Thames Ward Sport and Recreation Facilities Review and Future Directions

THAMES WARD SPORT AND RECREATION FACILITIES REVIEW AND FUTURE DIRECTIONS

Prepared for Thames Coromandel District Council

December 2013

1 Review of Thames Ward Community Sport and Recreation ...... 6 1.1 Study Objectives and Key Areas of Work ...... 6 1.2 Methodology ...... 7 1.2.1 Base Information ...... 7

2 About Thames Town ...... 8 2.1 Introduction and Location ...... 8 2.1.1 Council Direction ...... 8 2.1.2 Population ...... 9 2.2 Key Strategic Directions and Community Initiatives ...... 12 2.2.1 Thames Urban Development Strategy ...... 12 2.2.2 Hauraki Rail Trail ...... 12 2.3 Schools ...... 13 2.3.1 Thames-Coromandel District Schools ...... 13 2.3.2 Hauraki District Schools ...... 14

3 Thames Sport Facility History ...... 15 3.1 Skate Park ...... 15 3.2 Indoor Court Facilities...... 15 3.3 Replacement Grandstand at Rhodes Park ...... 16 3.4 Swimming Pool Facilities ...... 17 3.5 Impact of Mercury Bay Mutli-Sport Park Development ...... 17

4 Sports Clubs ...... 18 4.1 Club Profile ...... 18 4.1.1 Membership ...... 18 4.1.2 Discussion ...... 19 Kiaido Ryu Martial Arts New Zealand (KRMA) ...... 19 TCA Your Gym ...... 20 Thames Athletics ...... 21 Thames Badminton ...... 22 Thames Basketball ...... 23 Thames Cricket Club ...... 24 Thames Football ...... 25 Thames Gymnastics Club ...... 27 Thames Harrier Club Inc ...... 28 Thames Netball Centre ...... 29 Thames Rugby & Sports Club ...... 31 Thames Amateur Swimming Club ...... 33 Thames Bowling Club Inc ...... 33 Thames Mountain Biking Club ...... 33 Thames Valley Motor Cycle Club ...... 33 Thames Squash Club Inc ...... 34 Thames Tennis Club Inc ...... 34 Thames Jockey Club ...... 34

5 Thames Sports Facilities ...... 35 5.1 Taipari Park ...... 35 5.2 Centennial Pool ...... 36 5.3 Rhodes Park ...... 41 5.4 Thames High School and Danby Field ...... 45

© SGL Funding Ltd 2013 – Thames Ward Sport and Recreation Facilities Review and Future Directions 2 Thames High School ...... 46 Danby Field ...... 47 5.5 Porritt Park ...... 49 5.6 Thames War Memorial Civic Centre ...... 51 5.7 Kauaeranga Valley Christian Camp ...... 53 5.8 Burke St Beach Front Reserve ...... 54

6 Leisure Directions ...... 55 6.1 Leisure Trends ...... 55 6.2 Key Guiding Principles ...... 55 6.3 Why An Overall Leisure Plan and Why Master Plan? ...... 56

7 Sports Facility Directions ...... 57 7.1 Less Leisure Venues of Better Quality, which are Multi-Functional ...... 57 7.2 Current and Future Venue Directions By Sport ...... 58 7.3 Proposed Facility Development ...... 59

8 Facility Development ...... 60 8.1 Skate Park ...... 60 8.1.1 Need and Challenges ...... 60 8.1.2 Site Factors and Design ...... 60 8.1.3 Porritt Park Preferred Site ...... 60 8.1.4 Youth Workshop Feedback ...... 61 8.1.5 Current Site Plan and Cost Estimate ...... 61 8.1.6 Ownership, Management and Depreciation ...... 61 8.1.7 Current Work Programme ...... 62 8.1.8 Preliminary Planning Commentary by TCDC Senior Planner, Andrea Griffiths ...... 62 8.1.9 Recommendation ...... 63 8.2 Indoor Centre ...... 64 8.2.1 Need ...... 64 8.2.2 Future Direction ...... 65 8.2.3 Operating Model ...... 67 Revenue ...... 67 Expenses ...... 67 8.2.4 Indoor Centre Development Cost Estimate ...... 69 8.2.5 Treatment of Depreciation and Addressing Future Facility Replacement Costs ... 70 8.2.6 Lease, Ownership and Governance Model ...... 70 Feedback from Ministry of Education ...... 71 Charitable Trust Membership ...... 71 8.2.7 Recommendations ...... 72 8.3 Rhodes Park Clubrooms Redevelopment ...... 73 8.3.1 Need ...... 73 8.3.2 Future Direction ...... 74 8.3.3 Clubrooms Development Cost Estimate ...... 74 8.3.4 Operation Sustainability and Depreciation ...... 75 8.3.5 Ownership, Governance and Management ...... 75 8.3.6 Recommendations ...... 75 8.4 Aquatic Centre ...... 76 8.4.1 Aquatic And Leisure Facility Trends ...... 76 Leisure and Aquatic Trends that Impact on Leisure Facilities ...... 76 8.4.2 General Aquatic Facility Trends ...... 78

© SGL Funding Ltd 2013 – Thames Ward Sport and Recreation Facilities Review and Future Directions 3 Potential Future Aquatic Facility Trends ...... 81 8.4.3 Site Discussion ...... 83 Danby Field ...... 83 Burke Street Reserve (& Private Land) ...... 84 8.4.4 Future Direction ...... 85 8.4.5 Staged Aquatic Facility Cost Estimate ...... 86 Stage One ...... 86 Stage Two ...... 87 Stage Three ...... 87

9 Capital Funding ...... 88 9.1 Capital Funding Profile ...... 88 9.2 Project Structure and Funding Leadership ...... 88

10 Summary Recommendations ...... 90

11 Appendix ...... 92 11.1 Coromandel Peninsula Events Calendar ...... 92 11.2 Information Review ...... 94 11.3 Stakeholder Engagement ...... 96 11.4 Restrictions ...... 97

FIGURES:

Figure 1: Total Estimated Population by Age Group (Te Puru-Thornton Bay, Moanataiari & Parawai) ...... 10 Figure 2: Total Population of the Thames Coromandel District 26 December 2009-04 January 2010 ...... 11 Figure 3: Population - Comparison of Peak Population to Usually Resident Population by Surveyed Settlement ...... 11 Figure 4: Skate Park at Taipari Park ...... 15 Figure 5: Thames High School Proposed Indoor Court Development (SGL & BGBB Team Architects, 2009) ...... 16 Figure 6: Rhodes Park - Grandstand Replacement, Concept Drawings (Thames Rugby & Sports Club, 2010) ...... 16 Figure 7: Thames Junior Football Lease Area – Rhodes Park ...... 25 Figure 8: Thames Cricket Club and Thames Soccer Club Lease Area – Rhodes Park ...... 26 Figure 9: Thames Netball Centre Lease Area - Rhodes Park ...... 29 Figure 10: Thames Rugby & Sports Club Lease Area - Rhodes Park ...... 32 Figure 11: Taipari Park – Aerial View, With Centennial Pool And Skate Park ...... 35 Figure 12: Centennial Pool - Summer View (Top) Winter View (Bottom) ...... 36 Figure 13: Rhodes Park – Aerial View ...... 41 Figure 14: Thames High School and Danby Field – Aerial View ...... 45 Figure 13: Porritt Park - Aerial View ...... 49 Figure 16: Thames War Memorial Civic Centre – Aerial View ...... 51 Figure 17: Kauaeranga Valley Christian Camp – Aerial View ...... 53 Figure 18: Burke St Beach Front Reserve – Aerial View ...... 54 Figure 19: Successful Facilities Model ...... 78 Figure 20: Main Aquatic User Market ...... 79

Table 1: Estimated Resident Population by Broad Age Group ...... 9 Table 2: Estimated Resident Population by Community Board Area ...... 9 Table 3: Population Count by Area ...... 10 Table 4: Schools Zoned For Thames High School ...... 13 Table 5: Thames-Coromandel District - Other Schools ...... 13 Table 6: Hauraki District - Other Schools ...... 14 Table 7: Thames Sports Club Membership (2013) ...... 18 Table 8: Jellicoe Crescent TCA Your Gym Hours ...... 20 Table 9: Thames Badminton Membership and Subscription ...... 22 Table 10: Thames Junior Football Membership and Subscription ...... 25 Table 11: Thames Junior Football Lease Summary ...... 25 Table 12: Thames Cricket Club and Thames Soccer Club Lease Summary ...... 26 Table 13: Thames Netball Centre Lease Summary ...... 30 Table 14: Thames Rugby & Sports Club Teams ...... 31 Table 15: Thames Rugby & Sports Club Lease Summary ...... 32 Table 16: Centennial Pool Aquatic Programme Schedule ...... 38 Table 17: Non-Fee Paying Utilisation of Centennial Pool ...... 39 Table 18: Centennial Pool Revenue And Utilisation By Month ...... 39 Table 19: Centennial Pool Revepage nue And Utilisation By Type ...... 39 Table 20: Rhodes Park Grass Field Booking – Total Hours by Month by Weekday ...... 43 Table 21: Rhodes Park Grass Field Booking – Total Hours by Type by Weekday ...... 43 Table 22: Rhodes Park Football and Rugby Fixtures by Grade (2013) ...... 44 Table 23: Rhodes Park Football and Rugby Fixtures by Date (2013) ...... 44 Table 24: Thames High School – Sports Team Membership (2013) ...... 46 Table 25: Thames High School Gymnasium Afterhours Utilisation, Court Hours ...... 47 Table 26: Thames High School Football Fixtures by Venue (2013) ...... 48 Table 27: Civic Centre - Total Hours – By Facility and Classification ...... 52 Table 28: Civic Centre Auditorium – Total Hours ...... 52 Table 29: Kauaeranga Valley Christian Camp, Thames Valley Netball Fixtures By Date ...... 53 Table 30: Current and Future Venue Directions by Sport ...... 58 Table 31: Proposed Sports Facility Development for Thames Ward ...... 59 Table 32: Projected Sports Hall Utilisation and Revenue ...... 66 Table 33: Projected Financial Performance for Future 2 Indoor Court Gymnasium Based At Thames High School ...... 67 Table 34: Indoor Centre Operating Model ...... 68 Table 35: Draft Capital Funding Profile for Proposed Facility Development for Thames Ward 88 Table 36: Proposed Sports Facility Development for Thames Ward ...... 90

1.1 STUDY OBJECTIVES AND KEY AREAS OF WORK Leisure Planners SGL Group and BGBB Team Architects undertook this Review from May to June 2013

The Review involved the following areas of work:

1. Strategic review and demand analysis for sport and recreation activities and facilities in the Thames Ward area. 2. Specific consideration of the need, location, master planning and capital cost estimates for an indoor court facility development, grandstand and clubrooms redevelopment at Rhodes Park, provision of a Skate Park, and future aquatic facility requirements. 3. Consideration of the funding opportunities, achievability, timing and implications of the proposed development programme. Also to consider top-line operating implications. 4. Based on the need, achievability and sustainability findings of the above work complete more detailed planning for the facility developments likely to proceed in the next five year period. In particular: Prepare preliminary concept designs for the indoor court facility and the Rhodes Park clubrooms redevelopment. Develop a zero-based detailed utilisation profile and corresponding operating model for the proposed indoor court facility. Progress specific planning for the Skate Park, including overseeing legal title search, land survey, geotechnical, iwi liaison and planning implications work for the preferred site, and once site suitability clarified, commissioning a preliminary Skate Park design. 5. Also consideration of the structural implications (ownership, access agreements, governance and management) for the priority facility developments.

1. Conducted 25 stakeholder interviews, supported by Marlene Perry and Justine Baverstock (see Appendix 11.3 Stakeholder Engagement)

2. Comprehensive information search and review of all relevant reports (see Appendix 11.2 Information Review).

3. At an early stage of the Study undertook a preliminary workshop with the Thames Community Board to provide an overview of the key strategic issues.

4. Based on key information findings and site understanding, prepared master plan options for principal facilities. For the Aquatic Centre, considered two different layout options at each of Danby Field and Burke St Reserve.

5. Conducted an internal workshop to further cross-check the profile of all sports and facilities, and to discuss, further develop and test the validity of proposed key directions.

6. As the Study progressed, it became evident that a cost-effective solution for the club redevelopment at Rhodes Park was needed, and with an understanding of future need and consideration of the existing park layout and facilities, developed a new preliminary concept design.

7. During the course of the Study, it also became evident it was important to achieve a real ‘road map’ to enable the completion of a Skate Park, indoor court development and Rhodes Park development during the next five years – that all three are important to meet community need, for community confidence (after protracted attempts over an extended period of time to try to make these initiatives a reality) and for collective community buy-in. Hence, the emphasis was placed on real solutions for these three facility developments.

8. For the aquatic facility development, it was evident from the outset, to achieve an indoor community Aquatic Centre would require a District-wide and indeed Sub regional buy-in and funding, both capital and operating. Therefore, the consultant team proposed a phased development solution, which in the first instance could see a replacement of the current level of service and secondly would enable development of a District-wide Aquatic Centre on this same final site. There are also further site related issues to be resolved, before any final site can be determined. Consequently, no attempt was made to develop operating implications at this time.

1.2.1 BASE INFORMATION In the preparation of this Report, SGL reviewed a large amount of information. This Report doesn’t unnecessarily repeat previously documented information. In particular, SGL refers the reader to two principal information sources, which is largely not repeated here:

Coromandel Peninsula, District Profile: People, Housing and Projections. TCDC Policy and Planning Group (2008). Thames Community Leisure Centre: Concept Design Options, Build Option, Financial Feasibility and Capital Funding strategies for a One Court Indoor Facility. SGL (2009).

2.1 INTRODUCTION AND LOCATION Thames is situated on the south-east coast of the Firth of Thames on the banks of the Kauaeranga River and north of the mouth of the Waihou River (named ‘Thames’ by Captain Cook). Most of the town occupies land at the western base of the Coromandel Range.1

Thames is easily accessed by road and is a short commute from Auckland and Hamilton (each approximately 1 hour 20 minutes drive) and 1 hour 40 minutes from Tauranga.

Thames is the ‘capital’ of Coromandel District and it is regularly thought of as the ‘gateway’ to the Coromandel Peninsula; it also is a visitor destination in its own right. Thames has a rich early New Zealand history including gold mining and timber milling, Thames was visited by Captain James Cook and the HMS Endeavour in 1769.

The Thames population has doubled in the 50 years between the 1961 census (n=5314) and the estimated population in 2012 (n=10,500).

2.1.1 COUNCIL DIRECTION The 2012-2022 Thames Coromandel District Council mission is to “Deliver quality affordable services to ratepayers, residents and visitors to Coromandel” and is committed to achieving the following outcomes - A Prosperous District; A Liveable District; and A Clean and Green District.

Furthermore, the “Choosing Futures Thames-Coromandel Strategy” sees communities aspire to the following five goals: respect and enhance the natural environment; value and preserve the rich history of the District; and value the uniqueness of the Peninsula lifestyle; that local economies reflect the spirit of the Peninsula and that needs are met through sound planning ahead of growth and development and finally, the ultimate direction is that communities are healthy, cohesive, caring and supportive.

The Thames Coromandel District Council is committed to “Getting Closer to the Community” and in April 2012 adopted 21 recommendations regarding responsibilities to devolve to the District’s five Local Boards (Thames, Coromandel Colville, Mercury Bay, Tairua-Pauanui and Whangamata). This includes making governance decisions relating to the following activities and sub-activities:

Harbour Facilities Parks and Reserves Halls Libraries Airfields Swimming Pools Public Conveniences Cemeteries Local Transportation Local Strategic Planning Community Grants Local Economic Development Local Bylaw Levels of Service

1 http://www.teara.govt.nz/en/1966/thames © SGL Funding Ltd 2013 – Thames Ward Sport and Recreation Facilities Review and Future Directions 8 The challenges faced by the Council are the rugged, beautiful and varied geography of the Peninsula creating pocket communities spread across District’s 258,000 hectares – the usual resident population is 27,000 and non-resident rate payers account for 55% of housing ownership, also the Peninsula faces extreme population variation at different times of the year.

2.1.2 POPULATION Thames-Coromandel District population is stable with slight increases in estimated overall population and median age between 1996 and 2006. Over a similar period same period the total school roll decreased by 12% (Table 4).

The District has a high nonresident home ownership. 38% of the resident population lives in Thames Community Board area (Table 2).

The population peaks in the 5 days either side of New Years Eve, swelling from 27,000 to 120,000-140,000. Thames population increases by approximately 20% over the New Year Period (Figure 2).

Table 1: Estimated Resident Population by Broad Age Group ESTIMATED RESIDENT POPULATION BY BROAD AGE GROUP Median At 30 June Numbers Percent % age 0–14 15–39 40–64 65+ Total 0–14 15–39 40–64 65+ (years) 2006 4,600 6,400 10,000 5,700 26,700 17.4 23.9 37.5 21.2 46.3 2011 4,400 6,200 10,200 6,300 27,000 16.2 22.8 37.8 23.3 48.5 2012 4,300 6,100 10,000 6,600 27,000 16.0 22.5 37.0 24.4 49.1

Table 2: Estimated Resident Population by Community Board Area2 ESTIMATED RESIDENT POPULATION BY COMMUNITY BOARD Community Board At 30 June 2012 Coromandel-Colville Community 2,850 Mercury Bay Community 7,530 Thames Community 10,250 Tairua-Pauanui Community 2,300 Whangamata Community 4,050 26,980

2 Statistics NZ - Subnational population estimates at 30 June 2012: local government areas © SGL Funding Ltd 2013 – Thames Ward Sport and Recreation Facilities Review and Future Directions 9 Table 3: Population Count by Area POPULATION COUNT BY AREA (1996, 2001, 2006) Census Year Description 1996 2001 2006 Whitianga 2,994 3,078 3,768 Coromandel 1,470 1,437 1,476 Te Rerenga 3,525 3,786 4,170 Whangamata 3,765 3,963 3,555 Tairua 1,440 1,461 1,269 Moanataiari 2,532 2,505 2,472 Parawai 4,281 4,200 4,284 Pauanui Beach 645 702 741 Hikuai 3,129 3,078 3,252 Te Puru-Thornton Bay 1,014 951 942 Inlets-Thames-Coromandel District 18 3 3 Islands-Thames-Coromandel District 6 6 12 TOTAL 24,819 25,170 25,9443

1750

1500

1250

1000

750

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Number of people 250

0 0-14 15-29 30-44 45-59 60-74 75-100+ 1996 1625 1415 1595 1385 1275 710 2001 1565 1150 1500 1510 1340 800 2011 1410 1065 1310 1660 1465 975

Figure 1: Total Estimated Population by Age Group (Te Puru-Thornton Bay, Moanataiari & Parawai)

3 The is a 3% difference in 2006 estimated population and census population © SGL Funding Ltd 2013 – Thames Ward Sport and Recreation Facilities Review and Future Directions 10 Peak Population4

Figure 2: Total Population of the Thames Coromandel District 26 December 2009-04 January 2010

Figure 3: Population - Comparison of Peak Population to Usually Resident Population by Surveyed Settlement

4 TCDC: Coromandel Peninsula Peak Population Study 2009/2010, Policy Planning Group (pages 3 and 4) © SGL Funding Ltd 2013 – Thames Ward Sport and Recreation Facilities Review and Future Directions 11 2.2 KEY STRATEGIC DIRECTIONS AND COMMUNITY INITIATIVES

2.2.1 THAMES URBAN DEVELOPMENT STRATEGY The Thames Community Board has promoted the establishment of an Urban Development Strategy for Thames that enhances and protects the town's unique features and reflects the aspirations of the community - both economic and social.

The focus areas for redevelopment within the Thames urban footprint includes:

The development of four Precincts. The development of Grahamstown into a visitor destination and leisure hub. The redevelopment of the Civic Centre area into a regional cultural and commercial hub. New central housing development offerings promoting new compact urban living opportunities. Recreational initiatives including development of safer, user friendly pedestrian and cycling pathways around the town.

Proposed Precincts Precinct 1 – Northern Gateway: Junction of Queen and Pollen Street, develop entry gate into the town centre, enhance cultural landscape). Precinct 2 – Grahamstown Heritage Hub: Develop cohesive heritage and information destination. Precinct 3 – Regional Cultural and Commercial Hub: Amalgamation of the Civic Centre and WINTEC sites. Redevelop existing buildings to create a Regional Service Centre/Business Hub/Knowledge Centre. Precinct 4 – Southern Gateway: Western side of Queen Street/State Highway 25, develop as the recreation hub for Thames, linking with the water and coastal walkway.

2.2.2 HAURAKI RAIL TRAIL The 82km trail runs from Waihi to Thames via the Karangahake Gorge, Paeroa and Te Aroha. It incorporates a 1.1km tunnel and follows the path of two historic railway lines (Thames to Paeroa and Waikino to Te Aroha). A new path will link Waikino to Waihi (expected completion late 2013).

The Trail officially terminates at the Wharf at the corner of Jellicoe Crescent and Queen St. A pathway continues another 3km (return), from the Wharf along Queen Street and beside Danby Field up to Kerenui Bay.

