Netballers are only weeks away from playing under cover at the Manurewa Netball Centre.
Cranes dominate the Browns Road site as the beams and infrastructure that will support the all-weather canopy are put in place.
Manurewa-Papakura Councillor Angela Dalton says it’s a great sight and she’s looking forward to finally seeing the covers in place later this month.
“It’s excellent to see the site being prepared for the covers that will go over the courts at Manurewa Netball so our players can be protected from both the rain and sun.
“It’s a fabulous project that will also provide more opportunity for other sports to utilise the grounds all year round.”
She says Eke Panuku Development - Auckland Council’s urban regeneration agency - substantially funded the rubberisation of the courts and the cover.
“Eke Panuku has been amazing to work with and has shared the vision of seeing improved facilities in the south. Great things like this can be achieved when we collaborate on getting great outcomes for our people. Relationships are the key.”
The new 3,000 square metre canopy will cover four courts so that training will be able to take place during wet weather and at night.
Complete with lighting and a sound system, the canopy is the second stage of improvements to the courts and will mean the local community can enjoy even more tournaments, events and initiatives
Eke Panuku is keen to enhance sporting opportunities in the south of the city as part of its Wiri Healthy Neighbourhood programme, where sports and activities will be built into its regeneration of the area, with more than 3,500 new homes to be built.
Manurewa Local Board chair Joseph Allan says the courts were resurfaced in 2019 thanks to more than $1millioin in funding from Eke Panuku’s Transform Manukau urban regeneration programme. Another $700,000 will be provided for development to be completed this financial year.
“It’s a contribution from Eke Panuku that’s going to be a tremendous help in getting more Aucklanders to be more active, more often.
“The Board is proud to be a key partner in Transform Manukau, and of course the health and fitness of our community couldn’t be a higher priority.”
Eke Panuku South Auckland location director Richard Davison says Transform Manukau is about building on the pride, values and talent of the people who call it home.
“Local netball culture is a core part of the neighbourhood and we’re thrilled to be enhancing Manurewa’s passionate netball scene.”
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