Netball takes aim at stadium

Kim Whiteman Netball Wairarapa is investigating a plan to build a three-court stadium and sports offices with shared resources in Masterton at a cost of between $4.5 million and $6 million.
Centre manager Kim Whiteman said the move was prompted by an awareness that if netball in Wairarapa was to progress, something big needed to happen.
She said Netball Wairarapa's headquarters at Colombo Rd in Masterton had served netball well for many years but the stage had been reached where few major tournaments were played outdoors.
That and the fact the Genesis Recreation Centre, where premier one matches are often played, could not be extended beyond its present one-court facility, meant a new stadium appeared to be the best option.
Whiteman said it was probable though that even if a threecourt facility was built, Netball Wairarapa would look to retain its Colombo Rd courts for some club games. About 1600 players are involved in the sport in Wairarapa.
Whiteman stressed that further investigation into a new stadium and sports offices in Masterton would only go ahead if other sports bodies in Wairarapa indicated their support and willingness to use the facilities.
A public meeting will be held at the netball pavilion at Colombo Rd on Tuesday, October 20, starting at 7pm, with opinions sought on whether the proposal should be advanced, and what level of funding and sponsorship could be anticipated.
Whiteman said if the idea took off, it was likely a trust would be set up to administer the planning and running of the facility.