By SCOTT KARA
Pacific Islanders support Manukau City's proposed $37 million Pacific arena because it would be one of the few places big enough to hold the 500 to 1000 guests who often attend their weddings.
Pacific's 3000-seat indoor arena would be ideal for weddings and other functions, said Tupou Manapori, chairwoman of the Pacific Island Advisory Council.
The venue's plan also includes an outdoor arena for 15,000 people, an art gallery and plaza area.
Mrs Manapori said that although there were many large churches in Manukau, church events took priority and some were booked up more than a year in advance.
Other venues, such as the Clendon Recreation Centre, held about 400 people, while the Otara Recreation Centre, which held about 1000, was often unavailable on weekends because of the Otara markets and sports events.
Meanwhile, Manukau Mayor Sir Barry Curtis has taken a swipe at Auckland City for trying to lure all sport and cultural activities to the city.
His comments came in the wake of Auckland's proposed $100-million Quay Park stadium by the old railway station.
Sir Barry said about 35 per cent of Manukau's population was aged under 20, making Pacific's location ideal for a facility of its kind in the region.
Transport developments would mean people from West Auckland and the North Shore could easily get to Pacific.
But Victoria Carter, chairwoman of City Attractions in Auckland, said the two venues were not comparable.
A Hillary Commission report on the best place for a stadium in the region had suggested the Quay Park site.
The report had also suggested that Pacific should be built to cater for the growing needs of the young Manukau population.
Ms Carter said that if the ratepayers of Manukau wanted to pay for Pacific, there was no reason why it should not be built.
'Pacific way' a plus for arena
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