NZCT supports community sport across Christchurch

New Zealand Community Trust (NZCT) continues support of crucial Canterbury sporting infrastructure with a further $300k awarded to Christchurch Netball’s new all-weather, multipurpose venue at Ngā Puna Wai.

This grant comes on top of $750K granted to the centre for wooden sprung flooring in 2021, bringing total funding from NZCT to $1,050K.

Christchurch Netball Centre (CNC) Chairperson Anna Galvan said, “Whilst Netball will be the main sport in the multi-use facility, Futsal, Volleyball, Korfball, gymnastics and many other community sports and groups will call the place home.”

Galvan adds, “We look forward to integrating the Christchurch Netball Centre (CNC) into the new facility at Ngā Puna Wai, the city's premier community sports hub. With a focus on leadership and innovation, we will actively engage diverse cultural and recreational groups, providing access to an all-weather, highly inclusive venue. Our aim is to have a positive impact on the health and wellbeing of people of all ages. We wholeheartedly thank NZCT for their continued funding.“

NZCT Chief Executive Mike Knell congratulates all of the sports and individuals involved in getting this exciting project to where it is, especially the input and direction from the Christchurch Netball Centre. Multi-sport facilities are most certainly the way of the future. The collaboration and partnerships between codes and community groups is the most efficient use of community and sporting resources, which naturally should facilitate a lower-cost model, that supports an equitable approach and benefits participation across the sporting fraternity.

Knell adds, “NZCT is delighted that our partnerships with hospitality venues across Canterbury has enabled us to get behind the project and invest further into Canterbury’s sporting infrastructure in such a positive way.”

With CNC moving into the city’s new indoor home for community sport and recreation, players, staff and parents are excited about the move. Jonelle Quane, a CNC Parent, said “An indoor netball facility will mean that both teams and supporters can enjoy our favourite sport without having to take into consideration the weather. This will enable more efficient trainings and development, and I'm sure increase the whole netball experience!"

Improving positive health and wellbeing is a key aim of the new centre. The opportunity to stay active for longer means this will be easier. Galvan continues: “Across Ōtautahi Christchurch and the Waitaha Canterbury region, young people have experienced significant trauma and challenges to their mental health and wellbeing. Following the region’s earthquakes and the loss of popular sport and recreation facilities, the health of tamariki was severely compromised by the loss of venues to keep active and participate in sport. The centre helps meet this need.”

This venue is also designed to be inclusive and welcoming, creating unparalleled opportunities for people of all ages and abilities. The focus on inclusivity will make this stand out as one of New Zealand’s favourite community venues. The smart design will ensure the space caters effectively to everyone, welcoming and inspiring individuals of all ages, cultures and backgrounds.

Galvan adds: “This generous support from NZCT will enable us to complete the construction and fit-out of this multi-use space, designed with flexibility that encourages participation by an incredibly diverse range of sports, activities, and user groups. Creating new pathways for young people contributes significantly to the health and wellbeing of individuals, families, and the wider community. Our mission is to grow a love for the game across Ōtautahi and beyond. We encourage a lifelong love of netball, which promotes an interest in keeping active, with clear benefits for both physical and mental health.”

Vili, a CNC Member in Year 8 sums it all up saying, “I love netball because it makes me feel alive.”