The Hauraki Rail Trail forms an important part of the proposed Precinct 4 Southern Gateway and towards the development of a safer user pedestrian and cycle friendly town.

2.3.1 THAMES-COROMANDEL DISTRICT SCHOOLS5 Table 4: Schools Zoned For Thames High School SCHOOLS ZONED FOR THAMES HIGH SCHOOL Area 2004 2009 2012 Decile Thames Matatoki School 65 58 38 7 Moanataiari School 147 84 141 5 Parawai School 347 341 274 6 Puriri School 35 22 26 7 St Francis School (Thames) 91 96 101 7 Tapu School 18 37 13 4 Te Puru School 201 155 175 6 Thames High School6 654 626 591 6 Thames South School 214 188 206 3 1772 1607 1565 Tairua -Pauanui Hikuai School 103 85 77 9 Tairua School 99 90 101 7 202 175 178 TOTAL 1974 1782 1743

Table 5: Thames-Coromandel District - Other Schools THAMES-COROMANDEL DISTRICT - OTHER SCHOOLS Area 2004 2009 2012 Decile Coromandel Colville School 42 31 30 4 Coromandel Area School 344 289 205 3 Manaia School (Thames) 32 72 90 2 Te Rerenga School 67 68 58 5 TKKM o Harataunga 17 18 16 2 502 478 399 Mercury Bay Coroglen School 42 38 35 6 Mercury Bay Area School 666 759 815 6 Whenuakite School 135 130 132 8 843 927 982 Whangamata Opoutere School 87 85 134 4 Whangamata Area School 525 421 379 4 612 506 513

5 Data set: Student Numbers by Age 2004-2012 [MS Excel 6.5MB] from http://www.educationcounts.govt.nz/ 6 Thames High School 2013 roll is 605 including 25 international students © SGL Funding Ltd 2013 – Thames Ward Sport and Recreation Facilities Review and Future Directions 13 2.3.2 HAURAKI DISTRICT SCHOOLS Table 6: Hauraki District - Other Schools HAURAKI DISTRICT SCHOOLS Area 2004 2009 2012 Decile Hauraki Paeroa College 283 295 310 2 St Joseph's Catholic School (Paeroa) 74 48 50 4 Tirohia School 97 97 51 3 454 440 411 Hauraki Plains Kopuarahi School 46 30 33 7 Turua Primary School 189 119 88 7 Waitakaruru School 85 59 59 5 320 208 180 Ngatea Hauraki Plains College 623 625 682 6 Ngatea School 268 298 301 6 891 923 983 Paeroa Goldfields School (Paeroa) 36 46 51 3 Hikutaia School 82 102 76 4 Karangahake School 55 52 53 2 Kerepehi School 86 72 52 1 Miller Avenue School 156 137 150 2 Netherton School 48 77 118 4 Paeroa Central School 162 108 96 1 Paeroa Christian School 58 58 46 3 683 652 642 Waihi St Joseph's Catholic School (Waihi) 56 51 81 3 Waihi Beach School 255 255 241 6 Waihi Central School 169 219 165 2 Waihi College 869 782 692 3 Waihi East School 193 137 148 3 Waihi School 78 107 95 3 Waikino School 69 95 45 3 Waimata School 67 37 45 4 1756 1683 1512

© SGL Funding Ltd 2013 – Thames Ward Sport and Recreation Facilities Review and Future Directions 14 3 THAMES SPORT FACILITY HISTORY From our interviews there was repeated comment that facility developments have been proposed in the past and gone nowhere. There was a high level of community scepticism and fatigue, that this was yet another planning exercise.

3.1 SKATE PARK Thames youth have tried for over 10 years to develop a new Skate Park. They have presented to Council, made submissions and raised funds. About 10 years ago a motivated group was successful in gaining COGS funding of $75,000 with a matching contribution from Council, however as a new site had not been determined for a new Skate Park the funding was returned.

The existing Skate Park is located at Taipari Park, which is an historic urupa and wahi tapu7 site. Working with Ngati Maru, Council has the eventual goal to remove these facilities.

TCDC funding of $80,500 is currently assigned in the TCDC 2012-2022 Ten Year Plan for a Thames Skate Park for the period 2013-2014.

Figure 4: Skate Park at Taipari Park

3.2 INDOOR COURT FACILITIES Thames has three indoor court facilities, each with a single indoor court and each having a variety of limitations.

Thames High School gymnasium is available for community use outside of school hours and is a popular choice for sports clubs. The court has limited run-off and often inadequate lighting.

Thames War Memorial Civic Centre has an undersized indoor court with limited run-off and ceiling height, often with inadequate lighting. The Civic Centre auditorium has a performance stage (with limited back-of-house facilities). Whilst used for sport, the primary purpose of this auditorium is for arts and cultural events and activities.

Kauaeranga Valley Christian Camp has a full size indoor court with limited run-off. Economically built, the sports hall has supporting amenities and a viewing mezzanine. Located 6km from Thames town centre the sports hall priority and primary purpose is camp users.

For over 10 years Zoom Zone, a community interest group and charitable trust based in Thames, has been promoting the development of a community indoor court facility. SGL’s

7 Wahi tapu is defined as “being land of special spiritual, cultural, or historical tribal significance" (from 27D Resumption of Wahi Tapu: State-Owned Enterprises Act 1986 ) © SGL Funding Ltd 2013 – Thames Ward Sport and Recreation Facilities Review and Future Directions 15 Report in 2009 endorsed this direction (Figure 5). TCDC funding of $4 million is currently assigned in the TCDC 2012-2022 Ten Year Plan for Thames community sports facilities for the period 2013-2018.

Figure 5: Thames High School Proposed Indoor Court Development (SGL & BGBB Team Architects, 2009)

3.3 REPLACEMENT GRANDSTAND AT RHODES PARK The current 200 seat covered grandstand is about 70 years old and there are real structural integrity and safety questions. Thames Rugby & Sports Club prepared a new grandstand and clubrooms concept plans (Figure 6). From SGL’s preliminary review this facility concept has an indicative cost of $6.5 million.

From interviews with some Council and Thames Rugby & Sports Club representatives, there was a clear expectation that up to 50% of the $4 million 10 Year Plan funding could be allocated towards this facility development.

Figure 6: Rhodes Park - Grandstand Replacement, Concept Drawings (Thames Rugby & Sports Club, 2010)

© SGL Funding Ltd 2013 – Thames Ward Sport and Recreation Facilities Review and Future Directions 16 3.4 SWIMMING POOL FACILITIES Thames has two principal outdoor pool facilities, one based at Thames High School and the Council-owned Centennial Pool at Taipari Park. Some primary schools also have small outdoor pools.

Thames High School has a 30m x 5 lane pool, deep at one end, built pre 1960s.

Centennial Pool has a 25m x 15m, 7 lane pool, with an inflatable dome cover for winter, has a summer-only paddling pool, clubrooms, changing amenities and elevated terraced seating. The complex opened in 1976. The pool is efficiently heated by a wood chip boiler.

Centennial Pool is located at Taipari Park, which is an historic urupa and wahi tapu site. Working with Ngati Maru, Council has the eventual goal to remove these facilities and to create an open space area.

TCDC funding of $5 million is currently assigned in the TCDC 2012-2022 Ten Year Plan for Thames Swimming Pool development in 2021.

3.5 IMPACT OF MERCURY BAY MUTLI-SPORT PARK DEVELOPMENT In 2013 phase one of the Mercury Bay Mutli-Sport Park in Whitianga opened 3 asphalt Tennis courts, 5 asphalt Netball courts and 5 grass playing fields and change facilities. Phase two of the Whitianga development features clubrooms, grandstand seating and indoor courts.

The considerable cost overrun of this project has had a major District wide impact, i.e. it has brought into sharp focus the need to ensure any facility development is needed and an affordable solution.

4.1 CLUB PROFILE

4.1.1 MEMBERSHIP Table 7: Thames Sports Club Membership (2013) THAMES SPORTS CLUBS MEMBERSHIP 2013 Organisation Name Members Kiaido Ryu Martial Arts New Zealand 108 TCA Gym 320 Thames Amateur Swimming Club 100 Thames Athletics 158 Thames Badminton 127 Thames Basketball 90 Thames Bowling Club Inc 165 Thames Cricket Club8 11 Thames Gymnastics Club 60 Thames Harrier Club Inc 27 Thames High School 331 Thames Junior Football Inc 107 Thames Mountain Biking Club 30 Thames Netball Association9 415 Thames Rugby & Sports Club10 320 Thames Squash Rackets Club Inc 135 Thames Tennis Club Inc 187 Thames Valley Motor Cycle Club 8511 Touch Module12 160 Subtotal 2936 Minus double count (THS Netball n=89, THS -219 Rugby n= 90, TR&SC Netball n=40) TOTAL 2717

8 Thames Cricket: Senior struggles to field a full team it is currently in recession, there is no secondary or junior cricket 9 Thames Netball: All Peninsula teams in Thames league (playing Wednesday or Saturday) 10 Thames Rugby & Sports Club: Includes junior, secondary and senior rugby and netball 11 Median between 70 to 100 membership, see Thames Valley Motor Cycle Club discussion 12 Touch module is run by the Thames Rugby & Sports Club © SGL Funding Ltd 2013 – Thames Ward Sport and Recreation Facilities Review and Future Directions 18 4.1.2 DISCUSSION Kiaido Ryu Martial Arts New Zealand (KRMA) Kiaido Ryu Martial Arts is a private business, operating from Thames for 20+ years.

Thames is the international home of Kiaido Ryu Martial Arts. There are 15 Kiaido Ryu schools in New Zealand, one in Australia and one in the United Kingdom. The Kiaido Ryu syllabus is developed by Lance Strong, based on Okinawa style karate and incorporating other movement styles including Brazilian Boxing and Jujitsu.

Membership and Facility Utilisation The Thames dojo has 108 members of all ages and levels (16 Masters, 20 Senior, 25 Secondary, 47 Primary). Members train together between 5:30pm - 8:30pm on Tuesday and Thursday nights during term time at the Thames War Memorial Civic Centre (256 hours per year). Typically 40-60 members will attend usual training with this number increasing as grading approaches.

Grading events occur in Thames twice a year; these may have 150+ athletes attending (plus supporters). These events are usually mid-year and end-of-year. The Civic Centre and Thames High School gym are hired for the grading weekends.

Two to three times per year, Kiaido Ryu holds residential training camps for 90-120 practioners at the Kauaeranga Valley Christian Camp.

Current Facilities Kiaido Ryu has been based at the Civic Centre for some years.

Mats, pads, fighting sticks and staffs used for training are kept in the storage area at the Civic Centre auditorium. As all ages and levels train together, a lot of space is required – when able, the group will splinter and use the auditorium floor and stage, the foyer and function room. The city centre location is convenient for families and parking is easy in the surrounding streets and at the Goldfield’s car park. Periodically Kiaido Ryu training nights are interrupted by event bookings at the Civic Centre, the gymnasium at Thames High School is the preferred alternate location, and if unavailable the Club will try for Kauaeranga Valley Christian Camp.

Commentary on Future Direction Lance and Ava Strong considered the option of a purpose-built dojo but thought the idea impractical due to cost continuing with using a Council-owned facility made better business sense. Growth for Kiaido Ryu in Thames is hampered by training venue availability and booking reliability (there are enough coaches to accommodate increased numbers). Ideally any future venue should have mats in situ and viewing/spectator or exhibition space (important for grading) and could be shared with Gymnastics.

© SGL Funding Ltd 2013 – Thames Ward Sport and Recreation Facilities Review and Future Directions 19 TCA Your Gym TCA Your Gym is a private business operating from Jellicoe Crescent and Rhodes Park Before buying the existing gym business at Jellicoe Rd in 2010, TCA ran popular low-cost Group Fitness classes at the Thames Civic Centre and at the St Georges Hall.

TCA Your Gym is the only gym in Thames.

Membership and Facility Utilisation Membership has been fairly static, ranging from 320 to 350 members. The full membership fee is $770/annum13, this includes gym use and all fitness classes, TCA also offer a variety of incentive memberships (e.g. discount for gold card, off-peak membership etc) as well as casual facility use and concession cards for Group Fitness classes.

Both TCA venues are leased from the Thames Rugby & Sports Club. Group fitness classes are offered at Rhodes Park and weights and cardio equipment at Jellicoe Crescent. Opening hours are shown in Table 8.

Table 8: Jellicoe Crescent TCA Your Gym Hours JELLICOE CRESCENT TCA YOUR GYM HOURS Mon-Fri Sat Sun Hours 5:45 am - 8:00pm 8:00 am – Noon 8:00 am - Noon 4:00 pm - 6:00pm

TCA offer 11 types of Group Fitness styles with 23 classes per week. ‘TCA aerobics’ sessions attract 40-50 participants 3 x per week and 10-20 participants to other 20 weekly sessions (approximately 350-400 visits/week).

Staffing: TCA employ 2 full time gym staff, 2 part-time gym staff, 4 group fitness instructors (per session basis) and both Directors work either at the gym and/or teach group fitness.

Current Facilities Arna Rohrlack (Director) commented that their current facilities are sufficient but not ideal, “it’s what we’re used to”. The Rhodes Park facility can feel tight (40+ participants) and the Jellicoe Crescent equipment is well maintained though old (10+ years).

Commentary on Future Direction There are no immediate plans to move from or alter the facilities. Management will be focusing on increasing revenue and membership numbers (aiming for 400). TCA management is supportive of the original Thames Rugby & Sport Club development proposal at Rhodes Park with fitness centre, sports hall and clubrooms. TCA would like to be involved in the development of fitness facilities in Thames. With the small population, believe that a single high specification, well run facility would be of most benefit for the town.

13 GST inclusive © SGL Funding Ltd 2013 – Thames Ward Sport and Recreation Facilities Review and Future Directions 20 Thames Athletics Thames Athletics is a juniors-only club, from preschool up to 12 years, currently non- competitive, with the primary focus being on movement and skill development i.e. run-jump- throw. The season runs from late October to late March.

Recommencing in 2011 after some years in recession, the new Thames Athletics is an informal sports group.

Membership and Facility Utilisation Athletics has a variable membership with significant changes across the season. The Christmas break caused attrition in member numbers - with 150+ participants pre break (U5 years = 53, U12 years = 105), and less than 75 returning post break.

Subscription fee to Thames Athletics is $20/family14. Should the club affiliate to the national body an affiliation fee of $25/child* would be payable to Athletics NZ. There is a reluctance to increase the Thames Athletics fee as it is felt that this would be difficult for families to pay.

Without affiliation to Athletic NZ, children are unable to participate in interclub competition.

Current Facilities Thames Athletics operates from Thames High School on Wednesday from 5:30pm – 7:00pm.

Thames High School permits Athletics to use their grass track on a no-fee basis. The school marks the track and maintains the track. Athletics gear is stored on-site; recently this equipment has been made available for school use. No provision of shelter or seating and the distance from the track to the toilet can be an issue for younger children.

Commentary on Future Direction The club is doing well as an U5 activity, to become more than this, development is required in the following areas:

There is need to upskill parents as coaches. The club is working on putting more structure into club night (stretching, short races, 400m run and parachute fun). Formalise its structure either through incorporation or by joining with an incorporated similar sports group (e.g. Thames Harriers) – this also requires a committed committee. Additional equipment needed – hurdles, starting blocks, balls and elastics. Happy to remain at Thames High School in the foreseeable future, though would entertain Rhodes Park as a venue as it could provide clubrooms and amenities (at a cost).

* 14 GST inclusive © SGL Funding Ltd 2013 – Thames Ward Sport and Recreation Facilities Review and Future Directions 21 Thames Badminton Thames Badminton is comprised of four player groups: primary school, secondary school, midweek and seniors. The Badminton season runs from late April to October.

Membership and Facility Utilisation Primary school, secondary school and seniors play at Thames High School on Monday from 3:30pm – 9:00pm in two hours blocks, and Midweek play at the Thames Civic Centre on Wednesday 9:30am – 11:30am. Membership and subscription fees are outlined in Table 9.

Thames Valley Association pays $300 affiliation to NZ Badminton on behalf of Thames players permitting them to enter interclub competition, individuals self-pay tournament entry fees.

Table 9: Thames Badminton Membership and Subscription THAMES BADMINTON MEMBERSHIP AND SUBSCRIPTION (GST inclusive) Primary Secondary Senior Midweek Total Members 24 53 40 10 127 Subscription $15 85 30 60 60

Current Facilities Civic Centre Lighting needs improvement for Badminton. Floor much better than in the past (cleaner, less likely to skid). Limited run off space at Civic Centre. Is thought as expensive to hire. Thames High School No day time play available at Thames High School. Sun strike - without curtains sun is blinding for players. Floor is often dirty/dusty and prone to skidding. Badminton is often bumped due to other school bookings. Interclub - difficult when 2 courts are in play for senior non-interclub play and 2 courts for interclub, makes for a very long night (sometimes finishing at 10:30pm), this is particularly difficult when players have to travel. School doesn’t replace lights often enough. Free venue hire for primary and secondary, charge for seniors only. Kauaeranga Valley Christian Camp The distance out of town is a deterrent for many school children, and seniors do not wish to travel the rural road at night, hence it is not used by Badminton groups.

Commentary on Future Direction There are no plans to change the structure of Badminton in Thames, however if another night was available at Thames High School, Badminton would consider expanding club nights. Junior club is reliant on one volunteer though others are willing to assist. Cross over between secondary and senior players would strengthen the game. Ideally, a new court would be co-located, thereby potentially having 8 badminton courts in the same place.

15 GST inclusive © SGL Funding Ltd 2013 – Thames Ward Sport and Recreation Facilities Review and Future Directions 22 Thames Basketball Basketball in Thames is informal.

Membership and Facility Utilisation A senior group meets on Sundays to play and there are up to 8 teams (40 players); this group is not affiliated to the Thames Valley Basketball Association. Subscription covers hall hire, each team pays $160 for the 10 week season. This group has grown by word of mouth.

Thames High School has two teams with regular training occurring after school.

Approximately 40-50 children meet on Fridays to play Basketball and learn skills. It was reported that 100+ children wanted to join, however numbers are restricted due to facility size and availability.

Affiliation to Thames Valley Basketball $50/player16 (senior).

Current Facilities Thames High School: The school gymnasium is the preferred venue for Basketball in Thames. The hoops are owned by the former Thames Basketball Association. Sun strike can be an issue (no curtains). Could be improved with half court setup/markings. Thames Civic Centre: Does not have Basketball hoops Runoff is too short and no room for spectators and supporters. Kauaeranga Valley Christian Camp: The distance out-of-town is prohibitive for many of the school children, and seniors do not wish to travel the rural road at night, hence it is not used by the Basketball groups

Commentary on Future Direction The Sunday group is interested in resurrecting an organised formalized Basketball league (this ceased 10 years ago) Two courts co-located would be ideal to run coaching and skills sessions along with games. If Thames High School was available two nights per week for 3 hours each, the sport could grow (if there are enough committed people).

16 GST inclusive © SGL Funding Ltd 2013 – Thames Ward Sport and Recreation Facilities Review and Future Directions 23 Thames Cricket Club Cricket is in recession.

Membership and Facility Utilisation Player numbers have dwindled over recent years and fielding a complete team has become increasingly difficult.

Interest in Cricket is greater when it is supported in the school (i.e. a motivated/enthusiastic teacher).

Current Facilities Rhodes Park has two wickets; it is the home Thames Cricket. Previously Cricket paid $50017/annum to the Thames Rugby & Sports Club to use a room in the Grandstand for clubrooms and storage. Thames Cricket Club along with Thames Soccer Club held a 21 year lease with TCDC for use of fields at Rhodes Park; this lease may have lapsed as both the Cricket and Soccer Clubs are in recession. See page 26 for lease information.

Commentary on Future Direction

The old format of 2-6 hour games on a Saturday/Sunday is no longer attractive; it is burdensome and difficult to fit into family life. Mid week, after work, shorter games are better options. Thames Rugby & Sports Club has offered a business house league with moderate success.

17 GST inclusive © SGL Funding Ltd 2013 – Thames Ward Sport and Recreation Facilities Review and Future Directions 24 Thames Football Thames Junior Football Thames Junior Football recently formed an Incorporated Society and is affiliated to WaikatoBOP Football Federation.

Membership and Facility Utilisation 24 junior Football fixtures will be held at Rhodes Park during the 2013 (see Table 20 and Table 21). Membership varies slightly from year to year as children move into High School or away from the area. The Club currently has 7 teams and 30 Mini-Kickers.

All levels train on Wednesday after school.

