Whatuwhiwhi, take a bow

A long journey, to quote local Te Hiku Community Board member Lawrie Atkinson, finally ended on Saturday when Whatuwhiwhi's multi-purpose community courts were officially opened.

Ngaroma Rupapera cut the ribbon after a service and blessing led by Rev Robert Urlich, before a gathering that included many of those who had worked hard to bring the project to fruition.

Thomson Lawrence wasn't keen to name too many names in case he omitted some, but did acknowledge the $50,000 contribution made by the Far North District Council, Harris Narby, who had driven the project from earthworks onwards, Randolph Urlich, whose contribution he estimated at around $13,000, and the local fire brigade, which had come up with some $20,000.

"It wouldn't have happened without a lot of time and money being given by a lot of people," Mr Lawrence said, adding that Whatuwhiwhi was "doing okay", with his fire brigade, the community hall and the comprehensive makeover of Haiti Tai Marangai Marae earlier this year.

"It's been a long journey but we've got there," Mr Atkinson said.

"This has been a huge effort by the community, and I'm proud to be part of it."

He had had an initial discussion about the community's lack of recreational facilities with the district council's Alistair Wells and Sue Hodge in February 2008. Several "local girls" had then conducted a community survey, which put netball and tennis at the top of the wish list.

Doubtless Bay Ratepayers' Association member Andrew Cuckney, from Custom Group Northland Enterprises, drew up basic plans without charge, and in April 2008 close to 70 people took part in a workshop that led to a petition and letters of support being delivered to the council.

The process that followed was completed by Te Hiku Community Board's approval of a recreation reserve, and site excavation began in April last year.

Mr Narby spoke of the team effort that had gone into the project, adding that people had "come out of the woodwork" as it progressed, while district councillor Colin Kitchen recalled that the council funding had been withdrawn in 2010.

He fought to get it back, and retrieved $50,000, which left a significant sum to come from the community. He believed the final result could be valued at around $100,000, with room for more courts and perhaps a rugby field.

"What a great little community," he said.

The council also contributed pavers that were removed from Kaitaia's main street footpaths, which border the concrete playing area.

Tim Hetaraka, who had been working on the marae when he was informed via bush telegraph that he should be at the opening, said all that was needed now was an assurance that the courts' "$50 million view" wouldn't be spoiled by houses, although if he was to win Lotto that night he might think about building an RSA. He didn't, and presumably won't.