$6.4 million multi-sport centre opens doors in Ōtara
A $6.4 million sports centre has reopened in Otara after a major facelift.
The Ngati Otara Multi-sport and Cultural Centre boasts a new clubroom, kitchen, changing rooms and first-aid centre at Ngati Otara Park.
The south-Auckland building comprises a laundromat for sports kit along with a first-aid room and a cafe/bar for members of the community.
Health services will be provided there at the Whanau Ora Medical Clinic.
Pacific Homecare will hold its Fia Ola (Want to Live) programmes for older residents at the complex.
Manukau Ward councillor Fa'anana Efeso Collins said earlier the upgrade would help develop and retain sporting talent in a disadvantaged community.
The Ngāti Ōtara sports centre was pivotal to the growth and development of local sports in Ōtara, he said.
"It gives local sports codes like rugby league, kilikiti, tag and netball decent playing areas where our local athletes will excel."
Auckland mayor Phil Goff said the new complex transformed the old facilities.
"This investment by Auckland Council recognises that Otara deserves a decent 21st-century sports facility that encourages our young people into sport and inspires them to realise their potential," he said.
Five different sports and more than 150 teams would use the facilities, he said.
Ōtara-Papatoetoe Local Board chair Apulu Reece Autagavaia said he grew up playing kilikiti (cricket) on the fields nearby.
"I remember, as a kid, it was my job to fetch stray kilikiti balls that made their way on the deteriorating roof.
“The previous building was dark, old and no longer fit for purpose. It feels incredible to be able to provide a beautiful, brand new building to the community we can all enjoy and be proud of. "
Witnesses sought in relation to mass disorder on K-Road Auckland
Police are appealing to the public for any footage they may have of the mass disorder that occurred on Karangahape Road in Auckland in the early hours of Sunday 28 December.
Emergency services were called to the disorder around 3.41am where it is estimated around over 50 people were present.
A Police investigation is underway after there were three serious assaults on and around Karangahape Road during the mass disorder.
A portal has been set up to allow the public to upload any footage they have of the disorder and the serious assaults.
The portal is https://dahr.nc3.govt.nz/
Police have arrested one person but are asking for help to identify and locate others involved.
• Around 4:15am there was a serious assault outside the Crown Bar on Queen Street.
A 33-year-old man received serious injuries and was hospitalised.
The offender is still unknown, and the Police file number is 251228/4647.
• Around 4:30am there was another serious assault on a Cobden Steet just off Karangahape Road.
A 27-year-old man received serious injuries and was hospitalised.
The offender is still unknown, and the Police file number is 251228/4462.
• Around 5am there was third serious assault at the Mobil Service Station on the corner or Karangahape Road and Ponsonby Road.
A 46-year-old man received serious injuries and was hospitalised.
A 21-year-old man has been charged with wounding with intent to cause grievous bodily harm.
He has been bailed to appear in court again on 16 January 2026.
The Police file number is 251228/4774.
Police would like to speak to anyone who has witnessed or filmed the assaults.
Witnesses can call Police directly on 105.
Please quote one of the above file numbers.
Scam Alert: Fake information regarding December Bonuses from MSD
The Ministry of Social Development is reporting that fake information is circulating about new ‘December bonuses’ or ‘benefit increases’
If you get suspicious communication, please contact Netsafe.
Poll: Do you set New Year’s resolutions?
🎉 2026 is almost here!
We’re curious ... how do you welcome it?
Do you set resolutions, follow special traditions, or just go with the flow?
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10.2% Yes! New Year, New Me
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20% Yes - but I rarely stick to them
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69.8% Nah - not for me
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