Table 10: Thames Junior Football Membership and Subscription THAMES JUNIOR FOOTBALL MEMBERSHIP AND SUBSCRIPTION Grade Mini 9th 11th 13th Total Kickers U6 Teams 3 2 2 7 Members 30 33 22 22 107 Subscription $18 20 30 40 40 Current Facilities Based at Rhodes Park, Junior Football uses two fields for training and games. One of the fields can become ‘boggy’ The Club entered into lease with TCDC in 2013, for a building at Rhodes Park to use as clubrooms and for storage (previously the Thames Small-bore Rifle Club). The building is basic and in need of some repair. Lease details are outlined in Table 11. Previously the Club paid $500/annum to Thames Rugby & Sports Club for use of its clubrooms and storage under the Grandstand, however found this arrangement unsuitable. Football families use the Council lavatory block.

Figure 7: Thames Junior Football Lease Area – Rhodes Park

Table 11: Thames Junior Football Lease Summary Description Location Rights of Lease Dates Rate/annum Renewal $ (exc GST) Thames Junior 445c Ngati Maru 3 years 1 May 2013 to 30 April 2016 350 Football Highway 3 years

18 All figures GST inclusive © SGL Funding Ltd 2013 – Thames Ward Sport and Recreation Facilities Review and Future Directions 25 Thames Senior Football Thames Senior Football is in recession. A group meet to train once a week, however are unable to field a team in 2013. The group has for the past four years played in the Ngatea Indoor League and run an informal five-a-side game at Danby Field.

Membership and Facility Utilisation The group trains under the spill of the Netball court lights at Rhodes Park in winter and may make an arrangement with the Thames Rugby & Sports Club for use of grounds and lights. Danby Field is utilised over summer.

The Club no longer has a bank account and will use the Junior Club account when necessary to collect subscription fees etc.

Thames Soccer Club along with Thames Cricket Club held a 21 year lease with TCDC for use of fields at Rhodes Park; this lease may have lapsed as both the Cricket and Senior Football Clubs are in recession.

Danby Field has three Football pitches, one full size running north-south and at each end smaller fields running east-west. It is a summer only venue (i.e. no lights).

Figure 8: Thames Cricket Club and Thames Soccer Club Lease Area – Rhodes Park

Table 12: Thames Cricket Club and Thames Soccer Club Lease Summary Description Location Review Lease Dates Rate/annum $ (exc GST) Thames Cricket and Ngati Maru 2 years 01 Jan 2000 to 31 Dec 2020 1,440 Thames Soccer Club Highway 21 years effective 01 Jan 2004

Commentary on Future Direction The Junior Club would like to build a shelter (adjacent to the lavatory block), this would serve to keep gear out of the weather and provide shelter for spectators from wind and rain. Senior Club would like to see flood lights at Danby Field.

© SGL Funding Ltd 2013 – Thames Ward Sport and Recreation Facilities Review and Future Directions 26 Thames Gymnastics Club Thames Gymnastics Club is an Incorporated Society and is affiliated to GymSport NZ. Thames Gymnastics offers one session per week during term time (thirty weeks) at Thames High School.

Membership and Facility Utilisation Membership is limited to primary school aged children, at 60 (12 boys, 48 girls) is at maximum There is a waiting list and families have asked for Kindy Gym classes in addition to the school- age class. Classes are structured into junior and senior sessions on Thursday between 3:30pm to 5:30pm at the Thames High School gymnasium.

Equipment: It takes 20 minutes at each end of class to set up apparatus. It is always challenging to set up and put away equipment and reduces time spent on Gymnastics from 120 minutes to 80 minutes. With equipment set up the facility cannot accommodate more participants. Mats and apparatus are stored at the school, with older pieces on loan to other schools or stored off site.

Subscriptions: there is a tiered fee19 – ‘Drop and Go’ $90/term, ‘Stay and Assist’ $40/term. Most families take the $40 option – this requires that they participate in setup and pack down or by assisting with classes.

Coaching: Thames Gymnastics is well supported with nine qualified coaches and 16 parent helpers.

2012 saw the first Gymnastics Festival – hosted at Kauaeranga Valley Christian Camp - with 120 participants from the 21 Peninsula schools. This was a massive undertaking as equipment had to be collected from around the various locations and then transported to the camp.

Current Facilities Thames High School One session a week is insufficient to develop competitive gymnasts – at least one other regular session is needed. The school gym provides a central and easily accessed venue. Ventilation is insufficient and sun strike makes it difficult to see. Ropes and wall bars are utilised by gymnasts. Ideally would like to be able to leave apparatus set-up. Some confusion over school/club equipment and use.

Commentary on Future Direction Facility Development A dedicated facility or area with sprung floor and apparatus would be ideal. Can see synergy with Martial Arts.

Programme Development Would like to develop competitive events in Thames and have members compete interclub competition, this requires more time training. Strong interest from community to develop Kindy Gym, could offer a positive revenue stream to Thames Gymnastics. Also interested in developing classes for disabled/special needs Potential to develop specialty apparatus classes such as Trampoline is determined by facility specifications

19 GST inclusive © SGL Funding Ltd 2013 – Thames Ward Sport and Recreation Facilities Review and Future Directions 27 Thames Harrier Club Inc Thames Harrier Club is a small group of mature runners. It has no junior membership though it aims to encourage running and walking at all levels and ages. The Club is affiliated to Athletics Waikato.

The season runs from March to October.

Membership and Facility Utilisation Thames Harriers have small numbers with only 27 members. At its height (1990s), the Club had 100+ members. Competitive members pay $67/annum and club-only $12/annum in subscription20.

Club Day is on Saturday.

Statement of Financial Position (as at 31 December 2012) shows term investments of approximately $42,000.

Current Facilities Runners gather at the Swimming Clubrooms at Centennial Pool (1.00pm). Harriers pay $600/annum for use of this facility. Social functions and meetings are sometimes held at the Thames Workingmen’s Club.

Commentary on Future Direction The Paeroa-Thames Road Race was once a significant event (600-700 entrants) on the North Island harriers calendar. The club is keen to reinstate this race using the Hauraki Rail Trail.

20 All figures GST inclusive

© SGL Funding Ltd 2013 – Thames Ward Sport and Recreation Facilities Review and Future Directions 28 Thames Netball Centre Thames Netball Centre is an Incorporated Society and is affiliated to Netball Waikato Association. The Netball Centre is based at Rhodes Park.

Teams from around the Peninsula play at the Rhodes Park courts.

Membership and Facility Utilisation Rhodes Park 2013 sees the Thames Netball Centre fielding 21 senior and 25 junior teams – approximately 415 players. The past two seasons has seen a reduction in team numbers, Netball representatives mentioned the increasing cost of fuel being a significant factor in the declining numbers.

Wednesday is Club Night. Juniors and Rep teams play Saturday. The courts are utilised every evening in winter for team trainings. The Thames Netball Centre has strong parental support and volunteer base, and a committed Committee.

As reported by clubs at Rhodes Park, parking near the pavilion and egress from the Park are at times problematic (specifically Wednesday evening and Saturday morning during winter).

Income is primarily derived from subscription fees and secondarily from advertising signage. Subscriptions21 are $25/child, $40 for 2 children, $50 for 3+ children.

Netball Waikato Affiliation fees are approximately $5,000-$6,000/annum.

Kauaeranga Valley Christian Camp: The Premiers play in the Friday Night League (see page 52) at the Kauaeranga Valley Christian Camp, other than this the venue is not utilised by Netball.

Current Facilities The Thames Netball Centre at Rhodes Park includes 6 courts, flood lights, fencing, 28 car parks and Netball Pavilion. The lease area is outlined in (Figure 9) and lease details in Table 13.

Figure 9: Thames Netball Centre Lease Area - Rhodes Park

21 GST inclusive © SGL Funding Ltd 2013 – Thames Ward Sport and Recreation Facilities Review and Future Directions 29

Table 13: Thames Netball Centre Lease Summary Description Location Rights of Lease Dates Rate/annum Renewal $ (exc GST) Thames Netball 445c Ngati Maru Highway 21 years 1 Apr 2012 to 30 Mar 2033 350 Centre

Thames Netball hold a lease with Council which stipulates that Council is liable to repair any damage to the surface of the courts and fence netting caused by flooding but not for the ongoing maintenance or any upgrades or costs associated with usual wear and tear.

The courts were resurfaced as part of facility upgrade by the Club in 2010 (at a cost to Netball of $80,000.00 approximately), and again in 2011 following flood damage from Cyclone Wilma (at a cost to Council of $150,000 approximately).

Thames Netball is permitted to erect 9 hoardings (1m x 2m).

Kauaeranga Valley Christian Camp Gymnasium is the Thames venue for the Thames Valley Friday Night League (Interclub Premiers, & Premiers Reserves) with 18 games held over 10 weeks (see Table 29).

Commentary on Future Direction Facilities Strategy for Netball New Zealand 2010 to 2031 states:

“The demand for indoor netball is increasing. As more teams start to compete indoors there is an increasing demand and expectation to train indoors.

Moving indoors has a significant impact on the way people play netball (flexibility over play times, days of the week and increased costs are some factors to be considered).”

An indoor court facility would benefit Thames Netball.

Thames Netball is supportive of an indoor court facility and with phased introduction would move to user pays model for use of an indoor facility.

See Section 8.2 Indoor Centre

© SGL Funding Ltd 2013 – Thames Ward Sport and Recreation Facilities Review and Future Directions 30 Thames Rugby & Sports Club Thames Rugby & Sports Club is an Incorporated Society (established in 1983). The club is affiliated to Thames Valley Rugby Union and is based at Rhodes Park.

Membership and Facility Utilisation The Thames Rugby & Sports Club offer year round sport with winter and summer codes (Table 14). Other Rhodes Park based sports clubs have in the past affiliated to Thames Rugby & Sports Club, this arrangement giving these clubs access to clubrooms and amenities.

Table 14: Thames Rugby & Sports Club Teams THAMES RUGBY & SPORTS CLUB MEMBERSHIP AND SUBSCRIPTION Code Rugby Other Primary Secondary Seniors Masters Touch Netball Cricket Teams 6 2 2 1 16 4 6

The Club reports winter as being at times chaotic. Rugby teams are training Monday – Thursday with games on Saturday and Sunday. Friday is the only day/evening with no planned activity. Congestion in the car park and cars jammed in the driveway is a feature of Saturday where there are concurrent home games for multiple Rugby, Football and Netball teams.

For details of 2013 Rugby fixtures at Rhodes Park see page 44.

Current Facilities The Thames Rugby & Sports Club at Rhodes Park includes 4.5 Rugby fields, flood lights, fencing, car parking, two clubrooms, grandstand and car parking with right of way. The lease area is outlined in Figure 12: and lease details in Table 15.

The grandstand is over 70 years old, with covered tiered seating, equipment shed, canteen and change facilities, and it was the Thames Rugby Sub-Union headquarters (dissolved). The widely accepted opinion is that the grandstand is past its use-by-date and its condition cannot be improved sufficiently by renovation only by replacement.

Important to note, the lease states that if the grandstand has not been replaced during the period of the lease (i.e. between 2011 and 2030) then the Lessee shall no longer have rights of ownership to the grandstand. If it is replaced (by the Lessee, a charitable trust or other entity) then the lease may be renewed to 2050.

Furthermore the lease speaks to repairs and maintenance of the grandstand

“ …. the Lessee shall be liable to keep it in good general order and condition but shall not be liable to complete any structural maintenance except as is required to comply with any health and safety and fire requirements until the Lessee (or nominated party with the Lessor’s approval) is able to start construction of a new grandstand”

The Club leases the southernmost building at Rhodes Park and its Jellicoe Crescent building to TCA Your Gym.

The Club operates a bar and kitchen at the clubrooms, the clubrooms are available for hire (approximately 25 hires/annum). Other income is derived from grazing, subscriptions, sponsorship and building lease, the Club had a net surplus of $37,403 in the year end 31 August 2012.

Figure 10: Thames Rugby & Sports Club Lease Area - Rhodes Park Lease Notes Area (A) to be leased to the Thames Rugby Union Area (B) to be lease to the Thames Rugby and Sport Club Inc Area (C) to be subject to a ‘right of way’ in favour of the Thames Rugby and Sport Club Inc

Table 15: Thames Rugby & Sports Club Lease Summary Description Location Review Lease Dates Rate/annum $ (exc GST) Thames Rugby & 445 Ngati Maru Highway 3 years 16 Feb 2011 to 350 Sports Club 29 Nov 2030 20 years

Commentary on Future Direction The Club has a vision of replacing the current grandstand with a multipurpose sports facility with terraced seating, clubrooms, multiple changing rooms, fitness area (gym) and a single indoor court.

An affordable and sustainable facility development is of utmost importance and the Club would consider a proposal that achieves this.

Maintaining the Club’s positive revenue is a vital consideration in the development, ownership and management of facilities developed at Rhodes Park.

See Section 8.3 Rhodes Park Redevelopment

© SGL Funding Ltd 2013 – Thames Ward Sport and Recreation Facilities Review and Future Directions 32 Thames Amateur Swimming Club Thames Amateur Swimming Club is based at the Centennial Pool. Membership is stable with typically 100-120 swimmers each year. Whilst sharing the same facilities and some members, the Club operates separately from the Swim Academy. The Swim Club season runs 6 weeks either side of Christmas.

Historically the Centennial Pool and the Thames Swimming Club were host to the biggest annual swimming carnival in the North Island. With a new facility it could be again.

Swimming would ideally see Thames with a 50m pool. Such a pool would permit Water Polo, Underwater Hockey and inter club competitions bringing swimmers from the Auckland Region and Waikato regions.

Thames Bowling Club Inc Thames Bowling Club is an Incorporated Society; the Club is affiliated to Bowls NZ.

The Club owns the land and buildings. Membership is static (n=165).

The Club has 2 Grass Greens, 1 Artificial Green and Clubrooms (with bar and 4 gaming machines, commercial kitchen and seating for 160-200). The clubrooms are available for hire and are open daily from 4:00pm. The Club is largely manned by volunteers. Paid staff include a part-time Bar Manager and a part-time Greenkeeper.

Statement of Financial Performance for the Year Ended 30 April 2012 shows a net surplus of $69,332.

Thames Mountain Biking Club The Club has 30 members. Membership has diminished due to frustration - things moving too slowly (hold ups with track building) and/or people moving out of town.

The Mountain Biking Club are keen to maximise opportunities for Rail Trail riders by creating a “Trail - Pump – Mountain” route in Thames.

Pump Track The Club identified two potential locations for a Pump Track (Burke Street Reserve and between Ngati Maru Highway and the Aerodrome near Rhodes Park), and have approached Council regarding these locations. The preliminary design for the Pump Track is 22m x 11m x 1m, needing approximately 175m3 of fill.

MTB Tracks Mountain bike tracks are built by hand; the work to date at Scarface on the Moantaiari Creek Road has been achieved by Club working bees. The Club has applied for grants to hire machinery to complete some of the heavier work (Grassroots Trust $1000 and Fonterra Grassroots Trust $5000).

Thames Valley Motor Cycle Club Thames Valley Motorcycle Club holds a lease at Rhodes Park, for the period of 20 years from 1 Jun 2009 to 30 May 2029 for the sum of $350+GST/annum.

The track is ‘family friendly’, i.e. it is not designed as a high performance track rather is suitable for all levels of rider. Membership ranges between 70 to 100, the recent decline in membership is reported as being due to the to the track not being further developed.

© SGL Funding Ltd 2013 – Thames Ward Sport and Recreation Facilities Review and Future Directions 33 The Club is in protracted negotiations with Council and Environment Waikato regarding extension of the track and is faced with a number of issues including noise transfer and being in a flood hazard zone.

Thames Squash Club Inc Thames Squash Club is an Incorporated Society. It is affiliated the regional body Squash Waikato. Thames Squash is co-located with Thames Tennis at Victoria Park on Brown Street. Thames Squash owns the building (on TCDC land).

Membership is reasonability static (n=135 members being 63 juniors and 72 seniors). Subscription fees are $70 juniors and $220 seniors. Members have 24/7 key access, Friday is junior club night and Sunday senior club night. The twice yearly Business House league is popular.

The Club has 3 courts in good condition (1 glass back), also a 100 seat capacity clubrooms with bar, kitchen, ablutions, showers. The clubrooms are available for hire.

The Club has no plans to expand the facility but would consider working with other clubs.

Thames Tennis Club Inc Thames Tennis Club is an Incorporated Society. It is affiliated the regional body Tennis Waikato-Bays. Thames Tennis is co-located with Thames Squash at Victoria Park on Brown Street. Thames Tennis owns the building (on TCDC land). The club has been in operation since 1905.

It is an inclusive club, with strong social and competitive business house competitions, friendly mid-week tennis and with a large group of junior players. Tennis activity occurs here 7days/week.

Membership is reasonability static (n=187 members being 95 juniors, 22 secondary school and 72 seniors).

Thames Tennis Club has five astro courts, 3 recently resurfaced (2 will need resurfacing in the not too distant future); all courts are flood-lit. Bar and kitchen facilities are shared with Thames Squash.

Thames Jockey Club22 Thames Racecourse is home to Thames Jockey Club which holds two meetings per year (January and November). The Club has a long and proud history, being one of New Zealand's oldest racing clubs. The next meeting in January will be the 139th meeting of the Club. The track is right hand a course with a 320m straight, and a total distance of 1610m.

Thames Jockey Club is situated on the Parawai Road, south of Thames town centre. The Club is reported to have an aging committee and a dwindling membership. The track is owned by the Thames Jockey Club. The Thames course is not one New Zealand’s 6 strategic thoroughbred racecourses (these are Trentham, Te Rapa, Riccarton, Pukekura, Ellerslie, and Hastings).

It has noted that a section of land is owned by iwi (running from the track across to Parawai Road) and that the Club is reluctant to address the issue (i.e. purchase the land).

22 M. Hamilton and P. Richardson, Trustees Zoom Zone (personal communication May 15, 2013) © SGL Funding Ltd 2013 – Thames Ward Sport and Recreation Facilities Review and Future Directions 34 5 THAMES SPORTS FACILITIES

5.1 TAIPARI PARK

Description: Taipari Park Location: 105 MacKay St, Thames Land Value: $ Improvements Value: $ Capital Value: $ Area m2: 0.8839Ha Rating Notice: Zone: Open Space, Recreation Active

Ownership and Management of Park: Thames Coromandel District Council

Buildings owned by: Thames Coromandel District Council

Assets at Taipari Park Centennial Pool Skate Park

Borough Centennial Monument Figure 11: Taipari Park – Aerial View, With Centennial Picnic facilities Pool And Skate Park

User Groups Casual Recreation Users Community Groups Health Therapy Groups Pool Community Users Schools Scouts and Cubs Skate Park Community Users Thames Amateur Swimming Club Thames Harriers Club

Description: Centennial Pool Location: 105 MacKay St, Thames Land Value: $ Improvements Value: $ Capital Value: $ Area m2: 9900 Rating Notice: Zone: Open Space Flood Hazard: Low

Ownership and Management of Pool: Thames Coromandel District Council

Buildings owned by: Thames Coromandel District Council

Council Led Programmes Swim Cool Swim School - Learn to Swim - Swim Squad Group Exercise Classes - Aquarobics

Facilities Lane Pool (outdoor/indoor) - 25m x 15m, 7 lane - 450,000L - 28oC Operating Figure 12: Centennial Pool - Summer View (Top) Temperature Winter View (Bottom) - Available year round - Inflatable User Groups Dome(winter) Casual Recreation Users Toddler’s Pool (outdoor) Community Groups - 12m x 7m x 0.25m Health Therapy Groups - 21,000L Schools - Not heated Scouts and Cubs - Available summer only Thames Amateur Swimming Club Grandstand Thames Harriers Club - Ablutions/Change - Swim Clubrooms - Pump and Plant - Pool Management Offices Other - Heating Unit 200kW - Dome (winter) - Entry Kiosk

© SGL Funding Ltd 2013 – Thames Ward Sport and Recreation Facilities Review and Future Directions 36 Location and Current Site Plan Centennial Pool is located at Taipari Park at the junction of McKay St, Fenton St and Jellicoe Crescent. The pool complex opened in 1976.

Key Land, Planning and Lease Information The Council owns and manages the Thames Centennial Pool. The pool has professional, well trained staff providing a range of programmes including Learn to Swim, Aquarobics and Swim Squad. Local schools utilise the pool for water safety education classes and for swim meets. This is the home of the Thames Amateur Swimming Club and Thames Harriers. Year round swimming is available with an inflatable dome erected in winter and water heated to 28oC.

Taipari Park is an historic urupa site and is considered wahi tapu. Wahi tapu is significant in that it affects the way in which Maori engage with the land and feel about its use; in preparation of this report, some respondents commented that they and their families chose not to swim at the Centennial Pool because of being situated on wahi tapu land.

Facilities The Centennial Pool has an:

- Outdoor 25m x 15m, 7 lane pool, 1m deep at ends and 1.3m at its deepest point. - Outdoor Toddler’s paddling pool (available summer only). - ‘Grandstand’ with clubrooms, changing amenities and elevated terraced seating, pool manager’s office and filtration plant. - Re-locatable woodchip boiler, installed in 2010. - Entry Kiosk serves as the retail outlet and ticket office. - Inflatable dome enabling year round use of the 25m pool.

The complex is ‘of its age’ and does not meet the community expectations of modern Aquatic Centres.

