League: Induction adds to lustre surrounding opening

A new facility has been opened at Puketawhero Park. Pictured is (from left) New Zealand Rugby League chief executive Phil Holden, Bay of Plenty District Rugby League executive officer Jenny Nahu and new BOPRL life member Roger Wallace, during the grand opening no Friday. Photo/Ben Fraser

Rotorua's Roger Wallace has been inducted as a life member of the Bay of Plenty District Rugby League on the same day a $450,000 facility has been opened in the city.

The home of rugby league in Rotorua, Puketawhero Park, has received a big boost after a new building and grandstand were opened on Friday.

The new building features a conference room, kitchen, four changing rooms and a communal shower block. The covered grandstand, in front of the new building, can seat 196 people.

Wallace was on hand during the ceremony to receive his life membership and enjoy the grand opening.

He has worked with the Bay of Plenty District Rugby League for 40 years. He said the new facility was a real credit to Bay of Plenty rugby league and Jenny Nahu especially, who helped raise a lot of the funds.

Bay of Plenty District Rugby League executive officer Nahu said the project had been going on for about three years.

"We host lots of visiting teams and tournaments every year, and we needed to have something better for ourselves and our clubs, also for the other teams when they come."

She said a few things needed to be completed with the new facility but it would be ready for use in the coming months.

New Zealand Rugby League chief executive Phil Holden also attended the opening.

He said Puketawhero Park was a great facility and the NZRL would look to make the most of it in the future.