| 107 COMMUNITY Ruakaka Recreation Centre The footprint extends over 880m2 in the new single level building with construction due to be completed by April 1 next year. Paul says, given the new building has been designed to cope with growth in demand for the next 50 years some areas have been designed on a larger scale than if existing demand was to be met. “We can add new spaces in the future. The foyer area, for instance, has been designed to accommodate future increase in use.” Hapu have been engaged and supportive as well assisting with the appropriate placement of the building on the whenua and in relationship to its environment. Christine says the building has been really well thought-out. “It gives local people a $2 gym session and the community room for larger groups is super-affordable. The reason we justify using tax-payer funds is to deliver facilities everyone can enjoy with no cost barriers.” Aspirations for community wellbeing run high by those behind the project. Christine says there is a strong social impulse propelling it forward. “We saw during the lockdowns, people missed going places and engaging with other people. This centre offers these opportunities so the benefits flow well beyond the physical, into mental health and resilience.” Paul adds that other benefits will flow, wider than offering visitors enhanced facilities and opportunities to engage. “For Ruakaka to grow well it needs the social infrastructure and facilities to attract new residents, business owners and developers to the town. This new centre will help support this and help create a more vibrant and engaging place for people of all ages to live and work in.” • Commercial • Residential • Industrial • Maintenance • Sheet Metal Fabrication GAS WORKS & PLUMBING LIMITED SUPPLY, INSTALL & SERVICE SPECIALISING IN ALL WATER HEATING & HOME HEATING SOLUTIONS www.gasworksandplumbing.co.nz WHANGAREI Corner of Poto St & Porowini Ave BAY of ISLANDS OFFICE 1229 Bulls Road, KERIKERI 0800 400 192
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