The 25m pool is sinking in one corner and lifting in the diagonally opposite corner and the grandstand could at best be described as tired. An often quoted engineers report suggests that the pool had an expected life of 10 years some 4 or 5 years ago23.

The inflatable dome assists with maintaining a consistent temperature during winter and provides shelter from the elements.

The manager’s office is situated below the terraced seating; it is below road level and has been subjected to flooding in recent years.

Change rooms are basic, with no lockers or secure storage provided. All belongings must be taken pool side.

The swimming clubrooms serve as a meeting and training space. Not originally designed for this purpose the club and swim squads make best use of the space available to them for ‘dry training’.

23 SGL has not sighted this report. © SGL Funding Ltd 2013 – Thames Ward Sport and Recreation Facilities Review and Future Directions 37 Utilisation Table 17, Table 18 and Table 19, outline utilisation of the pool over a 12 month period, total swimmer visits being 46,000 and revenue from swimming $102,633 (excludes retail sales of $9,923.90). This data does not include spectator visits.

Centennial Pool provides a variety of programmes including aquarobics, learn to swim, water safety education, and swim squad training see Staff are employed by Council (Manager [40 hours], Head Coach [40 hours], Life Guards [1x 40 hours and 1x 22 hours], Swim Instructors [1 x 20 hours and 1 x 4 hours], Swim Instructors [casual x 5], Life Guard [casual x 1]).

Table 16). Staff are employed by Council (Manager [40 hours], Head Coach [40 hours], Life Guards [1x 40 hours and 1x 22 hours], Swim Instructors [1 x 20 hours and 1 x 4 hours], Swim Instructors [casual x 5], Life Guard [casual x 1]).

Table 16: Centennial Pool Aquatic Programme Schedule CENTENNIAL POOL STANDARD UTILISATION OF LANE POOL BY GROUP TIME Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat Sun AM SQ Bronze SQ Bronze SQ Motivator SQ Silver SQ Silver SQ Silver SQ Silver SQ Silver SQ Silver SQ Gold SQ Gold SQ Gold SQ Gold SQ Gold SQ Gold

AR Low AR Low AR Med AR Med

LTS Babies LTS Babies LTS Babies LTS Babies LTS Babies LTS Preschool LTS Preschool LTS Preschool LTS Preschool LTS Preschool PM LTS School Age LTS School Age LTS School Age LTS School Age LTS School Age

SQ Develop SQ Develop SQ Silver SQ Silver SQ Bronze SQ Silver SQ Silver SQ Silver SQ Gold SQ Gold SQ Motivator SQ Gold SQ Gold SQ Gold

AR Summer SC Training SC Race Day SC Training Key LTS Learn to Swim SQ Squad AR Aquarobics SC Swim Club

With growing popularity of the Council run aquatic programmes, the limitations of the pool complex are further highlighted. There are often times when the pool is so busy that only ½ of one lane is left available for casual community recreational use and one lane for non- programme lane swimmers. According to the Manager “compromise is key to making the facility work particularly from 3:30pm onwards”.

The dome enables winter use and consistent water temperature, but causes an increase in humidity and fog. It also creates a acoustic challenges (instructor and coaches report that swimmers cannot hear instructions even though they may be very close, yet can be heard by swimmers many lanes away). Also with the dome in place, spectator space is reduced, creating challenges for instructors/coaches. Furthermore access by varying ability users is hampered by the doors (rotating and manual), and the transition from change rooms to poolside is made significantly more challenging with multiple levels to negotiate and greater distances to travel.

© SGL Funding Ltd 2013 – Thames Ward Sport and Recreation Facilities Review and Future Directions 38 Local primary schools utilise the pool for water education and interschool swim meets and as the Thames High School pool is 30m rather than the regulation 25m or 50m, it brings the entire school (600+ students) to Centennial Pool for the school’s annual swimming champs.

Table 17: Non-Fee Paying Utilisation of Centennial Pool CENTENNIAL POOL UTILISATION NON FEE PAYING GROUPS Group Description Visits Swim Club Regular 12 weeks x 3 session/week x 100 swimmers 3600 Meets 1 x 120 swimmers 120 Schools Regular 5 days/week x 5 classes/day x 25 students/class x 20 weeks 12500 Meets 4 meets x 200 students + 1 meet x 600 students 1400 Squad 12 session/week x 15 swimmers x 48 weeks = 8,640 Regular 5144 Minus visits put through cash register 3,526 Total 22,764

Revenue and Expenditure

Table 18: Centennial Pool Revenue and Table 19: Centennial Pool Revenue and Utilisation by Month Utilisation by Type CENTENNIAL POOL CENTENNIAL POOL REVENUE AND UTILISATION BY MONTH24 REVENUE AND UTILISATION BY TYPE Year/Month Revenue $ Visits Type Revenue $ Visits 5 (2012) 11,072.50 2,226 Adults 4,990.50 1,109 6 4,160.90 942 Children 8,265.00 2,094 7 4,674.00 1,221 Family 3,024.00 1,152 8 3,974.50 1,110 Senior 1,403.50 401 9 15,814.50 2,862 Adult Con 5,815.00 1,575 10 6,199.50 1,248 Child/Snr Con 8,097.00 2,670 11 7,306.60 926 LTS 50,005.70 7,918 12 10,016.80 2,148 Aqua Classes 1,645.00 515 1 (2013) 16,117.10 3,536 Pre-School 468.00 458 2 9,385.50 2,158 Squad 13,467.40 3,526 3 8,745.50 2,158 Lane Hire 1,908.00 620 4 15,089.60 2,703 Pool Hire 3,544.00 1,200 102,633.10 23,238 Subtotal 112,557.00 23,238 Less Retail -9,923.90 Total 102,633.10

Most recent Revised 2012/13 Budget shows a projected annual operating revenue of $112,846 (including gross retail sales of $14,000), annual operating expenditure of $308,921 (excluding the Operating Unit Charge of $131,344), and therefore a projected annual deficit of $196,075. Note these figures also do not include depreciation nor any finance costs.25

24 GST inclusive figures from Thames Centennial Pool Managers Monthly Reports – summarised by SGL Group. Visits represent those put through the cash register (i.e. a purchase); Non Fee Paying visitation was calculated separately and verified with Centennial Pool Manager Paul Dufty. 25 Account Summary – Swimming Pools Thames – Period Ended: June 2013” (printed 25 May 2013) © SGL Funding Ltd 2013 – Thames Ward Sport and Recreation Facilities Review and Future Directions 39 Proposed Strategic, Utilisation and Facility Directions The quality and success of the aquatic programmes has negatively impacted on the availability of the facility for casual community use. The pool utilisation has reached saturation and cannot expand beyond its current level after 3:00pm on weekdays.

Development of a modern facility is needed, one that can provide adequate level of service for the wide variety of users. Centennial Pool staff are inspired and motivated to fulfill the aspirations of the Thames community - from toddlers to the positively aging.

Staff indicated that an indoor facility with a Wet Play Area @ 32+oC; Learn to Swim Pool 10m x 15m x 0.85m, @ 32+oC; and 25m Lane Pool, 1.1m to up to 2m deep, @ 26-27°C would cater for current utilisation, provide opportunity to expand programmes and enable greater casual community utilisation.

See Section 8.4 Aquatic Centre.

Description Description: Rhodes Park Location: 445 Ngati Maru Highway Land Value: $750,000 Improvements Value: $1,400,00 Capital Value: $2,150,000 Area m2: 14.941 Ha Rating Notice: 21/12/2009 Zone: Recreation Active Flood Hazard: High

Ownership and Management of Park: TCDC

Buildings Owned By: Thames Rugby & Sports Club - 2 x Clubrooms - Grandstand Thames Netball Centre - Clubrooms TCDC Figure 13: Rhodes Park – Aerial View - Lavatory block - Small-bore Rifle Range User Groups: Thames Junior Football Club Current Leases: Thames Model Yacht Club Thames Rugby & Sports Club Thames Motorcycle Club - 20 years Thames Netball Centre - Expires May 2030? Thames Rugby & Sports Club Thames Junior Football Club Thames Clay Shooting Club - 3 years TCA Gym - Expires 2016 Thames Netball Association Facilities: - 21 years TVR&SC Grandstand - Expires 30 Mar 2033 TVR&SC Clubrooms (north) Thames Cricket & Soccer Clubs TVR&SC Clubrooms (south) - 21 years Small-bore Rifle Clubrooms - Expires Dec 2020 Thames Netball Centre Clubrooms Thames Valley Motorcycle Club Lavatory Block (TCDC) - 20 years Children’s Playground (TCDC) - Expires May 2029 6 Netball Courts (floodlit) 4 Rugby Fields (1 floodlit) 1 Rugby Training Field (1/2 Size) 2 Football Fields 2 Cricket Wickets 1 Baseball Diamond Motor Cycle Track

© SGL Funding Ltd 2013 – Thames Ward Sport and Recreation Facilities Review and Future Directions 41 Location and Current Site Plan Rhodes Park is south of the town centre, is bordered by Ngati Maru Highway, the Thames Aerodrome, the Firth of Thames and lies close to the Kauaeranga River. The park is a natural spillway for the Firth of Thames and the Kauaeranga River.

Rhodes Park is the major grass field and outdoor court venue in Thames. Comprising 14.94Ha, with 6 Netball courts, 2 Football fields and 4.5 Rugby fields, the park is home to Thames Netball Centre, Thames Junior Football and Thames Rugby & Sports Club. Other activities here are Cricket and Touch in summer and Group Fitness classes year round in the premises leased to TCA Your Gym. The Motor Cycle Club and the Clay Shooting Club are based on the south western corner.

Key Land, Planning and Lease Information Rhodes Park, Thames has been a sporting facility since 1928 and it is Council's aim to keep it this way. Council assumed ownership and management of the park in 1988. Only the lavatory block and playground are owned Council, otherwise all other built structures are owned by the sports clubs. Each club pays Council a peppercorn rental of $350+GST/annum. Environment Waikato is cautious with regard to development at Rhodes Park due to it being a spillway. Facilities Netball The Netball courts were resurfaced twice in the past five years due to flood damage. The courts are floodlit. No particular issue was mentioned regarding the Netball clubrooms. Football Junior Football now has its own clubrooms (Small-bore Rifle building). Previously Junior Football paid a $500 subscription to the Thames Rugby & Sports Club for use of its facilities, however found this arrangement unfavourable. Rugby The Thames Rugby & Sports Club has three buildings at Rhodes Park; the Grandstand, the main clubrooms (north) and the old clubrooms (south). The latter is leased to TCA Your Gym. The Rugby Club is licensed to serve for alcohol and has recently upgraded its kitchen. The clubrooms are available for hire. One field is floodlit. Other Users Senior Cricket is in recession; previously it paid Rugby $500 subscription for use of the Grandstand as a clubroom and for storage. Senior Football had a similar arrangement to use the Thames Rugby & Sports Clubrooms; however it too is in recession. The Motorcycle Club do not have clubrooms. The Small-bore Rifle Club building has reverted to Council ownership.

Sport groups report that there are sufficient grounds and courts and that the playing surfaces are in good order. At times the fields are wet and can be boggy (Football).

Both Netball and Rugby mentioned that parking and access are inadequate, particularly on Saturday mornings when the three major codes have players and supporters transitioning in and out of the park with the narrow driveway slowing traffic turnover.

© SGL Funding Ltd 2013 – Thames Ward Sport and Recreation Facilities Review and Future Directions 42 Utilisation Rhodes Park is as an event venue for the Circus, Thames Save the Children Fun Run and The Great Thames Tug Off / Strong Man Event.

The park is particularly busy during the winter months and is significantly quieter over summer. Table 20 and Table 21 summarise field hours for 12 months from August 2012 to July 2013. Total field hours (2873) comprise Training 71%, Games 23%, Maintenance 4% and Events 2%.

Table 20: Rhodes Park Grass Field Booking – Total Hours by Month by Weekday RHODES PARK GRASS FIELD BOOKING – TOTAL HOURS BY MONTH BY WEEKDAY Weekday Total Month/Year Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat Sun Hours 8 (2012) 24 28 30 35 98 8 223 9 60 72 48 60 24 67 12 344 10 30 6 30 24 12 68 24 194 11 24 24 44 24 56 24 196 12 18 6 11 40 75 1 (2013) 12 6 14 46 19 96 2 20 47 27 35 32 160 3 37 30 36 39 32 9 183 4 71 80 61 58 18 43 18 349 5 40 84 92 88 51 355 6 40 89 76 76 80 5 366 7 62 87 77 58 51 335 Total 407 576 483 533 91 664 118 2873

Table 21: Rhodes Park Grass Field Booking – Total Hours by Type by Weekday RHODES PARK GRASS FIELD BOOKING – TOTAL HOURS BY TYPE BY WEEKDAY Weekday Total Type Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat Sun Hours Event 24 37 61 Game 664 664 Maintenance 42 54 96 Training 407 576 483 468 91 27 2052 Total 407 576 483 533 91 664 118 2873

© SGL Funding Ltd 2013 – Thames Ward Sport and Recreation Facilities Review and Future Directions 43 The Tables below outline Rugby and Football utilisation at Rhodes Park (2013 winter season fixtures).

Club and Secondary School Rugby has 52 Saturday games and club Football 27 Saturday games. Secondary School Football is played at Danby Field and at Thames High School (see Table 26 for draw details).

For Netball utilisation see Thames Netball Centre on page 29 .

Table 22: Rhodes Park Football and Table 23: Rhodes Park Football and Rugby Fixtures by Grade (2013) Rugby Fixtures by Date (2013) RHODES PARK 2013 WINTER SEASON RHODES PARK 2013 WINTER SEASON FOOTBALL AND RUGBY FIXTURES BY GRADE FOOTBALL AND RUGBY FIXTURES BY DATE Code Total Code Total Grade Football Rugby Fixtures Date Football Rugby Fixtures 4th 5 5 23/03/2013 1 1 5th 6 6 13/04/2013 2 2 6th 5 5 20/04/2013 2 2 7th 7 7 27/04/2013 1 1

8th 7 7 11/05/2013 3 3 6 3 9th 6 9 15/05/2013 1 1 9 11th 9 18/05/2013 2 5 7 15 13th 15 22/05/2013 1 1 Senior A 7 7 25/05/2013 2 4 6 Senior C 2 2 01/06/2013 3 3 SS Dev 4 4 08/06/2013 2 4 6 SS XV 3 3 15/06/2013 2 5 7 Total 27 52 79 22/06/2013 3 3 6 29/06/2013 2 6 8 06/07/2013 2 2 4 13/07/2013 2 4 6 03/08/2013 2 2 4 10/08/2013 1 3 4 17/08/2013 1 1 24/08/2013 1 1 31/08/2013 1 1 07/09/2013 1 1 Total 27 52 79

Proposed Strategic, Utilisation and Facility Directions See Section 4 Thames Rugby & Sports Club (page 31) and Section 8.3 Rhodes Park Clubrooms Redevelopment (page 73).

Figure 14: Thames High School and Danby Field – Aerial View

User Groups: Description: Danby Location: Thames High School Land Value: Thames Senior Football (casual) Improvements Value: School Capital Value: Thames High School Area m2: Thames Athletics Rating Notice: Thames Gymnastics Zone: Thames Basketball

Thames Badminton Ownership and Management: Rock Climbers Ministry of Education Facilities: (both Danby Field and school campus) Danby Buildings Owned By: 2 Cricket wickets Thames High School 1 full size Football field (north- south)

2 small fields (ends) (east- west) Current Leases: Changing shed (re-locatable) Nil School Indoor Court with Climbing Wall 30m Pool 2 x Football Fields 1 x ½ Hockey Turf (sand base) 3 x Tennis Courts

© SGL Funding Ltd 2013 – Thames Ward Sport and Recreation Facilities Review and Future Directions 45 Thames High School Location and Current Site Plan Bordered by McKay, Sealy, Rolleston and Richmond Streets. Is one of four schools serving secondary school age children on the Coromandel Peninsula. In 2013 has a roll of 605 and a sports membership of 331. The school pool was built in the 1960’s and is reported to be in good condition with an expected life of at least 10 years26. Recently the pump was replaced and the fencing upgraded. The school upgraded to a 300kW woodchip boiler for classroom heating and have suggested that it may be sufficient to heat the pool also.

Table 24: Thames High School – Sports Team Membership (2013) THAMES HIGH SCHOOL SPORTS TEAM MEMBERSHIP 2013 Code Male Female Mixed Total Teams Students Team Students Teams Students Teams Students Badminton 14 0 14 Basketball 2 25 2 25 Football 1 16 2 34 3 50 Golf 1 8 1 8 Hockey 1 14 1 18 2 32 Moto X 13 0 13 Netball 10 89 10 89 Rugby 3 74 1 16 4 90 Tennis 10 0 10 TOTAL 8 137 14 157 0 37 22 331

Key Land, Planning and Lease Information The school’s Board has expressed need for clear direction with regard to recreation/sport facility development in Thames and is open to a joint venture or similar for sport and recreation facility development utilising school grounds/facilities.

Utilisation The school welcomes community sport and recreation users. The school gymnasium indoor court is booked year round by sport groups and the Athletics track is utilised by Thames Athletics over the summer season.

Utilisation of the Thames High School gymnasium is approximately 1,700 hours. School use is calculated at 1000 hours (5 hours daily use x 5 day week x 40 week year). After hours use is approximately 700 ( Table 25).

Hire fee is $21.50 inclusive (gymnasium).

Proposed Strategic, Utilisation and Facility Directions The development of a second court and an Aquatic Centre at Thames High School was proposed 2009. The Board is awaiting direction regarding this proposal from Council. There is a degree of urgency regarding this matter as the Ministry of Education requires the school to submit a 10 Year Property Plan (10YPP)).

See Section 8.2 Indoor Centre

26 D Sims, Principal (personal communication May 15, 2013 © SGL Funding Ltd 2013 – Thames Ward Sport and Recreation Facilities Review and Future Directions 46

Table 25: Thames High School Gymnasium Afterhours Utilisation, Court Hours27 THAMES HIGH SCHOOL – ANNUAL COURT HOURS BY WEEKDAY BY MONTH Month Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday Sunday Total

3 8.0 6.5 8.0 3.5 26.0 4 8.0 1.0 16.5 9.5 4.0 39.0 5 22.0 4.0 18.0 22.0 14.0 80.0 6 22.0 4.0 18.0 22.0 14.0 80.0 7 28.0 8.5 19.3 23.5 11.0 6.5 9.0 105.8 8 22.7 5.0 25.8 32.5 4.0 4.0 5.0 99.0 9 22.7 3.5 20.5 26.0 4.0 10.0 33.5 120.2 10 3.5 10.8 8.0 2.0 18.5 42.8 11 7.0 8.7 14.0 11.0 17.5 26.5 84.7 12 2.0 4.3 4.0 2.0 3.5 3.5 19.3 Total 136.8 35.0 148.5 169.5 69.5 41.5 96.0 696.8

Danby Field Location and Current Site Plan Is part of Thames High School – it is used for PE classes and is the school’s Football games/training venue Formerly Ngati Maru land it was gifted to the Crown for “Educational Use” at such time as it is no longer required for this purpose ownership reverts from the Crown to Ngati Maru. Bordered by Richmond and Queen Streets and Goldfield’s Mall. The Hauraki Rail Trail extension loop runs the length of the field at its western edge and Porritt Park shares the eastern boundary. Including Danby Field, Thames High School measures 8.125Ha.

Key Land, Planning and Lease Information Water The field is low and uneven; the surface tends to become boggy and does not drain well. Nokenoke Creek opens between Goldfield’s Mall and Danby Field. To protect from flooding a bund edges the western and northern boundaries. Flood Hazard – Flood Thames and 50 Year Flood (0.6m max) Urban Development Strategy Danby Field is identified in the Thames Urban Development Strategy as forming part of ‘Greenstrip’ - the Thames recreational zone. The Strategy proposes developing a pool at the northern edge adjacent to Goldfield’s Mall and an education facility at the southern edge along Richmond Street.

27 Utilisation outside school hours – Thames High School KAMAR system (terms 2-3, 2012 and terms 1-2, 2013) © SGL Funding Ltd 2013 – Thames Ward Sport and Recreation Facilities Review and Future Directions 47 Utilisation Has been suggested that the school’s re-locatable changing sheds could be used by cyclists on the Hauraki Rail Trail Thames High School Football have 7 Waikato BOP Football Federation secondary school Football fixtures at Danby Field in the 2013 season.

