Viewpoint – Sport support

Sport and recreation, and the council parks that enable them are vitally important for the health and wellbeing of the Hibiscus Coast community; they build its fabric across age, gender, ethnicities and backgrounds.

Keeping and adding to existing facilities is critical, especially against contrary agendas. Fellow Albany Ward councillor John Watson and I were at the forefront of the recent battle to save, and change the operational management of, North Harbour Stadium, which culminated in the crucial vote to do just that at council’s Long Term Budget. 

Recently I attended my local Whangaparāoa Tennis Club AGM in Manly. The club is among the strongest in Auckland with robust membership, healthy finances, hugely competent committee and a facility to be proud of. Well done to outgoing president Alf Sayers and a sterling leadership team. After a decade of sustained requests, the club can now expand with prospect of two new courts thanks to a local board decision (HM December 11, 2023).

Like many of our super successful recreational Coast clubs, the model of council/club owned land, club owned buildings, community/sponsorship support and competent leadership works. Over the year I prioritise engaging with many clubs attending AGMs, awards, watching matches, being behind the scenes for advice and support and ready to help – preferably earlier rather than later.

Ōrewa and Red Beach surf clubs continue to improve their facilities with Ōrewa progressing fundraising for a new facility after a council grant and local sponsors like G J Gardner. Red Beach has expanded its facilities with amazing outlook year-round of beach and surfing activity – check them out.

Currently a well appreciated exercise class called Forever Fit at the Stanmore Bay Pool and Leisure Centre is under threat of closure. Like many recreational activities, it’s part of the wellbeing routine of our community, catering not only for healthy, customised exercise but also the important social aspect. I’ll do the best I can to see it retained.

At many local clubs I attend in some capacity and enjoy, such as tennis, table tennis, rock and roll, aikido, football, rugby, and the regional/national facilities like North Harbour Stadium, Western Springs, Mount Smart and Eden Park – there is the combination of sport and social with spillover enhancing local hospitality and accommodation. Food and drink with friends before/during/after (which doesn’t necessitate alcohol) enhances social fabric, creates employment and lifts communities. Like many Coasties, my children were active in local sporting clubs and my wife and I enjoy the recreational scene.

I believe that the Gulf Harbour golf club must be saved and hats off to the dedicated team and community support that is fighting to achieve this – their concerted effort deserves support.

Commendations also to this community newspaper that is itself a reflection of the community in its steadfast support of local sport and recreation with regular stories and recreational features in every issue. Behind this is afterhours and weekend engagement that deserves appreciation and advertising support.