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STAGE ONE OF HUB OFFICIALLY OPENS SUNDAY 20 JULY 2008
Less than perfect weather didn’t keep the crowd away
Crowd at Hub openingAlthough the weather threatened to break throughout the morning, it stayed clear for the 300-plus crowd to remain dry enough to enjoy the opening of stage one of the Hub project.
The completion of the outdoor courts, pavilion, car parking area and entranceway was celebrated with a fundraising netball tournament on Sunday 20 July, organised by Netball Taranaki.
The official part of the opening started at 9am and included a blessing from Sandy Parata and the ribbon was cut by naming rights sponsor, Greaves managing director/owner David MacLeod, Silver Fern Adine Wilson and South Taranaki deputy mayor Debbie Packer.
A celebrity netball game was held during the tournament’s half-time break. Local celebrities played a more competitive than friendly game against a local side, with the celebrities winning 29-25.
Grandmother and local netball stalwart, Kaiwai Leatherby was one of the many excited onlookers. “It’s been an awesome day. The facility looks fantastic and I’ve had people coming up to me saying they want to play netball next year – that’s terrific.”
Netballers with scheduled competition games will be using the courts for the remaining two weeks left in the winter sports season.
The next phase of work will be the demolition of the Produce Hall and the relocation of the Mt Egmont Clubrooms and the Lockwodd portion of the Ruanui Sports Centre. These sections of work will begin from the week of the 14 July.
Once this is done, work will begin on the main facility in September.
Greaves naming rights
Greaves - naming rightsDavid MacLeod, Managing Director/Owner of Greaves, has secured the company as the naming rights sponsor of the outdoor courts.
David MacLeod hopes his business contacts and experience will help open doors to significant contributions from firms who share his enthusiasm for the Hub.
"We have to ask what it will take to make Hawera and South Taranaki competitive and I think the complex that’s going to be built at Hicks Park is a hugely important part of the mix," he says.
Greaves has also supplied brand new netball posts and nets for the courts. In making the announcement at the opening, deputy Mayor, Debbie Packer, says that Greaves was a perfect example of how a successful business can be a good corporate citizen by supporting the community that supports it.
Silver Ferns Adine Wilson & Gail Parata visit Taranaki
Adine taking the first shotSilver Ferns Adine Wilson (Harper) and Gail Parata helped celebrate the opening of stage one of the Hub.
Adine made a special trip back to her home town from Christchurch , with husband Jeff and new baby Harper.
She spoke during the formalities of fond memories of grass roots netball when she was a young player and how impressed she is with the new facilities.
She believes money has been well-spent on the Hub project and it will benefit future generations. Adine shot the first goal to officially start the tournament and open the new courts.
Gail Parata made the trip from Wellington back home to take a very special part in the closing of the Scott Street courts on Saturday 19 July. Gail shot the final goal at the last tournament to be held at Scott Street .
She also took part in the celebrity match at half time in the opening netball tournament on Sunday 20 July. Considering Gail had given birth only a month prior, her talent as a player still shone through on the courts.
Merchandise
Whatever fashion trend you want to set, the Hub merchandise can fulfil your every need. Round neck T-shirts, V necks and Polo shirts in every size from Small to 3XL and sizes available for the kids from ages 2-12. Dress the whole family. Top the shirts off with a stylish Hub cap. You’ll not only look good but will be contributing to the Hub fundraising effort! Check out this link for further information http://www.thehub.org.nz/page112853.html
Donations Online
You can now make online donations on the Hub website. You can choose any amount, small or large, to contribute to the Hub fundraising. Check this link and give it a go: http://www.thehub.org.nz/page257223.html
New contributions
Normanby Lions' Bill Rumney handing over their donation to Hub Fundraising Administrator Christine RyanHawera Auto Court $5000
Beccard Motors $5000
Normanby & Districts Lions $5000
New Zealand Community Trust $100,000
If anyone else is interested in contributing, please contact Christine Ryan on christine.ryan@stdc.govt.nz or donate online at www.thehub.org.nz
Future fundraising events
Check out the newspaper advertising for the next fundraiser (see the link below) – a Black Tie evening being held at the Community Centre in Albion Street, Hawera on Saturday 18 October with Andrew Fage Catering. Only $75 per ticket.
Entertainment will include The Mermaids (featuring Joe Cotton, Amber Claire, Pauline Berry and guitarist Martin Winch).
Make this a company outing and book a table.
Contact Shannon Cox now for tickets on (06)278 0555 or shannon.cox@stdc.govt.nz .
http://www.thehub.org.nz/instancefiles/16182441/Black tie event.pdf
First Million raised for the Hub
Barometer of fundraisingChairman of the Hub fundraising team, Andy Beccard, recently announced that approximately $1.1 million has been raised or pledged so far.
“To have broken the first million dollar mark is a fantastic effort and a great milestone in the project,” says Mr Beccard. “It is particularly timely with the official opening of stage one recently,” he says. Mr Beccard quickly adds that there is still plenty to do. “Our target to complete the project in its entirety is $8 million and I am very confident of reaching that. We are currently working with a number of major potential sponsors including the TSB Community Trust, Ministry of Education and other gaming trusts, to secure further funds,” he says.
One local firm has shown its commitment to South Taranaki and put their support solidly behind the Hub. Greaves was announced as the naming rights sponsor for the outdoor courts. Mr Beccard described Greaves, which is one of the largest contracting companies in Taranaki, as a perfect example of how a successful business can be a good corporate citizen and support the community that supports it. Managing director David MacLeod says he is confident that other large scale businesses throughout the district will also support the Hub project. “We have a great opportunity. This really is about the future of our district and I hope the community gets behind it.” He hopes the new leisure and events centre will help make South Taranaki a more attractive place to live, work and play, giving present and future staff and their families a greater sense of commitment to the district.
This view is shared by many of those who have supported the project to date. Local accounting firm, Harris Taylor, was the first major business sponsor to get on board and demonstrate their support for the project. “We saw the Hub as a facility that will benefit the whole district,” says partner Dean Pratt. “Not only will it be used by a lot of families in the local community, but it will bring more business and visitors to the district by providing facilities for functions, conferences, expos and competitions.”
Secretary of the Lottery Grants Board, Morag Woodley, said the Committee made one of its larger donations ($500,000) to the project because it would provide a major focal point for the people of South Taranaki .
Mr Beccard says if South Taranaki is to grow and meet its potential economically, it must be able to attract skilled workers and their families to the district. “All the research tells us that attracting people is not about money but it’s about lifestyle. We must do things like the Hub to make South Taranaki a vibrant district, where people choose to live, work and play, because if we don’t we will get left behind all the other districts’ who will,” he says.
Of the $1.1 million raised to date over $200,000 has come from corporate and small business sponsorship, $300,000 from gaming trusts (Pelorus and NZCT), $500,000 from New Zealand Lottery Grants Board and approximately $100,000 from community groups, sports clubs, events and individuals.
The Hub is a $23 million project, but the cost to build the Hub will not add to rates. South Taranaki District Council has agreed to contribute up to $14.89 million, with the additional $8 million being sought from external fundraising and sponsorship. The Council’s contribution is being funded from its Long Term Investment Fund. A long term loan will be taken out which will be paid back from interest generated from the investment fund. As such, construction of the complex will not add to rates. The Hub will be the biggest single project to be supported by the Fund since its inception ten years ago.
Acknowledgements
South Taranaki District Council gratefully acknowledges the support of the following funders and sponsors:
New Zealand Lotteries Fund
New Zealand Community Trust
Pelorus Trust
Greaves
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