Table 26: Thames High School Football Fixtures by Venue (2013) THAMES HIGH SCHOOL 2013 WINTER SEASON FOOTBALL FIXTURES SEASON BY VENUE 28 Field Date Danby THS1 THS2 Fixtures 11/05/2013 1 1 18/05/2013 1 2 3 25/05/2013 2 2 01/06/2013 1 1 08/06/2013 1 1 2 15/06/2013 1 1 22/06/2013 1 1 29/06/2013 1 1 06/07/2013 1 1 2 13/07/2013 1 1 2 03/08/2013 1 1 2 10/08/2013 1 1 17/08/2013 1 1 2 31/08/2013 1 1 2 07/09/2013 1 1 Total 7 16 1 24

Proposed Strategic, Utilisation and Facility Directions See Section 8.4 Aquatic Centre

28 From WaikatoBOP Football Federation Draw © SGL Funding Ltd 2013 – Thames Ward Sport and Recreation Facilities Review and Future Directions 48 5.5 PORRITT PARK

Description: Location: Land Value: Improvements Value: Capital Value: Area m2: Rating Notice: Zone:

Ownership and Management of Park:

TCDC Buildings Owned By:

TCDC Current Leases: Citizens Band Citizens Advice Bureau Goldfield’s Mall car parking (one current, one expired) User Groups: Families Citizens Band Figure 15: Porritt Park - Aerial View Citizens Advice Bureau Tourists (freedom campers) Goldfield’s Mall (car parking) Location and Current Site Plan Porritt Park is located on Queen Street in Thames. It is bordered by Danby Field and Goldfield’s Shopping Mall and is adjacent to the Thames Civic Centre. The Park is a popular playground and is home to the Thames Citizen Band and the Citizen Advice Bureau, the southern end is available for freedom camping and the northern end is leased to Goldfield’s Mall for car parking.

Key Land, Planning and Lease Information Zone The Park is zoned Town Centre, Recreation Passive and Open Space.

Water Many storm water utility services and pipes run through the site. Porritt Park has some areas where water ‘ponds’. Nokenoke Creek – runs under Porritt Park, opening between Goldfield’s Mall and Danby Field out to the Firth. Historical There is an archaeological site located in the vicinity of the property and historical links between iwi and this area. It is recommended consultation is undertaken with the Ngati Maru and New Zealand Historic Places Trust. There is question regarding the position of the physical boundary between Danby Field and Porritt Park, some suggesting that Danby Field encroaches on Porritt Park by some 5 or more metres.

© SGL Funding Ltd 2013 – Thames Ward Sport and Recreation Facilities Review and Future Directions 49 Urban Development Strategy Porritt Park along with Danby Field are identified in the Thames Urban Development Strategy as forming part of ‘Greenstrip’ - the Thames recreational zone. At this point there is overlap with the ‘Central Commercial Hub’. The Strategy proposes developing pool, gymnasium and sports club, retail, café/bar, artists’ studios, medium density house, Skate Park and education facilities in this location. Leases The two leases with Goldfield’s provides significant income to Council ($1,600 annually to 31 March 2014) and $11,200 quarterly (expires 12 December 2038, 7 yearly Right of Renewal). Note, the Complex is for sale. Lease for Citizens Advice Bureau is at the standard community rate of $350+GST/annum (Right of Renewal 1/05/2015 expiry 30/04/2018) and Citizens Band pay a ‘peppercorn’/annum (leases expires on cessation of band). Skate Park Already a popular destination playground the addition of a Skate Park will enhance the recreation aspect of the Park. Older and younger children can be in close proximity, yet distinct activity areas. Furthermore the high visibility of the Park provides protection for users and for the asset. Youth Group Thames Youth Group has expressed interest in the Citizens Band building – seeing this as an ideal location for a youth facility particularly if a Skate Park is developed here.

Proposed Strategic, Utilisation and Facility Directions See Section 8.1 Skate Park

User Groups: Church Groups - Life Equip Community Groups - Aged Concern - Hauraki Collective - NZ Blood Service - Thames Bridge Club - Thames St Johns Dance Groups - Thames Hauraki Ballet Theatre - Dance Education Centre Annual Show Cultural Groups - Hauraki Haka Kapa Festival Entertainment Events - Kelvin Cruickshank Show - Isla Grant Tour Family Groups - Funeral Services - Family reunions Other Figure 16: Thames War Memorial Civic Centre – Aerial - Auction of General Goods View School Groups - Thames High School Ball - Goldfield’s Fundraiser Description: Sport Groups - Badminton Location: - TCA Aerobics Land Value: - Kiaido Ryu Martial Arts Improvements Value: Thames Events Capital Value: - Heritage Week Area m2: - ANZAC DAY Service Rating Notice: TCDC Zone: - Community Meetings and Workshops

- Public Meetings Ownership and Management of Facility - Thames Community Board TCDC Buildings Owned By: TCDC Current Leases: Nil

Location and Current Site Plan Thames War Memorial Civic Centre is located on corner of Queen Street and Mary Street in Thames. Porritt Park and Goldfield’s Mall are adjacent on Queen Street and WINTEC is an immediate neighbor (and also a Council owned building).

Facilities The Civic Centre is a multipurpose building with an auditorium, and function room with adjoining kitchen.

© SGL Funding Ltd 2013 – Thames Ward Sport and Recreation Facilities Review and Future Directions 51 Utilisation The auditorium floor is marked for Badminton and Netball. The Centre is the primary performing arts venue for Thames and is used for sports and recreation also. 2012 saw 1818 hours of use by a wide array of user groups (see above). Of these hours, there were a total of 1209 court hours (this being 544 hours booking the entire centre and 665 hours the auditorium-only. The Civic Centre auditorium is the principal venue used by Kiaido Ryu Martial Arts and Midweek Badminton. Auditorium booking fees range from $18 to $52 per hour (with Community weekly users attracting the lowest fee). The limited run-off, low ceiling height and lighting are problematic for regular sport users.

Table 27: Civic Centre - Total Hours – By Facility and Classification29 CIVIC CENTRE ‘ALL FACILITY’ BOOKINGS BY TYPE – TOTAL HOURS Community Facility Commercial Community Regular Council Educational Private Total Auditorium 80.9 180.5 389.0 5.5 9.5 665.4 Function/Conference Room 67.0 202.5 196.0 112.0 9.5 21.5 608.5 Thames Civic Centre 29.0 340.2 20.0 155.0 544.2 Total 176.9 723.1 605.0 272.5 9.5 31.0 1818.0

Table 28: Civic Centre Auditorium – Total Hours CIVIC CENTRE ‘AUDITORIUM’ BOOKINGS BY TYPE Type Hours Type Hours Bridge 28.0 Family 9.5 Church 11.0 Fitness 69.0 Community 47.5 School 23.0 Dance 36.0 Sport 297.0 Event 136.4 Education 8.0 Total Total 258.9 406.5 665.4

Proposed Strategic, Utilisation and Facility Directions Urban Development Strategy The Thames Urban Development Strategy identify the Thames Civic Centre as being pivotal in forming the ‘Thames + Regional Cultural and Commercial Hub’ connecting Mary, Queen and Pollen Streets. The WINTEC building would be repurposed, the library relocated and evolving into Information Communication Technology hub. The new centre would have meeting and conference rooms, workshop facilities and learning spaces.

Thames High School Should this direction be adopted, suggest all sports activity would cease to be accommodated in the Thames Civic Centre. Hence relocation to another venue is required and the only other suitable venue is the Thames High School Gymnasium, however the opinion of the sports groups based there is that the school gym is at capacity and that it is difficult to secure additional regular hours.

Proposed Indoor Court Development See Section 8.2 Indoor Centre

29 January – December Bookings data 2012 (confirmed/default status) © SGL Funding Ltd 2013 – Thames Ward Sport and Recreation Facilities Review and Future Directions 52 5.7 KAUAERANGA VALLEY CHRISTIAN CAMP

Ownership and Management of Camp: The Stewards' Trust of New Zealand Incorporated In-residence Managers Andrew and Terri Miller Buildings Owned By: The Stewards' Trust of New Zealand Incorporated Current Leases: N/A User Groups: Schools Holiday Programmes Sports Groups NZ Police Facilities: Indoor Court With Mezzanine (2009) Sleeping Quarters for 86 Figure 17: Kauaeranga Valley Christian Camp – Aerial BMX Track View Go Kart Track Football Field Utilisation Rugby Field The camp is currently operating at 30% occupancy, with Playground no bookings between April and August 2013. The Manager reported that sports hall bookings are also low Location and Current Site Plan The Kauaeranga Valley Christian with few regular users. Premier division of Thames Valley Camp comprises 16 acres and is 6 km Netball play Friday evenings between 6:00 and 9:00 pm from the township of Thames. Its during the winter months and Kiaido Ryu hold two primary purpose is providing camps residential camps annually. for children and youth. The camp is Table 29: Kauaeranga Valley Christian Camp, Thames well appointed with excellent facilities. Valley Netball Fixtures By Date KAUAERANGA VALLEY CHRISTIAN CAMP, The gymnasium was opened in 2009, THAMES VALLEY NETBALL FIXTURES BY DATE shortly afterwards it suffered significant Date Total Fixtures Courts Hours storm damage and was 17/05/2013 2 3.0 reconstructed. The building design is 24/05/2013 2 3.0 economical with a non-sprung chip 31/05/2013 2 3.0 board floor, long run iron for wall and 07/06/2013 2 3.0 roofing. The mezzanine with 14/06/2013 2 3.0 kitchenette serves as a multi-function 21/06/2013 2 3.0 area and for viewing the sports hall, and storage is ample. Floor markings 28/06/2013 2 3.0 include Basketball, Netball and 07/07/2013 1 2.0 Volleyball. 12/07/2013 1 2.0 19/07/2013 The gymnasium is available for 26/07/2013 community hire ($20/hour GST 02/08/2013 2 3.0 inclusive). Total 2 3

Description: Burke St Beach Front Reserve Location: Burke St, Fergusson Drive Land Value: $ Improvements Value: $ Capital Value: $ Area m2: 8.6Ha Rating Notice: Zone: Local Purpose Reserve - Esplanade, Recreation, Fee Simple Category C: Neighbourhood Open Space

Ownership and Management of Reserve: TCDC Buildings Owned By: N/A Current Leases: Transfield Services Ltd - 15 March 2010 - 1 year renewal (24 Jul 2012) Figure 18: Burke St Beach Front Reserve – Aerial - $30,885+GST/annum View User Groups: Location and Current Site Plan Casual recreational users Burke Street Reserve is the site of the old Thames landfill. It Dog exercise area comprises 8.6Ha. Transfield hold a lease with TCDC for the eastern end where the reserve meets Victoria Park. Facilities: Nil The process of capping the landfill began in 2004 with stock piling 30,000m3 to 40,000m3 of material for this Proposed Strategic, Utilisation and purpose. Facility Directions The Mountain Biking Club expressed As it was a landfill, no buildings are permitted to be interest in building a Pump Track at Burke erected here. Full geotechnical and subsoil Street Reserve. environmental investigation if required before any development could occur. There is approximately 1km between Burke Street Reserve and Moanataiari Burke Street Reserve has high recreation-amenity value Creek Road where the ‘Scarface’ especially given its proximity to Victoria Park (a premium mountain bike track is located. waterside reserve) and that forms an extension to the northernmost end of the Thames recreation zone Discussion regarding the proposed track ‘Greenstrip’. development centres around consent issues and also best practice regarding Urban Development Strategy visibility of users and accessibility by all The Strategy proposes two scenarios for development of facets of the bike community including Burke St Reserve. The minimum scenario suggests primary school aged children. temporary use of the Reserve as a garden park for recreation (in preparation for the maximum scenario). See Section 8.4 Aquatic Centre The maximum scenario proposes the development of a residential and recreation area with ‘fingers’ of housing facing south towards Thames.

6.1 LEISURE TRENDS

User pays increasing.

A decrease in volunteerism.

An increased demand by the consumer for choice, quality and service.

An increased health consciousness.

A value change – A greater self-focus rather than a community focus.

The growing gap between professional and social sport.

A growth in clubs, which are multi-functional, inter-active and social.

The increased growth in leisure for people aged over 30 years.

Greater demand for the development of new and different recreation opportunities for older people.

Parents will continue to take a major lead as sports volunteers for junior sport. However, major participation activities (e.g., large participation events) will be organised by paid personnel.

A continuing role for most local authorities to be the principal providers of community facilities.

6.2 KEY GUIDING PRINCIPLES

Sports facility provision must be demand driven.

Smart use of existing facilities.

Don’t over-capitalise, i.e., don’t keep building more and more facilities, rather than seeking to better use existing facilities and through smart design, optimise multi- functional use – less leisure venues of better quality which are multi-functional.

Develop collaborative strategies which add value for participating stakeholders.

“Activity breeds activity” – cross-activity benefit of a common location, plus fosters an improved sense of community and social environment.

It is very important for young children to develop movement skills in all key disciplines, including how to run and jump, ball skills, move (Gymnastics and dance). It is often desirable for movement education activities to be co-located, i.e., to consider co- location of activities such as Gymnastics, Martial Arts and dance.

Any facility and service solution must be operationally sustainable – cannot be overly reliant on grant funding.

A “Sportsville” leadership model cannot be created without adequate operating revenue streams, with fair-share contributions by key stakeholders and optimising user pays revenue when appropriate.

Any facility solution must be needed, affordable and sustainable

A leisure plan is essential for shared vision and planned future development for sports and the venues they require.

Consideration should be given to developing sporting hubs where grounds and services can be maximized by shared use (and parent travel between sports facilities is potentially minimized).

Quality and consistent levels of support facilities can be determined and provided to cater for different levels of competition, i.e. Club versus District versus Sub Regional

Attraction of major events to the District is important for economic and sport outcomes.

Funding decisions by community funding agencies and Council are likely to be more consistent, and indeed achievable, if based on a District leisure plan.

Maximizing shared use of facilities is a key objective in order to increase revenue opportunities and reduce under utilisation.

Short term solutions should be part of a longer term planned solution.

7.1 LESS LEISURE VENUES OF BETTER QUALITY, WHICH ARE MULTI-FUNCTIONAL Thames’ principal sports venues are currently Rhodes Park, Thames High School (by virtue of being a secondary school, plus with its existing indoor gymnasium), Taipiri Park (with Centennial Pool and Skate Park), Victoria Park (catering for Croquet, Tennis and Squash). Danby Field and Porritt Park are also important (potential) leisure venues, providing centrally located grass field areas with a popular playground.

‘Secondary’ sports venues (i.e., venues whose first purpose is not sport, and/or are not the first venue choice for a sport) include Thames War Memorial Civic Centre and Kauaeranga Valley Christian Camp gymnasium.

As stated previously, to create cross-activity benefits and to assist to optimise revenue and cost efficiencies, it is desirable to have less leisure venues of better quality and well designed, which are multi-functional.

The indoor court, Rhodes Park development, Skate Park and Aquatic Centre are discussed in separate sections.

On reviewing all current sports’ needs, specific discussion of these specific sport facility requirements, the consultant team currently recommends the following core directions:

Rhodes Park further consolidated as the principal outdoor grass field participation venue for the Thames Ward with a clubrooms redevelopment (and demolition of the existing grandstand and current Rugby clubrooms), and to cater for Rugby, Football, Touch and Cricket, and to also continue to provide an outdoor Netball venue. In the Outer Reserve, to also continue to cater for motorcycling (with potential for track expansion) and clay target shooting, and the option to provide a bike pump track. Thames High School to be the principal indoor court and ‘movement centre’ venue, with the development of a further full-sized indoor Netball court (as the largest court used as a size descriptor only). This 2-court venue to cater for all indoor court sports, including Basketball, Badminton, an increased level of indoor Netball, the future development of Volleyball and Indoor Soccer/Futsal; and to be the home for Gymnastics and Martial Arts (Kiaido Ryu) – complementary with the ‘movement centre’ concept, Athletics to also continue to be based at Thames High School, with the option for indoor ‘Team Athletics’. Victoria Park, which is a quality passive amenity, to remain the venue for Croquet, Tennis and Squash, plus with the option to develop a future Aquatic Centre in the Burke Street Reserve, and hence further consolidate sport and recreation activity into this greater area. Specialist clubrooms or facilities would remain status quo for Sailing, Bowls and Mountain-Biking at their current respective venues, with the option to also develop on a cost effective basis an evening/weekend outdoor cycling circuit at Kopu industrial area.

Table 30: Current and Future Venue Directions by Sport CURRENT AND FUTURE VENUE DIRECTIONS BY SPORT Sport Current Venues Future Venues Athletics Thames High School Status Quo Badminton Principally Thames High School, also Thames Civic Centre Thames High School only – expanded activity Basketball Thames High School Status Quo Bowling Thames Bowling Club Status Quo Clay Target Rhodes Park Outer Reserve Status Quo Cricket Rhodes Park Status Quo Croquet Victoria Park Status Quo Fitness Centre Split locations – Jellicoe Road for weights/cardio, Rhodes Park for Status Quo for now. Possible option to consolidate at aerobics Rhodes Park or alternatively with Aquatic Centre Football Rhodes Park. Also Danby Field Status Quo Gymnastics Thames High School Status Quo – expanded activity Harriers Meeting point Centennial Pool Status Quo Kiaido Ryu Martial Arts NZ Thames Civic Centre Relocate to Thames High School Motor Cycle Rhodes Park Status Quo with track development Mountain Biking Scarface (Moana Taiari Creek Road) Status Quo. Develop pump track at either Rhodes Park or Burke Street Netball Rhodes Park. Premier Netball indoors on Friday nights at Increased level of Netball practice and competition indoors Kauaeranga Valley Christian Camp at Thames High School. Also retain Rhodes Park Rugby Rhodes Park Rhodes Park – revised Clubrooms redevelopment Sailing Clubrooms at Tararu Road Status Quo Squash Victoria Park Status Quo Swimming Centennial Pool, Thames High School Pool Future Aquatic Centre development, on phased basis, either at Danby Field or Burke Street Reserve Tennis Victoria Park Status Quo Touch Rugby Rhodes Park Status Quo Triathlon and Cycling Possible evening/weekend outdoor circuit development at Kopu industrial area

7.3 PROPOSED FACILITY DEVELOPMENT Because of the protracted development timeframe, and the low cost of this project, subject to resolving all site issues at Porritt Park, for positive community momentum proceed immediately with the fundraising and development of the Skate Park.

The Rhodes Park grandstand is unsafe. A decision needs to be made whether this grandstand is closed for safety reasons, and in turn demolished.

To achieve collective community buy-in, recommend proceed with the fundraising and project development of both the new indoor stadium and Rhodes Park club redevelopment in tandem. However, from recent further discussions with Council, to minimize the impact on rates of Council’s contribution to these projects, the Skate Park and indoor stadium will probably need to proceed in advance of the Rhodes Park Club development.

These 3 projects are an achievable goal for the community in the next 6 years, and given the past history for these projects, believe for community self-belief and forward progress, it is so important that this time, full Council support is given to these projects.

The Aquatic Centre has a major capital and operating cost implication and the consultant team recommends the final scope of the Aquatic Centre needs to be a District-wide decision, if not a sub-Regional decision. The greater Thames-Coromandel and Hauraki Districts justify one quality indoor aquatic facility with multiple water spaces to cater for all markets (leisure, fitness/competitive, Learn-to-Swim, health and therapy). This is an issue which needs to be fully debated and resolved by the total catchment community, and in turn will dictate whether Thames is the venue for this sub-Regional indoor Aquatic Centre, or continues to provide aquatic facilities at the current level of service provision (possibly with an additional indoor Learn-to-Swim pool). Due to plant failure and/or political will, there may be a desire to at least replace the existing facility at a new location earlier. Consequently, the consultant team has prepared aquatic capital cost estimates on a phased basis, allowing a core facility to be developed and later expanded as required.

Table 31: Proposed Sports Facility Development for Thames Ward PROPOSED SPORTS FACILITY DEVELOPMENT FOR THAMES WARD (All figures are GST exclusive) Project Description Suggested Timing Estimated Cost ($000s) (at today’s prices) Skate Park 2013-14 220 Indoor Stadium (at Thames High School) 2014-16 4,400 Rhodes Park Club Redevelopment 2015-18 2,600 TOTAL 7,220 Future Aquatic Centre Development To be determined – currently anticipate 2020 onwards

8 FACILITY DEVELOPMENT

8.1 SKATE PARK

8.1.1 NEED AND CHALLENGES There is no question the Skate Park is needed. As previously stated, the development of Thames Skate Park has had a very protracted history, and the existing Skate Park needs to discontinue, as its current site at Taipari Park is an historic urupa and wahi tapu site.

To solve the Skate Park, the key issue is securing a suitable site – the land title, planning, water table and archaeological issues for many land areas in Thames can often be challenging. The issue is not funding - previous funding has been secured and handed back. Thames Community Board has currently assigned $80,500 in the 2013/14 year for a Skate Park, Zoom Zone has agreed to lead the fundraising, and Thames Rotary Club has also recently indicated support to assist with the fundraising.

8.1.2 SITE FACTORS AND DESIGN It is important any Skate Park is located in a highly visible area, and it is often desirable that a Skate Park is co-located with a playground area, providing the benefit of more regular adult presence in the adjacent area.

It is also important a Skate Park is well designed. There are few specialist Skate Park designers in New Zealand – Jason Parkes, with whom the Thames community has had past liaison, is one of these designers. From discussion with Jason, a generally flat area with dimensions of about 15m x 40m is needed.

