AUCKLAND CITY COUNCIL

MEDIA RELEASE

30 March 2006

Auckland City grants support to Waiheke community facility

Auckland City's Arts, Culture and Recreation Committee has approved an increase in the annual operational grant provided to the Waiheke Recreation Centre Trust from $25,000 to $85,000.

The increased grant will support community access to the facility and allow the new operator - Community Leisure Management Ltd (CLM) - to develop and run new community activities and recreational programmes at the centre.

Chairperson of the Arts, Culture and Recreation Committee, Councillor Penny Sefuiva, says Auckland City hopes the increased grant will help to make sure the community use of the facility is maximised.

"The Waiheke Recreation Centre is a valuable asset to the Waiheke community. We look forward to seeing the new operators further develop and improve the services and programmes offered to the Waiheke community," says Councillor Sefuiva.

In its last meeting, the Arts, Culture and Recreation Committee endorsed the appointment of CLM to operate the Waiheke Recreation Centre on behalf of the owners, the Waiheke Recreation Centre Trust.

Since opening in March 2003, use of the facility has been shared between the Waiheke High School and the community, with the school having use of the facility during school hours, while the community has access during non-school hours.

Auckland City contributed $750,000 to the building of the centre through its Facility Partnership Scheme, which allows not-for-profit organisations to apply for funding for community, arts, cultural and leisure-focussed capital works projects.

ENDS

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