Local column – Grand openings for Kapiti and Horowhenua
I was proud to attend the grand openings of both Te Takere in Levin and the hockey turf pavilion in Paraparaumu last week – two major assets for our community.
A fundraising dinner last Friday celebrated the opening of Te Takere and there was a real sense of pride from everyone who has seen this project through.
During my speech I mentioned how I was appointed onto the Library Trust when I became a councillor in the late 1990s and a library upgrade was discussed way back then.
Now this vision has been delivered with a new community centre that combines the library with meeting rooms, local history displays, and café. I’m sure it will become a central meeting point for locals, and will bring new life to the Levin town centre.
A range of volunteers have worked extremely hard with a range of fundraising events. Quiz nights, guest speakers, a coffee club and a garden tour have been some of the local initiatives.
The open day on Saturday attracted thousands and it was great to see my kids interacting with others in the special children’s area. I reckon our younger generations will really benefit from this new upgrade.
Congratulations to everyone who’s been involved in fundraising and supporting Te Takere.
On Saturday I took part in the official opening of the Kapiti hockey turf pavilion, which is the final stage in this major project.
I remember being present for the sod turning in 2007 and running around in the invitation game on the new turf in 2009.
It can be used for all kinds of events and activities beyond just hockey and sport, and will be a real asset for the community. Already it has attracted a big domestic tournament next year with the potential to secure an international fixture in the future.
The whole community has really got behind this project and the result is outstanding.
The Kapiti Coast is one of the fastest growing areas in New Zealand and it’s about time we had facilities like this to call our own.
I’ve seen this happen in Levin where the hockey turf has become very popular since it was opened way back in 1999.
Well done to everyone who’s been behind these two projects. None of these big projects happen without vision, leadership, and community support.
From my diary
*Cabinet met on Monday but Parliament is in recess this week.
*Tuesday I was in Nelson looking at new forestry initiatives.
*The rest of the week is a mix of electorate duties and catching up with my kids during the school holidays.