Community consultation via on the street discussions and online surveys identified several important themes including “more opportunities for young people,” and “Lake Waro improvements” (shade, rubbish, stage, shade sail). With this feedback at hand, a meeting was held in March 2020 pre COVID-19 Pandemic lockdown. At this meeting it was identified that a community Sport Hub was a priority for the Hikurangi community.

Recognising that this was an aspiration, a goal was set by those in attendance to investigate the ability for "clubs to work better together to provide more/better opportunities for the community."

More recently a follow up meeting was held, facilitated by Sport Northland in conjunction with Friendship House. The purpose of the meeting was to identify the needs and barriers for the Clubs in Hikurangi and to then find common areas to work in collectively. In attendance were representatives for Lawn Bowls, Hockey, Rugby, Softball, Netball, Tennis and Golf, as well as representatives from Friendship House and the general community. The result of this meeting was a formal agreeance to operate as a collective to identify ways to work together moving forward. Meetings are scheduled to be held on the last Monday of the month, 7pm at the Hikurangi Bowling Club. The group have identified a need to engage locals, particularly young people, in summer sports. As a result of discussions, the Hikurangi Sports Collective hope to operate Sport tasters for the Summer Holiday’s with an aim to make an application to the Tū Manawa Active Aotearoa fund with Friendship House operating as an umbrella group. Exciting things ahead for the Hikurangi Community.

If you would like more information or to get involved, contact Ryan Maraki, Whangarei Community Connector, Sport Northland – ryanm@sportnorth.co.nz or 027 588 5867.