8.1.3 PORRITT PARK PREFERRED SITE SGL and BGBB Team Architects considered the Skate Park location as part of its full leisure venue revenue. Porritt Park was favoured for the following reasons:

Highly visible site/good surveillance/security. Co-located with existing playground and public toilets. Proximity to CBD and retail outlets. Walkway/cycleway link. Future growth provision (by the relocation of the Citizen Band Rooms). Existing car parking.

The potential negatives for the site were ensuring all legal, planning and archaeological issues could be satisfactorily addressed, plus iwi support gained. The area is a pre-1900 site, and Ngati Maru has a claim of wahi tapu over some of this area. Consultation with Ngati Maru is underway including discussion on an alternative Skate Park location immediately north of the existing playground area, adjacent to the paddleboat at Porritt Park.

None of these issues per se are insurmountable, but need to be methodologically worked through. Also, the water table in this area is high and may be affected by tides, so an in- ground skate bowl is likely to be unsuitable due to hydrostatic uplift pressures and complexity of rainwater drainage.

Also please note as part of the master planning for Danby Park/Porritt Park as a possible future Aquatic Centre location, the wider impacts of the Skate Park in the proposed location has been considered, i.e., there are no detrimental impacts.

8.1.4 YOUTH WORKSHOP FEEDBACK From a workshop discussion in May 2013 by the consultant team with youth workers from Population Health and CAPS Hauraki, and older and younger members of the Skate Park leadership group, Skatepark Revolution Crew, there was support for the Porritt Park location. The Skate Park needed to cater for skateboards, scooters and bikes. The group also expressed the importance of being able to expand the Skate Park in the future. Discussion occurred whether the Band Hall could either be relocated or become a possible community and youth support venue in the future. Jason Parkes was endorsed as the designer.

8.1.5 CURRENT SITE PLAN AND COST ESTIMATE BGBB Team Architects has prepared a draft site plan. BGBB has also revised the project cost upwards to $220,500 (which includes the feasibility and preparatory design work to date), but note this cost currently excludes resource consent costs, full geotechnical investigation if required, nor alterations to the wider site (e.g., streetscapes works). This full cost estimate is provided below.

SKATE PARK COST ESTIMATE (Rough order cost estimate prepared by BGBB Team Architects, June 2013) All figures are GST exclusive Description Cost Explanatory Notes Estimate ($) Skate Park Design and Construction (Design/Build) Sum 130,000 Professional Fees: Feasibility and Concept Design Sum 20,000 Professional Fees: Topographical survey, prelim Estimated 42,500 geotech, archaeologist, funding, project management, RMA planning (traffic and noise assessment) Resource Consent and Building Consent Fees Estimate 7,500 Project Contingency @ 10% 20,000 TOTAL 220,500

Exclusions Full Geotechnical and subsoil environmental investigation if required. Resource Consent hearings and other notified proceedings if required. Urban and streetscape works incl lighting. Carpark alterations/expansions. Alterations to existing playground. Upgrade and maintenance works to existing structures, e.g., paddleboat. Legal and survey costs associated with title boundary adjustments.

8.1.6 OWNERSHIP, MANAGEMENT AND DEPRECIATION Recommend the Skate Park is directly owned and managed by Council.

Based on a 20 year life, Council needs to determine whether it fully depreciates (100%) the Skate Park, or whether depreciation is based on say future Council funding of 50%, i.e., on a straight-line basis, depreciation of either $11,000 or $5,500 per year.

8.1.7 CURRENT WORK PROGRAMME The following steps are currently being taken: i. Requested TCDC Senior Planner, Andrea Griffiths, to provide a preliminary planning assessment ii. Requested TCDC Legal Advisor, Paul Davis, for a title and legal assessment – to ensure no land ownership issues iii. Preliminary liaison has occurred with NZ Historic Places Trust. NZHPT advised the area was a pre-1900 site and may require archaeological assessment, pursuant to the outcome of current consultation with Ngati Maru iv. As stated above, NZHPT advised Ngati Maru has a claim of wahi tapu over some of this area. TCDC Thames & Coromandel Area Manager, Greg Hampton, is liaising with David Taipiri re Ngati Maru wahi tapu and any Treaty issues v. Jason Parkes, Premium Skate Park Designs Ltd, has completed an initial concept design for the Park and visited Thames to present this concept to a Skate Park Group, including members of the Skate Park Revolution Crew. The concept was well received, but subsequent design work has been put on hold until items i., ii., and iv. have been completed.

8.1.8 PRELIMINARY PLANNING COMMENTARY BY TCDC SENIOR PLANNER, ANDREA GRIFFITHS (as per e-correspondence to BGBB Team Architects, 26 June 2013)

“I note the following points that relate to the site in terms of the Operative District Plan zones and information:

The Skate Park is proposed to be located in the Recreation Passive Zone, with a small portion of it likely to be located in the Town Centre (Outside All Policy Areas) Zone and the Open Space Zone.

vi. The Skate Park will be located within a ponding area. vii. The site has been identified as containing a Heritage building. This actually relates to the Plunket Room buildings, which use to be located next to the Band Hall and has now been relocated off the site. viii. There are a lot of storm-water utility services and pipes running through the site (note, by locating the Skate Park to the north of the existing playground will avoid in-ground services) ix. There is an archaeological site located in the vicinity of the property and there are historical links between iwi and this area. Therefore it is recommended consultation is undertaken with the Ngati Maru and New Zealand Historic Places Trust.

In relation to whether a resource consent is required or not and what standards apply, please refer to the following points:

i. The proposal for a new Skate Park would be classified as an Informal Recreation Activity in the Recreation Passive Zone and the Open Space Zone. An informal recreation activity is permitted in these Zones. ii. In the Town Centre (Outside All Policy Areas) Zone the proposal is classified as a Non- Residential Service and Facility, which is a Permitted Activity in this Zone however any buildings associated with the proposal would require a resource consent as a controlled activity, provided the relevant standards are met. iii. All earthworks associated with the proposal are required to meet the permitted activity standards, which allow a maximum volume of 250m3, over a maximum area of 250m2, with a face height not exceeding 1.5m, and all works to be undertaken within 3 months. If these rules can’t be met, then a resource consent will be required. iv. Earthworks within a ponding area require a resource consent application as a Non- Complying Activity. v. Having looked at how the Skate Park in Tairua was assessed, the project will also need to meet the noise standards of the District Plan, which are 50 L10 DBA in the day and 40 L10 DBA at night. vi. Vehicle parking and traffic effects will need to be addressed. Also need to identify if any vegetation will be cleared and will need to meet the relevant standards of the District Plan.

The Tairua Skate Park applied for consent for the earthworks and noise. In this case you will be required to obtain a consent for the earthworks in a ponding area and will need to demonstrate compliance with the earthworks, noise, parking and vegetation clearance standards, otherwise consent will also need to be obtained for these aspects as well.”

8.1.9 RECOMMENDATION

Recommend subject to satisfactory resolution of the above site issues, that a Skate Park proceed in the Porritt Park location in the next 12 month period (2013/14), based on a budget of $220,500, and a total contribution by the Thames Community Board towards the Skate Park cost of $80,500 (including feasibility and preparatory design work to date).

8.2 INDOOR CENTRE

8.2.1 NEED Thames has 3 indoor court facilities, each with a single indoor court and each having a variety of limitations.

The Thames High School gymnasium court has limited run-off. It is available for community use outside school hours and is a popular choice for sports clubs. Current estimated school use is approximately 1,000 court hours per year, and current estimated community use (outside school day) is 700 per year, with the major users being Basketball, Badminton and Gymnastics.

For any school-based facility to work as a dual community-school facility, it needs to be based on the school boundary for ease of community access (and for after-hours school security), and access and amenities must also give consideration to dual community and school use. The Thames High School gymnasium is based on the School boundary, i.e., currently borders Rolleston Street, and there are good options to create car parking across the road and at the end of a new gymnasium (about 50 car parks in total).

The Thames War Memorial Civic Centre is an undersized indoor court with limited run-off and ceiling height. Only 24% of 1818 booking hours for the total Centre’s use is sport (including fitness and dance), and this sports activity is principally the martial art, Kiaido Ryu. The Civic Centre Auditorium has a performance stage, and this Centre is well suited and centrally located to continue to provide this function. It’s noted, that an alternative information technology and education function has been mooted for this facility, but understand this concept is in its infancy.

At first observation, one would think that the Kauaeranga Valley Christian Camp gymnasium would have a greater level of community utilisation. However, the reality is its first purpose is to cater for the camp user, and the rural access road 6km out of town is a real barrier to utilisation (children must access by car – not safe to cycle). This gymnasium is currently the venue for Premier Netball on Friday nights. The consultant team tested with many user groups whether they would be prepared to use this facility more. In all cases, because it was regarded as out of town on a winding and dark road after 5:00pm. On winter nights, there was a reluctance to use this facility for junior sport. It works well for a weekend daytime competition, such as Kiaido Ryu, but not for regular week night practice and competition for all sports.

A co-located 2-court facility also provides the opportunity for Thames to host age group regional sports competitions for all indoor sports, which means local teams don’t need to travel and attracts players with parents to Thames, and for 2-day competitions some teams would stay overnight.

8.2.2 FUTURE DIRECTION Recommend a new Thames High School to be the principal indoor court and ‘movement centre’ venue, with the development of a further full-sized indoor Netball court (as the largest court used as a size descriptor only).

This 2-court venue to cater for all indoor court sports, including Basketball, Badminton, an increased level of indoor Netball, the future development of Volleyball and indoor soccer/Futsal; and to be the home for Gymnastics and Martial Arts (Kiaido Ryu) – complementary with the ‘movement centre’ concept, Athletics to also continue to be based at Thames High School, with the option for indoor ‘Team Athletics’.

To effectively cater for Gymnastics, to help avoid setting up and taking down the heaviest gear, create a dedicated 100m2 space for Gymnastics equipment (with a 5.5m ceiling height), with a co-located Gymnastics/multi-purpose walk-in storage area of about 50m2. It is proposed the existing gymnasium, together with these spaces, would be the regular Gymnastics venue. Furthermore, it is also proposed the existing gym would be the principal venue for Kiaido Ryu.

New changing rooms, administration area and specific storage to be provided as part of the new gymnasium facilities. The flexibility for separate community and school amenities and for some separate storage for all key user groups is important for the effective multi- functional use of this new Centre. The facility design also deliberately provides for separate and ready access from the School side, and road-side access for the community.

As part of consolidating all indoor sport activity at this one venue, recommend the Thames Civic Centre does not continue to cater for sports activities.

The Kauaeranga Valley Christian Camp to remain foremost a camp venue, and an overspill facility and/or a training camp/potential residential competition venue when needed and available. Suggest the future leadership entity for the 2-indoor court facility form an effective future working relationship with the Kauaeranga Valley Christian Camp.

Based on the above directions, SGL has developed a zero-based future utilisation profile for this 2-court facility.

It should be noted SGL’s previous Report (2009) was based on Global Leisure figures for indoor court hour utilisation. For this Report, SGL has methodically documented all user information, and built this utilisation model from the ‘bottom up’. Largely conservative growth projections have been made, with this growth projection resulting from either increased space availability and/or management capability.

It is usual to expect 1,500 or more court hours per court annually. The utilisation model projects 3,334 court hours annually, which clearly justifies the need for this new indoor court.

Table 32: Projected Sports Hall Utilisation and Revenue

PROJECTED SPORTS HALL UTILISATION AND REVENUE Project Court Hours Based on Potential Projected Revenue Based on Current Court Hours by New Hire Rate of $21.74/hour (GST exclusive) Sport Current30 20% 40% 60% 80% 100% Current 20% 40% 60% 80% 100% Badminton 173 208 242 277 311 346 3,761 4,513* 5,265 6,018 6,770 7,522 Basketball 202 242 283 323 364 404 4,391 5,270 6,148 7,026** 7,905 8,783 Dance 40 48 56 64 72 80 870 1,04431 1,217 1,391 1,565 1,739 Fitness 69 83 97 110 124 138 1,500 1,800 2,100 2,400 2,700 3,000 Futsal - - - - - 8032 - 2,087 2,435 2,783 3,131 1,739 Gymnastics 90 108 126 144 162 180 1,957 2,348 2,739 3,131 3,522 3,913 Holiday Programmes - - - - - 180 - - - - - 3,913 Kiaido Ryu 315 37833 441 504 567 630 6,848 8,218 9,587 10,957 12,327 13,696 Misc Community 105 126 147 168 189 210 2,283 2,739 3,196 3,652 4,109 4,565 Netball 40 48 56 64 72 80 870 1,044 1,217 1,391 1,565 1,739 School (daytime use) 1,000 1,200 1,400 1,600 1,800 2,000 ------Volleyball - - - - - 80 - 2,087 2,435 2,783 3,131 1,739 2,034 2,441 2,848 3,254 3,661 4,408 22,479 26,975 31,471 35,967 40,462 52,350 Total Projected Utilisation Total Sum shaded cells: 3,334 hours*** Sum shaded cells: $32,049

Assumptions 1. Reduced projected revenue to reflect increase in non fee paying Thames High School after school sport activity (**Basketball -50% and *Badminton -33%) 2. “Current Revenue” based on proposed rate of $21.74/hour 3. “Chargeable Court Hours” for revenue calculation Total 3334 – School daytime use 1,600 = 1,734

30 Summation of utilisation from Thames High School, Thames Civic Centre, Kauaeranga Valley Christian Camp 31 Formulae: Projected Hours x Hire Rate (e.g. 48 x $21.74 = $1,044) 32 Dark Blue: New programme estimated utilisation/revenue 33 Light Blue: Projected increase in utilisation/revenue with new facility

8.2.3 OPERATING MODEL (All figures are GST exclusive, unless stated otherwise) Revenue A conservative level of 1,734 chargeable court hours per year has been used as the basis for court hire revenue (for calculation, see Assumptions note Table 32). Prices have been set at $25 (GST inclusive) per hour for community use. Although many community groups currently pay less than this (e.g. Kiaido Ryu $18/hour and school hirers $21.50), this is inexpensive compared to many other communities, and note, this charge will apply in 3 years time. Also to assist transition, in the interim period suggest the Civic Centre and School Gym charge have small increases. Vending machine income is based on net margin of 10% achieved from an estimated 30% of all users throughout the year spending $1 each. Expenses Based on Thames High School continuing to meet all operating costs for the existing gymnasium, including normal operating costs, insurance and all maintenance, but forfeits any community revenue. In turn, no charge to apply for Thames High School utilisation of both gymnasiums on a fair basis, i.e., as a minimum no charge during the school day, nor for after school practices for school teams up to 5:00p.m., on weekdays. Please note, after school bookings to be fairly assigned to both school and community users, but if no charge for school use, to not significantly negatively impact on the financial viability of the Centre. Similarly, based on Thames-Coromandel District Council meeting the insurance and long term maintenance costs for the new gymnasium. A low cost management model to operate, with no separately employed reception or booking staff, as this function will be done by Thames High School at their cost (as part of their overall operating contribution). However, provision for a part time administrative person to support this process has been included. Power costs have been set on the basis that the climate is temperate in Thames and heating requirements will be low. Assumes community showers to be metered (for energy control). Note, comparison with past operating costs for the High School gymnasium such as cleaning at $2,500 per year, maintenance at $2,000 per year, and power at $2,500 per year on average (based on 2009 figures, with 25% loading).

Table 33: Projected Financial Performance for Future 2 Indoor Court Gymnasium Based At Thames High School PROJECTED FINANCIAL PERFORMANCE FOR FUTURE 2 INDOOR COURT GYMNASIUM BASED AT THAMES HIGH SCHOOL Annual Revenue 38,858 Annual Expenditure 47,776 Net Surplus/Deficit (before depreciation) (8,918 )

Note, costs directly met by TCDC and Thames High School as per the operating model described above are not included in these figures.

In summary, an annual operating grant of approximately $10,000 will be additionally required from TCDC to operate this facility.

Table 34: Indoor Centre Operating Model for Future 2 Indoor Court Gymnasium Based At Thames High School INDOOR CENTRE OPERATING MODEL $ Revenue Gymnasium Hire 32,049 Vending Machine Income 3,000 Shower Meters 1,809 TCDC (for insurance, rates/Council charges and LTM provision for new gymnasium) THS (for insurance and all maintenance for existing gymnasium) Grants 2,000 Total Revenue 38,858 Expenses Accounting and Audit 3,500 Advertising Bank Fees 600 Cleaning Materials (for 1-court) 800 Cleaning Wages 8,736 Compliance Costs Computer Costs 2,000 Equipment Purchases 2,000 General Expenses 1,000 Insurance Legal Licences, Levies, Subscriptions 500 Maintenance (for 1-court) 4,000 Marketing and Promotions 1,200 Office Equipment 500 Postage, Print, Photocopying, Stationery 1,800 Power, Heating, Gas (for 1-court) 6,000 Programme Costs Rates and Council Charges Security 1,200 Staff Training Telephone/Internet Costs 1,800 Uniforms Vehicle Expenses 2,400 Wages - Administration 6,240 Water 3,500 TOTAL 47,776 Surplus/Deficit 8,918

Assumptions: Wages Admin: 52 weeks x 4 hours/week x $25 per hour x 1.2 = $6,240 Wages Cleaning: 52 weeks x 7 hours/week x $20 per hour x 1.2 = $8,736 Shower Meters: 52 weeks x 20 showers/week x $2 per shower / 1.15 = $1,809 Vending Income: 3334 hours x average 30 people x 0.3 buy x 0.1 net margin = $3000

8.2.4 INDOOR CENTRE DEVELOPMENT COST ESTIMATE INDOOR CENTRE COST ESTIMATE (Rough order cost estimate prepared by BGBB Team Architects, June 2013) All figures are GST exclusive Description Cost Explanatory Notes Estimate $ NEW STRUCTURE Gymnasium (timber sports floor, 8.3m clear height over 890m2 @ $2,000/m2 1,780,000 court, side court seating/warm up area) Foyer 39m2 @ $2,200/m2 85,800 Change 81m2 @ $2,500/m2 202,500 Office/Meeting (including kitchenette) 30m2 @ $2,500/m2 75,000 Store Rooms 60m2 @ $1,500m2 90,000 Circulation 68m2 @ $2,200/m2 149,600 Allowance for foundations where ground bearing capacity Sum 150,000 poor Sub Total 2,532,900 EXISTING STRUCTURE New Gymnastics Room (Rubberised sports floor, 5.5m ceiling 100m2 @ $2,000/m2 200,000 height) New Multipurpose/Gymnastics Store 50m2 @ $1,800/m2 90,000 Alterations to accommodate new structures Sum 50,000 Structural Upgrade (no DEE completed) Est 50,000 Fire Alarm Upgrade Sum 7,500 Sub Total 397,500 EXTERNAL WORKS Car Parking 1 540m2 @ $110/m2 59,400 Car Parking 2 990m2 @ $110/m2 108,900 Site Services Sum 50,000 Landscaping/Paving Sum 50,000 Sub Total 268,300 TOTAL 1 3,198,700 Professional Fees: Feasibility and Concept Design Sum 20,000 Professional Fees: Detailed Design Documentation, Project @16% 511,800 Funding and Leadership Consent Fees Est 25,000 Project Contingency @10% 319,900 TOTAL 2 4,055,400 OTHER COSTS Relocation of Classrooms 4 @ $25k/unit 100 Associated Services and Access Works Sum 75,000 Associated Paving and Landscaping Sum 50,000 Sub Total 225,000 Professional Fees @ 10% 22,500 Consent Fees 7,500 FF&E (Furniture, Fittings and Equipment) Sum 50,000 Sub Total 80,000 FULL PROJECT TOTAL 4,400,000

Exclusions Resource Consent and associated costs if required. Removal of asbestos or other contaminated materials. Site services infrastructure upgrades if required. Sprinkler fire protection to new and existing structures. Footpath development and associated urban and streetscape works. Car park lighting.

8.2.5 TREATMENT OF DEPRECIATION AND ADDRESSING FUTURE FACILITY REPLACEMENT COSTS The new indoor court development upgrade has an estimated capital cost of $4.4 million. Therefore, based on a 40 year lifespan, the straight-line annual depreciation is $110,000.

When one considers facility replacement, one should consider the likely funding profile, which will occur when it is replaced, i.e., for this type of community facility, where Council is effectively funding about 55%-60%, it is reasonable to assume that a similar funding environment may operate at the time of facility replacement.

For any community facility, all Councils need to consider how they treat depreciation. Suggest Council does need to consider whether it sets aside any annual funding provision for the eventual future replacement of this facility. One option could be to introduce a depreciation provision after say 10 years, and depreciate for up to the future expected Council proportion of any facility replacement cost.

