OUR STORY
We identified a challenge...
Original Poneke Football Club (Rugby) building with ageing and under-utilised training and social spaces – no longer fit for purpose and financially draining
Identified lack of “club & community” facilities in the wider region
Multiple clubs and community groups struggling for affordable venues that are fit for purpose
Diminishing volunteer base
Community & Sporting Clubs spending disproportionate time managing buildings, when focus should be on people and programmes
But we already had a base of many positives ...
Key sporting / community precinct
High profile location
Surrounded by growing communities
Range of cultures, genders and ages in region
Significant regional Park, already housing public use spaces, Rugby fields x 3, Football field x 1, Cricket pitches x 5, softball, athletics, play ground, Regional Aquatic Centre, Community Library, Recreation Centre and Plunket
Multiple schools, Akau Tangi Indoor Sports Centre and Kilbirnie Shopping / Business District all within easy walk
Key transport links in place (and likely to be improved)
Existing building had great bones / spaces
Proactive and supportive City Council / landowner
Proven Advantages of developing a “hub” ...
Operational savings
Member club collaboration on membership, marketing and administration
Clubs retain own identity and operational control – but enjoy the benefits of “Hub” umbrella and shared facilities
Modern, fit for purpose facility with high usage rate
Increased community participation and programmes
Higher membership numbers
Improved sporting performance and pathways
Professionally managed and operated (employment opportunities)
People are priority
Promote and support volunteers
Storage
Affordable venue for community to access
All cultures, all genders, all ages = healthy communities
So, with the support of Our Partners, and thousands of voluntary hours from our Member Clubs, we set about developing the existing Poneke Football Club building into one of New Zealand’s finest venues for club, community, business, family, training, sport and meeting activity - the Toitū Pōneke Community & Sports Centre, “thehub”.
Our vision
A dynamic, sustainable and inclusive Hub, that encourages, enables and inspires our community to lead more fulfilling lives through sport, socialisation and active recreation.
Our PURPOSE
To support, strengthen, promote and advocate for sport, active recreation and community groups, for children and adults, and to maximise the facilities, the partnerships and the opportunities the hub provides.
