Addressing the Urgent Need for New Indoor Sports Facilities in East Auckland

In the bustling and vibrant community of East Auckland, where diversity thrives and community engagement flourishes, there is a pressing issue that demands our attention: the critical shortage of indoor sports facilities, particularly basketball courts.

As we witness the remarkable growth and development of our area, it's clear that our access to adequate indoor sports infrastructure has not kept pace. While other regions in Auckland and across New Zealand boast multiple indoor sports stadiums, East Auckland remains significantly underserved, leaving our community at a distinct disadvantage.

Basketball, the largest population sport in our area, is a prime example of this disparity. Despite its popularity rivaling that of more traditional sports, such as rugby and soccer, our community lacks dedicated facilities for basketball. Instead, we rely on school facilities that are often stretched thin and unable to accommodate the growing demand.

This shortage of facilities not only limits opportunities for our youth to participate in organized sports but also deprives adults of club-level playing opportunities and recreational basketball. Our community deserves better. We deserve access to modern, well-equipped indoor sports facilities that can cater to the diverse needs of our growing population.

While we recognize that there are competing priorities for sports funding across New Zealand, we firmly believe that addressing the shortfall in indoor sports facilities in East Auckland is of utmost importance. The benefits of investing in new facilities extend far beyond the realm of sports, impacting community health, social cohesion, and economic development.

Therefore, we are calling on the Auckland Council and relevant stakeholders to prioritize the development of new indoor sports facilities in East Auckland. Specifically, we demand:

Immediate Action: We urge the Auckland Council to expedite the planning and construction of new indoor sports facilities in East Auckland, with a focus on areas such as Howick, Pakuranga, and Botany.

Community Engagement: Meaningful engagement with the East Auckland community throughout the planning and development process is crucial to ensure that the new facilities meet the needs and preferences of our diverse population.

Sustainable Investment: Long-term commitment and sustainable investment in maintaining and upgrading the new facilities are essential to ensure their continued viability and relevance to our community.

By investing in new indoor sports facilities, the Auckland Council has an opportunity to demonstrate its commitment to promoting healthy lifestyles, fostering community wellbeing, and supporting the growth and development of East Auckland. Together, let's make our voices heard and demand the facilities our community deserves.

Thank you for your support and advocacy.

Sincerely,

East Auckland Baller