8.2.6 LEASE, OWNERSHIP AND GOVERNANCE MODEL

For the Indoor Centre based at Thames High School, recommend:

In the draft July 2013 Report, SGL then proposed a long-term nominal lease for the new gymnasium with a community entity. There are many precedents within NZ where Council funds are transferred to community-owned entities, e.g. Hutt City and Leisure Facilities Trust – how this occurs always needs specific funding, legal and tax consideration, what is the best way to do. SGL initially advocated community ownership of Indoor Court to avoid any direct depreciation responsibility by TCDC, by community ownership to foster self-help by community stakeholders to fund future major maintenance, and to treat Rhodes Park Clubrooms and Indoor Court similarly. However, this direction was based on the assumption the Council contribution was to be met by loan finance, and more specifically did not require the application of depreciation reserves. From subsequent discussions, to minimize rates impact it is desirable to apply all available depreciation reserves to fund Council’s contribution. The application of depreciation reserves is only possible if Council owns the facility. Given the need to use depreciation reserves funding, therefore propose the new indoor court is owned by Council, and that Council enters into a long-term land lease with Thames High School/Ministry of Education. By long term, Council seeks the longest possible lease term to protect its interest in the facility, but understands any lease term may be constrained by resource consent and/or subdivision requirements i.e., a resource consent is required for the project, if a lease of above 35 years is proposed. From a project risk perspective, desirable not to seek a resource consent. If there is no depreciation provision, and as TCDC will now be the owner, recommend TCDC makes provision for the long term maintenance of the new indoor court facility, by setting aside funding in a maintenance reserve, which will then be available to meet major maintenance costs. As the owner, TCDC is also responsible for insuring the new indoor court facility. See separate section on treatment of depreciation and addressing future facility replacement costs. Recommend a new Charitable Trust is responsible for the future day-to-day management of the indoor court facility. This Charitable Trust to include representation from TCDC, Thames High School and community representation (see sub-section below re Charitable Trust membership). The Charitable Trust to be © SGL Funding Ltd 2013 – Thames Ward Sport and Recreation Facilities Review and Future Directions 70

responsible for managing the whole facility, with clearly agreed access rights for the existing school gymnasium (by the community) and for the new gymnasium (by Thames High School) to be mutually agreed.

Feedback from Ministry of Education From previous discussions with the Ministry of Education, there were no concerns in principle with the original legal framework proposed, i.e., where a new Charitable Trust owned the new indoor court facility, and that the Charitable Trust entered into a long-term land lease with the Ministry of Education.

From further recent discussions on 12 November 2013 by SGL with David Vincent, Regional Property Advisor, Ministry of Education, the following feedback was received on the revised legal structure, i.e., that the new indoor court facility is owned by Thames-Coromandel District Council, and that Council has a long-term land lease with Thames High School/Ministry of Education for the new indoor court facility:

The Ministry did not see any impediment to a long-term land lease by Council. Further to previous discussions, based on past lease history, the Ministry of Education would now desirably seek a discrete building for lease, i.e., gymnasiums can be ‘joined’ from a circulation perspective, but also able to be ‘separated’ (in a worst case scenario, able to be removed). In this recent discussion, SGL also questioned the desire not to seek a resource consent for the new indoor court development, which then limited any potential lease term to 35 years. Specifically, SGL and the Ministry discussed with a building life of 50 years, what happens at the end of 35 years? Ministry of Education responded pragmatically, that if Thames High School wanted a future funding partnership for any future replacement facility, it would be sensible for parties to re-enter a new lease at that time. In summary, Ministry of Education saw no impediments to the revised directions proposed, and indeed was very supportive to make work.

Charitable Trust Membership Suggest a possible membership of the Charitable Trust, which would be responsible for the governance and management of the whole indoor facility, could be as follows:

Two Trustees appointed by Thames Community Board/Thames-Coromandel District Council. Two Trustees appointed by Thames High School. Two Trustees appointed by the community. A possible process for the appointment of the community Trustees could be by election at the Trust’s AGM, with entitlement to vote only provided to groups using the facility for more than a minimum period per year. Also note, consideration could be given to assigning a higher number of votes relative to the level of utilisation by the user group. Power to co-opt up to two further Trustees as required.

8.2.7 RECOMMENDATIONS Recommend that a new indoor court is developed at the Thames High School site within the next 3-4 year period (2014-16), as detailed in this section, with the following key items noted:

a. The new development to include the equivalent of 1 full-sized Netball court, with community change amenity, administration and storage; plus on the end of the existing gymnasium to develop a dedicated 100m2 space able to be permanently set up with Gymnastics equipment, together with a co-located Gymnastics/multi- purpose walk-in storage area of about 50m2. b. To consolidate indoor sports activity at 1 location, discontinue sports bookings at Thames Civic Centre. c. To be based on a total budget of $4.4 million with Council’s contribution to be approximately two-thirds of this amount (see Capital Funding section, which shows a $2.83 million (64%) funding contribution by Council). d. To be able to use depreciation reserves and hence to minimize the rates impact on Council’s capital contribution for this project, that Thames-Coromandel District Council is the owner of the new indoor court, and enters into a long-term land lease with the Thames High School/Ministry of Education. e. To achieve a sustainable operating model, and now as the owner to protect its interests, that Council meets the insurance and long term maintenance costs for the new gymnasium only (all existing gymnasium costs to continue to be met by the school), plus provides an annual operating grant of approximately $10,000. To also note, that the future pricing model is currently based on $25 (GST inclusive) per court hour. f. That a new charitable trust comprises of representatives appointed by the Thames Community Board/TCDC, Thames High School and by the community be responsible for the governance and management of the whole facility (both the new and the existing gymnasium). This Trust to enter into a nominal sub-lease for the new gymnasium with Thames-Coromandel District Council and a license to occupy for the existing gymnasium with Thames High School/Ministry of Education. g. Thames-Coromandel District Council needs to consider whether it sets aside any annual funding provision for the eventual future replacement of this facility.

8.3 RHODES PARK CLUBROOMS REDEVELOPMENT

8.3.1 NEED Section 5.3, the Rhodes Park summary, fully documents the current facilities and utilisation:

The 4.5 Rugby fields and 2 Football fields are currently used for a total of 2,873 field hours per year, with training accounting for 71% and competition games accounting for 23% of this use. In summary, it has a high level of use during the winter months, but it is significantly quieter over the summer. However, it is a clearly valued and proven outdoor grass field venue for the greater Thames area, The Netball centre includes 6 courts with the 2013 season fielding 21 senior and 25 junior teams – approximately 415 players. Netball and the current facilities (clubrooms and courts) at Rhodes Park are in good heart. The trend for Netball in New Zealand is to go increasingly indoors, but this outdoor centre will still continue to be the main venue for Netball in Thames. Both the grass fields and the Netball courts are venues of District significance. The Outer Reserve also provides a valued and suitable area for other sports such as motorcycling and clay target shooting.

So what are the challenges and needs?

The current 200 seat covered grandstand is about 70 years old and there are real structural integrity and safety questions. A decision needs to be made whether this grandstand is closed for safety reasons, and in turn demolished.

Thames Rugby & Sports Club previously prepared a new grandstand and clubrooms concept plans. From SGL’s preliminary review this facility concept has an indicative cost of $6.5 million, which realistically cannot be funded, given other community demands.

Consequently SGL fully reviewed how to more cost effectively achieve improved clubrooms, with some terraced seating and indoor viewing for a number one ground, and how existing facilities could be best utilised.

In summary, by moving the number one ground east, the existing Small-bore Rifle building can be converted to provide 8 changing rooms, and enables a cost effective elevated single story clubrooms, with uncovered seating for 160, for a total cost of approximately $2.6 million.

Note, the repositioning of the number one ground means a Cricket wicket needs to be relocated. This revised development also assumes the existing Rugby clubrooms would be demolished.

On reviewing the Rugby Club financials, the rental from the fitness centre buildings (at Jellicoe Road and on-site) currently provides an important source of annual revenue, which is important for the Club to retain. The net bar revenue, as a result of volunteer bar staff, is also significant.

8.3.2 FUTURE DIRECTION Rhodes Park to be further consolidated as the principal outdoor grass field participation venue for the Thames Ward with a clubrooms redevelopment (and demolition of the existing grandstand), and to cater for Rugby, Football, Touch and Cricket, and to also continue to provide an outdoor Netball venue. In the Outer Reserve, to also continue to cater for Motorcycling (with potential for track expansion) and Clay Target Shooting, and the option to provide a bike pump track.

8.3.3 CLUBROOMS DEVELOPMENT COST ESTIMATE RHODES PARK COST ESTIMATE (Rough order cost estimate prepared by BGBB Team Architects, June 2013) All figures are GST exclusive Description Cost Explanatory Notes Estimate $ NEW SPORTS CLUBROOMS Sports Club Open Plan Social Space 270m2 @ $2,200/m2 594,000 Operable Wall to divide off 90m2 Sum 40,000 Kitchen, Bar, Toilets, Administration 94m2 @ $2,500/m2 235,000 Extra Allowance for Kitchen Fit-Out Sum 50,000 Allowance for Loose Furniture Sum 50,000 Covered Terrace 90m2 @ $1,250/m2 112,500 Bleacher Seating (uncovered – approximately 160pax) 90m2 @ $1,250/m2 112,500 Foundations – allowance for foundation walls and Sum 100,000 earthworks to above flood level Sub Total 1,294,000 NEW AMENITIES (EXISTING STRUCTURE) Exterior Upgrade and Modifications to Accommodate New 300m2 @ $500/m2 150,000 Change Rooms New Change/Toilets/Shower Fit-Out 180m2 @ $1,500/m2 270,000 New Verandah 75m2 @ $750/m2 56,000 Sub Total 476,000 EXTERNAL WORKS Site/External Works (including paving and new sports club Sum 100,000 access Site Services Sum 75,000 Car Park (excavation, 150mm base course, loose chip 900m2 @ $25/m2 22,500 dressing) Sub Total 197,500 TOTAL 1 1,963,500 Professional Fees: Feasibility and Concept Design Sum 10,000 Professional Fees: Design, Project Funding and Leadership @ 12.5% 245,400 Consent Fees Est 25,000 Project Contingency @ 10% 196,400 TOTAL 2 2,440,300 OTHER COSTS Demolition Existing Grandstand and Clubroom Structures Estimate 75,000 and Clean-Up Sites for Return to Grass Field No.1 Rugby Field Relocation Sum 75,000 FULL PROJECT TOTAL 2,600,000 Exclusions Resource Consent and associated costs. Removal of asbestos or other contaminated materials as part of demolition works. Site services infrastructure upgrades if required. Upgrades or maintenance works to existing structures. Upgrades to existing playing fields, courts and associated fixtures and equipment. Upgrades to existing roading and car parks. Bike Pump Track. Alterations to cycleway route.

8.3.4 OPERATION SUSTAINABILITY AND DEPRECIATION The Thames Rugby and Sports Club currently services annual depreciation of approximately $7,500 and currently has an annual operating surplus (including depreciation) ranging from about $0 - $40,000.

Based on a 40 year lifespan for this $2.6 million facility development, the straight-line annual depreciation is $65,000.

The financial performance of the new clubrooms this financial performance is unlikely to materially change, so with a significantly increased depreciation requirement of approximately $65,000, the Club will probably run an accounting loss of approximately $20,000- $60,000 per year.

The Club should be encouraged to try and operate an annual cash surplus of $30,000 or above and to set aside approximately $30,000 per year (50% of its depreciation cost) into a long-term maintenance/capital improvement fund.

8.3.5 OWNERSHIP, GOVERNANCE AND MANAGEMENT Thames Rugby & Sports Club is a registered Incorporated Society and an effectively run club.

If the Council contribution can be funded without depreciation reserves, recommend that the Club should be the future owner and manager of the new clubrooms, but as part of its responsibility in receiving significant Council capital funding, and to optimise other public funding, it is very important that the future Club has a very genuine and real multi-sport role, i.e., that one of its primary objectives is to provide clubroom facilities for all users at Rhodes Park on an equitable and fair basis.

Too often when public funding has been provided to a single sports club, the right noises have been made at the outset regarding an equitable commitment to multi-purpose use, but after the clubrooms have opened, in too many cases the clubrooms has been operated for the benefit of the single sport only.

If Council endorses this proposed direction, suggest liaison occurs with the Thames Rugby & Sports Club, and agreement is reached regarding how the new clubrooms can equitably operate for the benefit of all Rhodes Park users, including Rugby, Football, Cricket and other users. This may require some amendments to its constitution, such as a minimum level of representation from other sports clubs on the Management Committee, equitable Annual General Meeting voting rights, etc.

It should be reiterated that the current Thames Rugby & Sports Club is operating well, and no future model should create any disincentive for this to continue to occur.

8.3.6 RECOMMENDATIONS Recommend proceed with a new clubrooms redevelopment at Rhodes Park within the next 3-4 year period (2015-18), as detailed in this section with the following key items noted:

a. To provide an elevated, single storey, multi-purpose clubrooms catering for all grass field users of the park, which will include uncovered seating for approximately 160 people, and by converting the current Small-bore Rifle building also provide 8 changing rooms.

b. To be based on a total budget of $2.6 million with Council’s contribution to be approximately two-thirds of this amount (see Capital Funding section, which shows a $1.67 million (64%) funding contribution by Council). c. If the Council contribution can be funded without depreciation reserves, that the Thames Rugby and Sports Club should be the future owner/manager of the new clubrooms, but as part of receiving significant Council and public capital funding, that one of its primary objectives will be to provide clubroom facilities for all users at Rhodes Park on an equitable and fair basis. It is noted this may require some amendments to its constitution to fully reflect this role. d. The Club should be encouraged to set aside approximately $30,000 per year (50% of its depreciation cost) into a long-term maintenance/capital improvement fund.

8.4 AQUATIC CENTRE

8.4.1 AQUATIC AND LEISURE FACILITY TRENDS The information draws from a review of a large sample of industry market research projects that have been carried out over the past five years to assist in defining aquatic and indoor facility and related leisure trends.

SGLs extensive experience in the development of aquatic and leisure facilities knows they usually become a highly emotive and public interest debate and usually organised formal groups (specialist users of pools) may dominate consultation processes whilst the general resident/casual and recreation user (highest user of pools) sometimes is not involved or heard.

In many cases when a Council is faced with developing or redeveloping an aquatic facility the debate about the right components for the community it is to serve may at times be dominated by:

The priority for long course competition, lap swimming and training facilities (50m or 25m lap pools) sometimes at the expense of not including or building multi-use high use viable water areas as well. Lack of a co-coordinated strategy for other existing pools in the project area and user catchment zones so there is not duplication of the same thing in the same user zones. Lack of knowledge on user markets and why and how people use pools and what they pay for the different user categories. Participation trends usually show only a small user market use pools for swimming up and down in whilst people usually come more often to pools for recreation, fun, enjoyment, socialization, education and therapy. Not learning from other facilities built that have only developed limited water areas. Not ensuring all user markets are a priority so that a mix of water areas become an essential part of a successful aquatic leisure centre design brief.

Leisure and Aquatic Trends that Impact on Leisure Facilities The following summary of general leisure trends impacting on people and their demand for recreation, sport and leisure activities and in particular aquatic facilities has been developed using a range of aquatic facility feasibility documents.

General Leisure trends impacting on aquatic leisure facilities design, facility components and user attraction include: A gradual aging of the population. As life expectancy increases, birth rates stay low and the “baby boomers” of the 1950s and 1960s grow older. This is placing a new demand on providing programmed hotter water areas as well as pools suitable for therapy and older adult exercises. It also means it is essential to have a range of pools with different water depths and temperatures. Flexibility in the times when people recreate. As demands on people’s time increases and work practices change people are seeking to take their recreation at different times, over a broad spread of hours and at facilities that offer a lot of activities under the one roof. Indoor pools and health and fitness facilities are particularly attractive and getting easier to use as many are open 12 to 16 hours, 7 days a week. Increased variety in recreation and leisure options. People’s leisure and recreation options are changing towards newer more varied activities offered over a greater range of timeframes compared to previous decades where limited variety in activities and scheduling occurred. This has supported the trend to more multi-use facilities to attract a broader range of users as well as multiple water areas to meet different needs at the one centre. Constraints to recreation and leisure participation. Lack of time, lack of facilities close by, family and work constraints, health problems and cost of service for use of facilities are the main constraints to many people’s recreation and leisure participation. The development of targeted markets of users, programmes and services at aquatic and health and fitness centres has assisted in reducing some of these participation constraints. Changing employment structures, trading and work hours. These trends often makes participation in traditional sports difficult and therefore people are looking for facilities that are open longer hours and have a lot of activity options at the one site. This makes opportunities such as indoor pools attractive as their long opening hours and days open means usage can be made in a wide range of social, training, competition, educational settings. Provision of high standards and quality of facilities and services. People are looking for high standard, high quality facilities and services to meet their recreation and leisure needs. This has also seen the trend for indoor facilities becoming very popular as they allow activity in safe and secure spaces in all weather and environmental conditions. This leads to indicating that building low standard, low cost facilities will not attract the maximum user market. Desire for activities to be affordable. The development of multi-purpose aquatic leisure centres has enabled the high operating cost activity of aquatics (in many cases) to be cross-subsidised by more profitable activity areas such as health and fitness, food and beverage and entertainment areas. This has enabled many facilities to keep general entry fees low to encourage use whilst seeking users who want special services to contribute at a greater level to the cost of such activities. Recognition of strong links between physical activity and health. Preventative health care and active lifestyles are very important to many people’s aquatic and health and fitness activities are becoming a large part of people’s activity choices. Expectations of equity and access. Today’s society expects people with special needs to be catered for in public aquatic and leisure facilities. This has seen improved design features to increase accessibility to and within such facilities. Added to this is the growing array of programmes and activities offered to people of all different abilities, physical condition and skill levels.

8.4.2 GENERAL AQUATIC FACILITY TRENDS The main general aquatic facility trends that can impact on selection of high use activity components are detailed in the following graphic. Successful Facilities Model

LEISURE & ADVENTURE FITNESS & EDUCATION Indoor water play complex Competition/training pools Free form play pools Learn to Swim pools Adventure rides and pools Spa/saunas Club/association facilities

SUCCESSFUL FACILITIES KEY COMPONENTS TO MEET MAIN USER MARKETS

HEALTH & WELLNESS HOSPITALITY Gym and Exercise studios Training and programme rooms Massage/Beauty Treatments Meeting/social facilities Warm water programme pools Café and merchandising

Figure 19: Successful Facilities Model

Main User Markets for Aquatic Centres

Traditionally many local authority aquatic leisure facilities were built for specialist or limited market users (i.e. competitive swimmers or high level sport participants).

The majority of aquatic facility market research indicates future complexes must equally cater for four distinct aquatic user markets, as shown in the diagram below. Main Aquatic User Markets

REC, LEISURE & ADVENTURE FITNESS & TRAINING 60% - 70% of pool users 20% to 25% of pool users Families, friends, social groups Competitive swimmers Coming for fun and play Club/association users

MAXIMUM AQUATIC FACILITY USER ATTRACTION SUBJECT TO DEMOGRAPHIC PROFILE

EDUCATION THERAPY 10% to 15% of users 10% to 15% of users Learn to swim, schools etc. Hydrotherapy Special needs users Exercise classes in water

Figure 20: Main Aquatic User Market Recreation and Leisure Market - usually made up of families, people coming with friends and groups for fun, relaxation, social activity and low level competition/participation. Competitive/Training/Fitness Market - usually made up of people predominantly attending facilities alone for structured fitness or competition activities. Education Market - usually made up of children and adults wishing to increase water safety and survival skills. Includes Learn-to-Swim classes, school and club use and individuals improving their skills and techniques. They require hot water pools and water depths with some straight edges and easy water access etc. Health and Therapy Market - usually made up of children, adults and older adults wanting to relax or exercise in hot water. This market also includes specialist health condition groups such as arthritis, asthma suffers, etc. They require hot water pools and associated health relaxation areas, i.e. Spa/saunas, etc.

Research indicates that the recreation and leisure market will be the largest as it contains people of all ages, ability, types, interest and gender. The competitive/ training/fitness market is a more specialist market as it usually contains younger, fitter and more active people who have made time to train and compete.

Previous research conducted by SGL Leisure Planning Team indicates that in many cases 60% to 70% of facility users come from the recreation/leisure sector with 20% to 30% coming from the competitive/training/fitness markets. The health and therapy and education markets can range from 10% to 20% of the market subject to the age and health profile of the community in which the facility is located.

The most successful centres attract all user markets and should be set up to allow people to participate in a range of activities at the one site. The further addition of health and fitness facilities, spas and saunas and social areas have been very successful at many aquatic facilities, as they add to the user experience and contribute to people being attracted to attend these facilities more often.

Aquatic Facilities Activity Areas Industry trends indicate that the majority of current indoor standalone aquatic facilities revenue does not meet annual operating costs, before depreciation. Average losses range from $200,000 to $500,000 plus per annum, before depreciation and finance cost.

A review of successful centres' business indicates that these centres record:

High visits per meter. Excellent programme range returns and attendances. High secondary spend returns. Excellent range of attendance types. Draws users from a large catchment area. High revenue returns from health and fitness.

To help improve financial viability, any future facility development must be designed with the above business aims in mind. This usually means the provision of activity area components that can:

Provide a mix of shallow leisure/recreation water with programmable water areas. Provide high revenue generating complementary service areas such as fitness centres and food and beverage services. Are located in a high traffic/visitation area.

