By Mary Afemata of Local Democracy Reporting
The creation of a major new climbing frame in Manukau is among the sporting projects to receive a funding boost from Auckland Council.
It is being dubbed the largest multilevel climbing structure in New Zealand. The council on Thursday announced it will provide $14.3 million to six sports organisations across Tāmaki Makaurau to improve local sports and recreation facilities.
Funding was awarded to Waka Pacific Trust, Auckland Hockey Association, Highbrook Regional Watersports Centre Trust, Ngāti Whātua Ōrākei Whai Maia, Pakuranga United Rugby Club, and West Auckland Riding for the Disabled.
A top-tier climbing structure is being built at Vector Wero Whitewater Park in Manukau.
The 16-metre galvanised steel structure will feature 78 climbing elements of varying difficulty, with up 100 climbers able to access it at once.
The Waka Pacific Trust received $250,000 for shading and lighting, adding to the $250,000 previously contributed by the council to the $3.1 million project through the same fund.
The Trust presented this project to the Ōtara-Papatoetoe Local Board in September 2024 as part of its community work.
Manukau Ward Councillor Lotu Fuli is aware of Vero’s climbing wall, currently under construction, and sees it as a valuable addition to South Auckland.
“I think it’s an awesome facility and one where they’ve got a strong connection with South Auckland, and they do offer lots of opportunities for South Auckland students, particularly through school.”
Fuli supports the Sport and Recreational Facilities Investment Fund, calling it a worthy grant.
“The grant is there specifically for facilities, and so it’s nice to hear that some of that money’s gone to an important South Auckland asset like that.”
On the climbing project, she says:“It’s something that’s a bit different to other sports, perhaps, that, you know, South Auckland have access to. That’s always a good thing. And there’s key skills that our young people can learn … through climbing.”
Fuli admits she’s afraid of heights.
“That’s something that I would be really scared to do.”
However, she recognises the value of local children having access to Waka Pacific Trust programmes and facilities to learn and upskill.
“It’s a good skill for our young people to learn, and especially if they’re out and about, you know, in the wilderness or in the bush. It’s good to be able to have a facility in our community where they can access it for free or, you know, for cheap.
And definitely, it’s the sort of thing that we just don’t have in South Auckland. It’s not something that, I don’t think we’ve got anything like it in South Auckland, but really a real benefit and a real positive addition for our kids.”
Expected to be completed by April, it aims to provide free access to 15,000 local children in its first year, while 9000 have already registered to have a go when it opens.
Councillor Angela Dalton, chair of the Community Committee, says she’s pleased the council is able to help sports organisations build for the future.
“Having quality, fit-for-purpose facilities will ultimately allow Aucklanders from all walks of life to participate in sport and recreation, stay active and connect.
“Non-council owned facilities are crucial to the Tāmaki Makaurau sport and recreation facility network as they meet the region’s evolving demands for sporting opportunities.”
Kenneth Aiolupotea, general manager Community Wellbeing says the next step involves the team working closely with successful grant applicants to build their sports and recreational infrastructure.
“This is very exciting.”
Sport and Recreation Facilities Investment Fund – Targeted Process 2025/2026
More than $14m was allocated to six organisations through the Sport and Recreation Facilities Investment Fund for 2025/2026. The recipients are:
–Auckland Hockey Association – $215,000 for the renewal of Turf 2 and an LED floodlight upgrade at Lloyd Elsmore Park Hockey Stadium.
–Highbrook Regional Watersport Centre Trust – $2.2m for the construction of the Highbrook Watersports Centre Clubhouse.
–Ngāti Whātua Ōrākei Whai Maia Limited (on behalf of Whai Maia Charitable Trust 1) – $5m for the Ngāti Whātua Ōrākei Sports, Recreation, and Hauora Centre.
–Pakuranga United Rugby Club – $5.57m for the expansion of the Howick Pakuranga Community Sports Centre Facility.
–Waka Pacific Trust – $250,000 for the Wero Climb project.
–West Auckland Riding for the Disabled – $512,859 for a covered riding facility.
Next Funding Round
Applications for the Sport and Recreational Facilities Investment Fund are open from 18 February until 18 March 2025
