12 | New centre a new chapter for Waitaki Local philanthropists Doug and Donna Hurst pledged to match every dollar donated by local businesses and families up to $5m, helping galvanise fundraising efforts across the district. T T from page 10 REGIONAL Waitaki District Council/Network Waitaki Events Centre Trust • PLUMBING • GASFITTING • DRAINLAYING • INDOOR & OUTDOOR HEATING SOLUTIONS • WEBER BBQ SPECIALIST • SPA POOLS • DOMESTIC • COMMERCIAL LPG GAS DELIVERIES 8AM-5PM HEAT & HOME SHOWROOM HOURS 9AM-5PM 224 Thames St, Oamaru Ph 03 433 0011 info@hiflo.co.nz www.hiflo.co.nz “This is much more than a sports centre,” he says. “It gives the district a place for conferences, performances, exhibitions, tournaments and events that simply could not happen here before.” The project grew out of longstanding concerns about the lack of regulation indoor courts and quality event facilities in the district. Studies undertaken with Sports Otago identified a shortage of indoor venues suitable for basketball, netball and other sports, while also highlighting missed opportunities to attract regional competitions and events. Alex says the new facility changes that completely. “It creates opportunities for economic growth as well as community wellbeing,” he says. “When you can host tournaments and conferences, people stay in local accommodation, eat in local cafes and restaurants and spend money throughout the district.” The Waitaki District Council committed up to $15 million towards the development, but community support proved equally important in bringing the vision to life. Local philanthropists Doug and Donna Hurst pledged to match every dollar donated by local businesses and families up to $5 million, helping galvanise fundraising efforts across the district. Mel says that sense of local ownership has become one of the defining features of the project. “This was a community-led and community-funded project from the beginning,” she says. “There was over- whelming support when the proposal went out for consultation. People understood what this facility could mean for the future of Waitaki.” Construction was undertaken through a design-and-build contract with Apollo Projects, with a strong focus placed on using local subcontractors. “Building a project of this scale was challenging for our district,” says Alex. “But a concerted effort was made to subcontract work locally when possible so that money flowed back to benefit the community.” The facility has also been carefully designed to reflect both the surrounding landscape and the district’s identity. Ōamaru stone has been incorporated into the building design to connect it visually with the region, and Ngāi Tahu senior artist Ross Hemera created cultural artwork inspired by the Waitaki River and developed in consultation with Te Rūnanga o Moeraki. The artwork incorporates the riporipo motif, representing both the swirling movement and calm flow of the river, while also symbolising energy, community interaction and shared aspirations. Sustainability features include rainwater harvesting tanks, LED lighting with smart controls, thermally broken joinery, high- performance insulation, secure bike parking and provision for future EV charging infrastructure. Alex says the centre is also expected to strengthen Centennial Park’s role as a major sporting hub for North Otago. Phase 2 of the project, expected to begin later this year, will involve the construction of a covered grandstand attached to the side of the building, funded by the North Otago Rugby Football Union and the Events Centre Trust. Alex says the opening marks the beginning of a new chapter for the district. “This facility gives Waitaki confidence,” he says. “It tells people this district is ambitious, connected and prepared to invest in opportunities for future generations.” Mel encourages residents to embrace the venue and help ensure it thrives. “We want people to support this new community facility and make the Waitaki district proud,” she says. “The exciting thing is that this building can become whatever the community imagines it to be.”
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