The beginning of construction of the new sports facility at Tūrangitukua Park was marked with a blessing last Monday.
Sir Tumu te Heuheu helped to break the ground, Ngāti Tūrangitukua kaumatua Jeff Bennett officiated and the blessing was led by Katipo Te Hiini. Representatives of Ngāti Tūrangitukua, council, the Tūrangi-Tongariro Community Board, and construction contractor Livingstone Building were joined by Mayor David Trewavas, councillors and members of the community.
The new facility, a partnership between Ngāti Tūrangitukua and Taupō District Council, will include a main hall, changing rooms and a kitchen, and has a total budget of $3.5 million.
Mr Bennett said the facility would be an asset for the town and was something that the community had wanted for many years.
“It’s been a long time coming,” Mr Bennett said, “and today marks a new milestone for our community. There are so many people who have worked hard to make this a reality and I’d like to thank Mayor David and council for giving us the opportunity to lead our mokopuna into a brighter future. ”
Mr Trewavas said that it was wonderful to see construction getting underway and thanked all those who had supported it for so long.
“I’d particularly like to thank the people of Ngāti Tūrangitukua for the use of their land to host this facility,” Mr Trewavas said. “I know you have waited for this for a long, long time and now this day has come. Team sports are such an important part of our communities and important in shaping our young ones, so it is fantastic that this construction project is now underway.”
