Wellsford sports boost

Teams from Kaipara Flats, Kaiwaka, Mahurangi College, Mangawhai, Maungaturoto, and Wellsford Netball Clubs were present at the inauguration.
Netball Rodney Centre president Kelly Ayres giving a speech before the start of the games.
Rodney Local Board chairperson Guy Wishart & Netball Rodney Centre vice president Lynette Gubb.

Netball Rodney celebrated the opening of its new courts at Centennial Park in Wellsford with a series of netball games last month.

The redevelopment programme, led by the Rodney Local Board, was a $2 million project to rebuild the six upper courts with new surfaces, drainage, fencing, lighting and clear markings, as well as wheelchair access and new pathways.

The area has improved accessibility and viewing areas, as well as providing safer separation between courts.

The work took around nine months.

The new facilities also cater for tennis, and include a basketball half court for casual use. The surface is designed specifically for sport use, so bicycles, scooters and skateboards are not permitted within the area.

The new courts replace the lower netball courts, which were deemed unsafe.