at the Whanau Ora Medical Clinic.

Pacific Homecare will hold its Fia Ola (Want to Live) programmes for older residents at the complex.

Manukau Ward councillor Fa'anana Efeso Collins said earlier the upgrade would help develop and retain sporting talent in a disadvantaged community.

The Ngāti Ōtara sports centre was pivotal to the growth and development of local sports in Ōtara, he said.

"It gives local sports codes like rugby league, kilikiti, tag and netball decent playing areas where our local athletes will excel."

Auckland mayor Phil Goff said the new complex transformed the old facilities.

"This investment by Auckland Council recognises that Otara deserves a decent 21st-century sports facility that encourages our young people into sport and inspires them to realise their potential," he said.

Five different sports and more than 150 teams would use the facilities, he said.

Ōtara-Papatoetoe Local Board chair Apulu Reece Autagavaia said he grew up playing kilikiti (cricket) on the fields nearby.

"I remember, as a kid, it was my job to fetch stray kilikiti balls that made their way on the deteriorating roof.

“The previous building was dark, old and no longer fit for purpose. It feels incredible to be able to provide a beautiful, brand new building to the community we can all enjoy and be proud of. "

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More messages from your neighbours
1 day ago

Riddle Me That: Ready to Test Your Wits?

Riddler from The Neighbourly Riddler

If the prisoner tells a lie, he'll be hanged;
if he tells the truth, he'll be beheaded.
What can he say to save himself?

Do you think you know the answer to our daily riddle? Don't spoil it for your neighbours! Simply 'Like' this post and we'll post the answer in the comments below at 2pm.

Want to stop seeing riddles in your newsfeed?
Head here and hover on the Following button on the top right of the page (and it will show Unfollow) and then click it. If it is giving you the option to Follow, then you've successfully unfollowed the Riddles page.

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12 hours ago

Poll: Is it rude to talk on the phone on a bus?

The Team from Neighbourly.co.nz

Buses can be a relaxing way to get home if you have a seat and enough space. However, it can be off-putting when someone is taking a phone call next to you.

Do you think it's inconsiderate for people to have lengthy phone calls on a bus? Vote in the poll, and add your comments below.

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Is it rude to talk on the phone on a bus?
  • 67.1% Yes
    67.1% Complete
  • 30.5% No
    30.5% Complete
  • 2.4% Other - I'll share below
    2.4% Complete
882 votes
22 days ago

What's your favourite recipe for gooseberry?

Mei Leng Wong Reporter from NZ Gardener & Get Growing

Love gooseberries? Share your favourite way to enjoy them. We're looking for our readers' favourite family recipes for this delicious crop. Send yours to mailbox@nzgardener.co.nz, and if we use it in the magazine, you will receive a free copy of our December 2024 issue.

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