Legend to speak at fundraiser

SET FOR A FACELIFT: The grandstand at Queen Elizabeth Park. PHOTO/LYNDA FERINGA

Former Black Caps captain and coach John Wright will be the star attraction at the inaugural fundraising event for the upgrade and extension of the grandstand at Masterton's Queen Elizabeth Park.

The appearance of the affable Wright, who will speak mainly about his experiences as a coach in the Indian Premier League, is set to draw a big crowd to the function in the Masterton Town Hall on Wednesday, February 19.

He is coach of the all-conquering Mumbai Indians in the IPL with owner Nita Ambani saying she was delighted to have him in charge. "It's a great pleasure to have John on board with Mumbai Indians. John is immensely respected and I am sure his cricketing knowledge and experience will be of enormous help."

Wright was the coach of the New Zealand team from 2010 to 2012. Under him, the team reached the semifinals of the 2011 World Cup but just a year later he decided not to renew his contract, citing differences with New Zealand's director of cricket John Buchanan. Before that he was the coach of the Indian team from 2000 to 2005. During this tenure India won a test series against Australia at home in 2001, drew a test series in Australia in 2003-04, reached the 2003 World Cup final, and won a test and ODI series in Pakistan in 2004.

Wright played 82 tests and 149 ODIs for New Zealand before he retired in 1993.

Tickets are now on sale for what is being billed as an Evening With John Wright and chairman of the Queen Elizabeth Park grandstand facelift committee Craig McBride is confident they will meet a strong demand.

"The grandstand is an iconic building which needs a facelift and this is a chance for the people of Wairarapa to help make that happen," McBride said.

It was in 2012 when the Wairarapa Cricket Association applied to the Masterton District Council's long-term plan for approval to have the park grandstand extended and upgraded.

The total cost of the project is expected to be in the region of about $360,000 - some $80,000 less than would have been the case but for the savings achieved by project manager Andy Holmes and his support crew - and the Grandstand Facelift committee was charged by the WCA with raising $60,000 towards it.

"The whole intent is to have a wonderful facility which will not only mean the possible return of first class cricket to Wairarapa but which will also assist in attracting a wide variety of events to the park," McBride said. "It is for the good of the whole community, sporting and otherwise."

The grandstand plans include the extension and upgrading of the changing facilities to meet the requirements for first class fixtures.

Access will be provided to the changing rooms from the eastern side of the ground (oval side) in order to increase the security of belongings and the size of the long room at the back of the seating area will be almost doubled so that functions which can accommodate upwards of 100 people could be held. Kitchen, bar and ablution amenities would be available.

It is also planned to remove the roller door shutters and replace them with permanent damage proof and fully secure windows.

Importantly, however, the extensions and upgrading work will retain the facade of the building so the overall appearance remains in keeping with the period in which it was constructed.

Apart from Wright's address, a feature of the February 19 fundraiser will be an auction and while the list of items has yet to be made public it is known to contain some sporting memorabilia which is guaranteed to attract spirited bidding.