New venture will train elite athletes

A new venture on the North Shore aims to meet calls by New Zealand athletes and coaches for elite sports facilities.

The Auckland University of Technology says it will invest in land and capital to expand facilities at the Millennium Institute of Sport & Health. The investment includes $12 million from the Government.

AUT becomes an equal shareholder of the facility and will step up its work with the institute on programmes and research.

Sports Minister Murray McCully said the partnership was a significant step towards more New Zealand athletes winning on the world stage.

"For too long New Zealand has lacked a facility that offers our best sports men and women the resources they need to confidently take on the world's best."

AUT vice-chancellor Derek McCormack said the venture would give sport science and development services to boost elite athlete performance.

The Academy of Sport North Island and athletes of 16 codes are based at the institute.

Institute chief executive Mike Stanley said partnership with the academy and the university would offer athletes an integrated menu of options on one site for their preparation.

The institute opened in 2002 and includes an Olympic swimming pool and an all-weather track.

Mr Stanley said the capital injection would build on the vision of institute founders Graeme Avery and Stephen Tindall and supporting benefactors.