Western News: April 18, 2024

Thursday April 18 2024 3
‘One-stop shop’ facility to open its doors
HORNBY’S long-anticipated
new community centre will
finally open its doors to the public
tomorrow.
The city council-operated
facility, Matatiki, includes indoor
pools, a library, customer service
desk, café, and courtyard area
with a stage and outdoor seating.
Located at 25 Smarts Rd, the
site is a short walk from the Hub
Hornby and Hornby High School.
“The centre is going to be
absolutely amazing for the community
in Hornby and surrounding
areas,” says council head of
recreation, sports and events
Nigel Cox.
“With multiple amenities in
one location, Matatiki will be a
one-stop shop. Drop the kids off
at their swimming lessons, register
the dog, pick up a new library
book, and grab yourself a snack at
the café all in one visit.”
Mayor Phil Mauger will lead
the opening ceremony from 1pm
tomorrow with the pool open to
the public from 3pm.
A community open day will
be held on Saturday from 10am–
4pm.
“We have a whole range of
activities planned, from an inflatable
obstacle course in the pool,
to virtual reality sessions in the
library,” Cox said.
Activities, entertainment and
food vendors will also be set up in
Kyle Park, which backs onto the
new facility.
BRAND NEW: The Matatiki complex opens tomorrow and features indoor pools, a library
and café alongside other amenities.
“The community day is
free to attend, but if you’re
swimming, standard pool
entry fees apply. It’s a great
opportunity to see everything
that Matatiki has on
offer,” Cox said.
The new Hornby Library,
which has shifted
from its previous home on
Goulding Ave, includes a
creative activities space, 12 public
computers, printing and photocopying
facilities, as well as free
wifi internet access.
Acting head of Christchurch
libraries and information Erica
Rankin said the creative resources
on offer open up possibilities for
people to try something new.
“Matatiki has an audio/video
Nigel Cox
space equipped with
professional-grade video,
sound and image editing
software, and hardware
including microphones,
sound mixing boards and
computers.
“People will also be able
to sign up for classes to
learn their way around
the software, so they are
qualified to work directly with
the technology available,” Rankin
said.
There is also a laser cutter, 3D
printer, sewing machines and
overlocker, heat press, embroidery
machine, and other resources.
The council’s customer service
desk is also shifting to Matatiki.
People will be able to do things
like get advice on council
services, register dogs, pay rates,
and top up Metrocards.
There’s plenty more on offer in
the indoor pool hall, which contains
a lane pool, learn-to-swim
pool, family spa pool, toddlers’
wet play area, and a hydrotherapy
pool.
The hydrotherapy pool was a
late addition to the project, with
the Greater Hornby Residents’
Association and the Rotary Club
of Hornby leading a project to
raise $1.4 million towards its
construction.
The council has approved an
additional $2.5 million towards
the hydrotherapy pool plan.
“We’ve worked closely with
community groups every step of
Matatiki Hornby Centre
open hours:
Pools and Customer
Services:
• Monday–Friday 5.30am–
9.30pm
• Saturday & Sunday 7am–
8pm (Includes public
holidays)
Library:
• Monday – Friday 9am–
6pm
• Saturday & Sunday
10am-4pm (Closed on
public holidays)
the way. They’ve rallied together
to raise over $1.1 million to date,
which is a stellar effort,” Cox said.
Alongside major grants from
Lotteries NZ, New Zealand Community
Trust and Rata Foundation,
the groups have launched a
‘Buy a Bubble’ campaign to raise
funds.
The fundraiser has seen
$50,000 worth of bubbles sold to
community groups, businesses,
and individuals. Each supporter
will have their name or company
logo featured on a sponsor’s wall
in the facility.
“It’s a great opportunity for
people to show their Hornby
pride and support a very worthwhile
addition to the community
facility,” Cox said.
People can learn more about
the fundraising campaign at
hornbyhydrotherapy.co.nz.
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