PRESS RELEASE
3/5/07

Otara’s Tangaroa College has put together the funding needed to build its new multi-million dollar sport and recreation facility.

The final piece of the funding puzzle is now in place, says Principal Ngaire Ashmore, with ASB Community Trust coming up with almost $1.5 million for the state-of-the-art $2.6 million dollar facility.

Construction of the multi-purpose recreation facility will begin in term four of 2007 and should be completed by mid-2008.

“The Board of Trustees, staff and students are very excited about the new complex,” Ms Ashmore says. “Tangaroa College has experienced an increase in student population over the last few years and has out-grown its existing gymnasium.”

In 2005 talks began with the Ministry of Education about funding to extend the existing gym. With further input from the Board of Trustees and community groups, the concept grew from building a gymnasium to meet the needs of students into a facility that would benefit the wider community.

“We are so grateful to the ASB Community Trust for taking the time to really understand that our application was not about a building, or bricks and mortar, but about creating a place that will enhance the outcomes and opportunities for our community, particularly our youth,” she says.

“With the Otara community growing rapidly, particularly the Tangaroa College end of the town, there’s a need for an indoor facility where the community, students and their families can meet and participate and which the school can also use.

“This facility will mean so much for our community. Students are already talking about how it could be used and what activities they could use it for in the evenings. They are even talking about hosting a chess competition.”

Ms Ashmore says the last year has shown how important it is for communities to make meaningful connections with young people.

“Otara has experienced, in recent times, real sadness with a section of its youth. We are confident that this facility will draw the youth in and give them an opportunity to be involved in really positive activities. There are some really exciting changes happening in Otara, particularly with youth. This complex adds to that excitement and could not have happened at a better time for us.

“We know how fortunate we are to have additional funding from the Ministry of Education, our Board of Trustees and from the other community trusts that so generously support us in creating life-changing opportunities for our students.”

ASB Community Trust CEO Jennifer Gill says the project won support because of its multi-purpose nature.

“This is going to be much more than a school gym,” she says. “It will be a gathering place for the whole community, a focal point where families can gather to join in social and cultural activities.”

Ms Gill says that the Trust was made aware that Manukau, with the youngest population in New Zealand, is short of suitable recreational facilities and Tangaroa College aims to make the new centre a place where positive youth leadership can be encouraged.

“Through the growth of sports clubs, the arts and performance, the centre will give youngsters a safe place to discover their potential,” she says.

ENDS

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