Traditionally, commercial investment in aquatic facilities has been in specialist pools such as learn-to-swim or as additions to health and fitness clubs. The high capital cost and limited financial returns have contributed to this situation.

Health and Fitness Activity Areas Industry trends indicate that users of aquatic facilities are also significant users of health and fitness facilities. Location of each of these activity components at the one site improves financial viability.

Locating these facilities at Aquatic Centres increases the potential of cross-selling and spin- off use. It also improves the membership/programme user and casual user ratio.

Possible Ancillary Services and Activity Areas In recent years, there has been a trend to develop a range of complementary businesses in conjunction with aquatic leisure facilities, which are listed below.

Wellness Centres/Day Spas There is an emerging trend to include an area for specialist wellness activities, services and associated product sales. The key services found at successful wellness centres include massage, beauty therapy treatments, gentle exercise classes and relaxation and time-out activities.

Inclusion of such facilities offers a broader range of activities to a larger age profile of people. The massage and beauty therapy are high yield sales activities and also can have a high level of associated product sales.

It is essential in developing such areas that they are located with good views, away from general public noise and viewing areas and have very good finishes and fittings. There needs to be a close by lounge for relaxation after treatment or classes.

Sports Medicine Development of consulting rooms, with patient access to health and fitness and pools, have been excellent revenue generators.

Health and Therapeutic Services Health consultancies, weight loss and therapeutic services linking in worker and accident rehabilitation patients to use the range of facilities with centre memberships paid by relevant authorities.

Health and Beauty Services Leased areas to services such as beauticians, hair salons and body toning.

Potential Future Aquatic Facility Trends Key features that can be considered when redeveloping or retrofitting high use aquatic facilities are listed below.

Leisure Play Equipment Changing static shallow water areas into water play and fun zones is one of the most popular renovations. This can be done by adding simple play equipment, water sprays and interactive equipment to existing pools. Added to this is the option to introduce inflatable play equipment to allow the area to be changeable.

Many such outdoor pools that have been retrofitted have been linked to high use indoor pools.

Major Attraction Leisure Features Water slides and similar challenge and adventure type activities have remained popular as long as the venue has a range of slides/rides to keep peoples interest. Single ride facilities struggle to keep interest due to the lack of variety. Multi ride areas allow users to try different length and configuration rides.

There are also a range of new water rides that have a slide component leading to another ride experience such as dropping into a bowl and then water, or onto a ramp and then into a splash pool.

A key design trend is to link all slides to a common entry platform to ensure one staff person can supervise the area. A common splash down zone also allows one lifeguard to control a range of ride water entry points.

Special Effects A range of North American Indoor leisure parks have added computerised light shows and sound systems to allow night time areas to be changed. The use of lights and sound provided users with new indoor facility experiences at night-time.

Some centres have gone further by adding projection walls to incorporate movies and short video clips with their new light and sound effects.

Leisure Furniture Many centres aimed to keep parents and children at centres longer (to encourage greater secondary spending on food/beverage/merchandising) by providing quality furniture. The use of poolside lounges, tables, chairs, umbrellas, has allowed families to stay close to the water areas in relative comfort.

Food/Beverage/Merchandising This area has seen some major changes through development of pool side and dry area multi serving zones. Linked to these are high quality wet and dry lounge zones where people are encouraged to sit down and relax.

A number of innovative centres provide extensive lounge areas as well as poolside furniture. These centres use mobile food and beverage carts to sell items directly to centre users (i.e. they take the product to the customer). A number of other centres visited have used merchandising innovations, such as all existing customers having to go through the sales area. Other innovations included:

Multi-media video screens through the centre reminding customers about programmes, special promotions, food/beverage and merchandising specials. Providing customers with discount vouchers (at entry to centre) to spend in food/ beverage and merchandising outlets or on their next visit. Offering combination sales specials to attract a higher spend per person.

8.4.3 SITE DISCUSSION Given urban design directions, desirable co-location factors, spatial requirements and land availability, the consultant team identified and overlaid concept drawings for 2 potential locations for a future Aquatic Centre, i.e. Danby Field and Burke St Reserve (with associated private land).

Danby Field Pros Proximity to CBD – generator of new activities and associated visitor numbers. Benefits to surrounding commercial activities including Thames main street retail and Goldfields shopping centre. Proximity to Porritt Park – community recreation hub comprising playground, Skate Park, aquatic, fitness activities. Proximity to coastal walk/cycleway – promotes non-vehicular access. Inclusivity and safety - promotes broad demographic utilisation of area and prolonged visitor stay through greater portion of day and evening (seasonal adjustment). High visibility - readily visible from State Highway 25 north and south bound. Also Sealey Street viewshaft. Existing commercial tenancy – potential for lease of current Goldfields retail floor area for fitness centre in lieu of new build. Car parking - capacity for expanded car parking along Queen Street (SH25). Danby Field - compatible with current MoE outdoor playing field use. Urban renewal benefits - potential anchor activity in support of future commercial and/or community uses. Cons Availability of land - current Ministry of Education ownership with Ngati Maru Waitangi Treaty settlement interest in this land, should it become available. Wet site – Danby field prone to inundation requiring design for appropriate heights of new floor levels and hydrostatic effects beneath pool tanks. Subsoil conditions - reclaimed land. Potential for increased costs due to geotechnical and associated foundation design, particularly for mitigation of subsidence and seismic liquefaction effects. Traffic congestion – may require consideration of Queen and Sealey intersection with potential for roading design, traffic control and associated agreement with NZTA. Proximity to residential neighbours – potential nuisance associated with increased and new activities. Visual and spatial relationship with the south (rear) of Goldfields – potential for associated landscape development for visual screening of service areas. Lack of coastal view – height of stop bank and mangroves prevent clear views of Firth of Thames and landforms beyond.

Burke Street Reserve (& Private Land) Pros Joining of Victoria Park / Burke St Reserve – realisation of "The Green Strip" for an accessible and community recreation focused coastal edge. Proximity to Grahamstown Heritage precinct – generator of new activities and associated visitor numbers. Premium aquatic environment – coastal edge as ideal environ for indoor and outdoor aquatic activities. Proximity to coastal walk/cycleway – promotes non-vehicular access. Inclusivity and safety - promotes broad demographic utilisation of area and prolonged visitor stay through greater portion of day and evening (seasonal adjustment). Car parking – capacity for expanded car parking utilising Burke St Reserve. Reserve activity generator – places greater visitor numbers on the boundary of the reserve with associated potential to add recreation activity value to the area Urban renewal benefits - potential anchor activity in support of future commercial and/or community uses. Connection to coast – potential to enhance Thames' visual, physical and temporal connections to the coast. Cons

Availability of land – approximately 3000m2 of private land required for car parking and access. Possible land-swap. Distance from CBD – walk, cycle, drive. Will not have immediate enhancement of CBD commercial values due to new activities generated. Limited Highway visibility – will function as a destination facility. Subsoil conditions - reclaimed land and historic landfill use. Potential for increased costs due to geotechnical and associated foundation design, particularly for mitigation of subsidence and seismic liquefaction effects. Effects on bird life – increased visitor numbers at Burke St reserve requiring mitigation measures to protect nesting grounds on coastal edge, e.g. No go and dog restricted areas. Proximity to industrial service type activities, e.g. Transfer station.

8.4.4 FUTURE DIRECTION The Aquatic Centre has a major capital and operating cost implication and the consultant team recommends the final scope of the Aquatic Centre needs to be a District-wide decision, if not a sub-Regional decision.

The greater Thames-Coromandel and Hauraki Districts justify one quality indoor aquatic facility with multiple water spaces to cater for all markets (leisure, fitness/competitive, Learn- to-Swim, health and therapy). This is an issue which needs to be fully debated and resolved by the total catchment community, and in turn will dictate whether Thames is the venue for this sub-Regional indoor Aquatic Centre, or continues to provide aquatic facilities at the current level of service provision (possibly with an additional indoor Learn-to-Swim pool).

Due to plant failure and/or political will, there may be a desire to at least replace the existing facility at a new location earlier. Consequently, the consultant team has prepared aquatic capital cost estimates on a phased basis, allowing a core facility to be developed and later expanded as required. However, the level of facility specification shown as Stage 1 would realistically still be too large a capital (and net operating) cost for the Thames Ward alone, i.e., if the Thames Ward was responsible for providing an aquatic facility for its Ward community only, then a replacement of its current level of service may only be possible. However, this replacement level of service will not cater effectively for the largest market, the leisure swimmer, nor provide the warmer water suitable and needed for the other 2 key markets, the older adult and also the Learn-to-Swim market.

Please note, for Stage1 have specified an insulated inflatable dome cover, which should substantively reduce current misting issues.

8.4.5 STAGED AQUATIC FACILITY COST ESTIMATE

Stage One

STAGED AQUATIC FACILITY COST ESTIMATE (Rough order cost estimate prepared by BGBB Team Architects, June 2013) All figures are GST exclusive STAGE 1: REPLACEMENT OF CURRENT THAMES FACILITY AT NEW LOCATION Description Cost Explanatory Notes Estimate $ INDOOR FACILITIES Changing rooms 200m2 @ $2,500/m2 500,000 Plant and Store Room 100m2 @ $1,500/m2 150,000 Office, reception, admin, multipurose clubroom space 150m2 @ $2,500/m2 375,000 Sub Total 1,025,000 OUTDOOR FACILITIES 25m 8-lane Pool, with toddler pool, paved concourse and Sum 1,500,000 plant equipment Sub Total 1,500,000 WINTER INSULATED INFLATABLE DOME Winter Inflatable (insulated) Dome Cover for Outdoor Pools 1,000m2 @ $1,200/m2 1,200,000 including associated plant and equipment. (rate TBC) Nominal 40m x 25m Mechanical Services Plant Room 25m2 @ $1,500/m2 40,000 Associated Site Works Sum 50,000 Sub Total 1,290,000 EXTERNAL WORKS Car Parking 3,000m2 @ $110/m2 330,000 Site Services Sum 200,000 Landscaping, Paving, Shade structures Sum 200,000 Fencing Sum 75,000 Sub Total 805,000 OTHER COSTS Allowance for site preparation, demolition of existing Sum 300,000 structures, and ground conditions Boiler Heating System (woodchip or similar) Sum 200,000 Sub Total 500,000 TOTAL 1 5,120,000 Professional Fees (planning, design, funding and project @ 18% 920,000 leadership) Consent Fees Sum 100,000 Project Contingency @ 10% 500,000 PROJECT TOTAL FOR SCENARIO 1 6,640,000

Stage Two

STAGE 2: ADD INDOOR LEARN-TO-SWIM / WARM WATER PROGRAMME POOL & FITNESS CENTRE Description Cost Explanatory Notes Estimate $ INDOOR FACILITIES Indoor Pool Hall including 20 x 10m programme and leisure 400m2 @ $4,000/m2 1,600,000 pool and plant equipment Arrival foyer, reception 150m2 @ $3,000 /m2 450,000 Fitness centre – weights / cardio + group fitness studio 500m2 @ $2,500/ m2 1,250,000 Dry Changing rooms 60m2 @ $2,500/ m2 150,000 Expanded plant room / storage area 100m2 @ 1,500/ m2 150,000 Circulation 100m2 @ $2,500/ m2 250,000 Sub Total 3,850,000 EXTERNAL WORKS Car Parking - expand 1,500m2 @ $110/ m2 150,000 Site Services Sum 50,000 Landscaping, Paving, Shade structures Sum 50,000 Sub Total 200,000 OTHER COSTS Allowance for site preparation, demolition of existing Sum 200,000 structures, and ground conditions Boiler Heating System (woodchip or similar) – additional Sum 200,000 capacity Sub Total 400,000 TOTAL 2 4,450,00 Professional Fees (planning, design, funding and project @ 18% 800,000 leadership) Consent Fees Sum 50,000 Project Contingency @ 10% 450,000 PROJECT TOTAL FOR SCENARIO 2 5,750,000

Stage Three

STAGE 3: ADD FULL ALL-SEASON ENCLOSURE TO POOLS Description Cost Explanatory Notes Estimate $ Full all-season Enclosure of Outdoor Pools including 1,000 m2 @ $2,800/ m2 2,800,000 mechanical services plant Mechanical Services Plant Room 25 m2 @ $1,500/ m2 40,000 Associated Site Works Sum 100,000 Sub Total 2,940,000 Professional Fees (planning, design, funding and project @ 18% 530,000 leadership) Consent Fees Sum 30,000 Project Contingency @ 10% 300,000 PROJECT TOTAL FOR SCENARIO 3 3,800,000

Exclusions Site services infrastructure upgrades if required. Urban & streetscape works including alterations to coastal walk/cycle-way. Bike Pump Track. Land acquisition and/or swap and associated legal / survey costs. Relocation of existing land uses and associated costs. Burke Street Reserve car parking and development.

9 CAPITAL FUNDING

9.1 CAPITAL FUNDING PROFILE Capital funding principles were discussed in-depth in the SGL Report – June 2009, i.e., Section 9. This underlying funding theory still applies.

To optimise major grant funding, the consultant team recommends an integrated community funding approach by at least the Thames Ward and the Coromandel-Colville Ward.

The consultant has undertaken preliminary work regarding the achievable levels of capital funding. Due to obvious sensitivities, the detailed suggested direction will be presented separately. However, in summary here, based on a $7.22 million development programme in the Thames Ward over the next 5 years, the current full commitment by TCDC of $4.080 million allocated towards the Skate Park, Rhodes Park development and the indoor gymnasium will be fully needed, plus realistically some further proceeds of possibly up to $0.5 million will be needed from Council sources (to be determined).

Table 35: Draft Capital Funding Profile for Proposed Facility Development for Thames Ward DRAFT CAPITAL FUNDING PROFILE FOR PROPOSED FACILITY DEVELOPMENT FOR THAMES WARD (For Skate Park, Rhodes Park Clubrooms Redevelopment and Indoor Gymnasium All figures are GST exclusive) Funding $000s Skate Park Indoor Rhodes Park Total Gymnasium TCDC/Thames Community Board 80 2,515 1,485 4,080 (including Feasibility Study costs) – as currently allocated in the LTP TCDC/Thames Community Board 0 315 185 500 (potential additional support needed from Council sources) All relevant Community 35 535 315 885 Groups/Local Businesses Public Grants 105 1,035 615 1,755 TOTAL 220 4,4600 2,600 7,220

9.2 PROJECT STRUCTURE AND FUNDING LEADERSHIP To implement an integrated community funding programme, recommend form a project structure overseen by a Steering Committee, with Project Groups for each project i.e., indoor court, Rhodes Park and Skate Park. A Funding Committee would also be formed, which would take the leadership role on major funders and drive the development and implementation of an overall integrated funding and communications strategy, with active support by each Project Group.

To enable individual donations to receive tax benefits, recommend utilize the existing Zoom Zone Charitable Trust or establish a new "Thames Sports and Recreation Trust" as the recipient charity for these donations.

Please see the suggested Project Structure.

PROJECT STRUCTURE (DRAFT) Please note:

Steering Committee to have full oversight of all projects, and to consider issues affecting overall project development, funding, communications and Council approval processes. Meet quarterly Project Groups to take the leadership role on all aspects of their project, including design development, legal and planning, ‘cost control’, capital funding support, communications support and future operations Funding Committee to develop and drive integrated funding and communications strategy, with active Project Group support Want 1 Funding representative on each Project Group C = Chair, PL = Project Leader Project Leader to be responsible for driving meeting agendas and work programmes Funding Committee and Project Groups meet monthly or less frequently as required

STEERING COMMITTEE TCDC Councillor Peter French (C) TCB Strat Peters TCDC Staff Greg Hampton TCDC Finance Steve Baker Consultants Steve Bramley (PL) Glenn Brebner Sports Waikato Mike Maquire Project Group Reps 1 per Group

FUNDING COMMITTEE INDOOR COURT PROJECT GROUP RHODES PARK PROJECT GROUP SKATE PARK PROJECT GROUP

10 SUMMARY RECOMMENDATIONS 1. Facility Development Programme: The recommended facility development programme from the Thames Ward is described in the Table below. Note, due to the capital and operating costs implications, any future Aquatic Centre development in Thames needs to be considered as part of a District-wide, if not a sub-Regional aquatic facility strategy. Table 36: Proposed Sports Facility Development for Thames Ward PROPOSED SPORTS FACILITY DEVELOPMENT FOR THAMES WARD (All figures are GST exclusive) Project Description Suggested Timing Estimated Cost ($000s) (at today’s prices) Skate Park 2013-14 220 Indoor Stadium (at Thames High School) 2014-16 4,400 Rhodes Park Club Redevelopment 2015-18 2,600 TOTAL 7,220 Future Aquatic Centre Development To be determined – currently anticipate 2020 onwards

2. Skate Park: Recommend subject to satisfactory resolution of the site issues, that a Skate Park proceed in the Porritt Park location in the next 12 month period (2013/14), based on a budget of $220,500, and a total contribution by the Thames Community Board towards the Skate Park cost of $80,500 (including feasibility and preparatory design work to date). 3. Indoor Court Development: Recommend that a new indoor court is developed at the Thames High School site within the next 3-4 year period (2015-17), with the following key items noted: a. The new development to include the equivalent of 1 full-sized Netball court, with community change amenity, administration and storage; plus on the end of the existing gymnasium to develop a dedicated 100m2 space able to be permanently set up with Gymnastics equipment, together with a co-located Gymnastics/multi- purpose walk-in storage area of about 50m2. b. To consolidate indoor sports activity at 1 location, discontinue sports bookings at Thames Civic Centre. c. To be based on a total budget of $4.4 million with Council’s contribution to be approximately two-thirds of this amount (see Capital Funding section, which shows a $2.83 million (64%) funding contribution by Council). d. To be able to use depreciation reserves and hence to minimize the rates impact on Council’s capital contribution for this project, that Thames-Coromandel District Council is the owner of the new indoor court, and enters into a long-term land lease with the Thames High School/Ministry of Education. e. To achieve a sustainable operating model, and now as the owner to protect its interests, that Council meets the insurance and long term maintenance costs for the new gymnasium only (all existing gymnasium costs to continue to be met by the school), plus provides an annual operating grant of approximately $10,000. To also note, that the future pricing model is currently based on $25 (GST inclusive) per court hour. f. That a new charitable trust comprises of representatives appointed by the Thames Community Board/TCDC, Thames High School and by the community be responsible for the governance and management of the whole facility (both the new and the existing gymnasium). This Trust to enter into a sub-lease for the new

gymnasium with Thames-Coromandel District Council and a license to occupy for the existing gymnasium with Thames High School/Ministry of Education. g. Thames-Coromandel District Council needs to consider whether it sets aside any annual funding provision for the eventual future replacement of this facility. 4. Rhodes Park Clubrooms Redevelopment: Recommend proceed with a new clubrooms redevelopment at Rhodes Park within the next 3-4 year period (2016-18), as detailed in this section with the following key items noted: a. To provide an elevated, single storey, multi-purpose clubrooms catering for all grass field users of the park, which will include uncovered seating for approximately 160 people, and by converting the current Small-bore Rifle building also provide 8 changing rooms. b. To be based on a total budget of $2.6 million with Council’s contribution to be approximately two-thirds of this amount (see Capital Funding section, which shows a $1.67 million (64%) funding contribution by Council). c. If the Council contribution can be funded without depreciation reserves, that the Thames Rugby and Sports Club should be the future owner/manager of the new clubrooms, but as part of receiving significant Council and public capital funding, that one of its primary objectives will be to provide clubroom facilities for all users at Rhodes Park on an equitable and fair basis. It is noted this may require some amendments to its constitution to fully reflect this role. d. The Club should be encouraged to set aside approximately $30,000 per year (50% of its depreciation cost) into a long-term maintenance/capital improvement fund. 5. Capital Funding: a. To optimise major grant funding, recommend an integrated community funding approach by (at least) the Thames Ward and the Coromandel-Colville Ward. b. To implement an integrated community funding programme, recommend form a Project Structure, including a Funding Committee, comprising key members from Thames High School, Thames Rugby & Sports Club, Skate Park Group, Zoom Zone Trust and wider community as identified (shared responsibility by all stakeholders for the funding of these projects are very important). c. Based on realistic levels of achievable external funding, that the Council consider the provision of an additional $500,000 towards these projects.

11 APPENDIX

11.1 COROMANDEL PENINSULA EVENTS CALENDAR Month Description Town Venue

Adventure racing # events Coromandel Town Model A Coromandel Town 01 Concert in the Vines Cooks Beach 01 Cooks Beach Summer Gala Cooks Beach 01 Keltic Fair Coromandel Town Coromandel Domain 01 Quit Show Coromandel Town Hauraki Hall 01 Hahei Market Hahei 01 Pauanui Market Day Pauanui Kennedy Park 01 Tairua School Wine & Food Festival Tairua Tairua School 01 Circus Thames Rhodes Park 01 Thames Races Thames Racecourse 01 Contact Tri Series Whangamata 02 Paeroa Battle of the Streets Paeroa 02 Paeroa Highland Games & Tattoo Paeroa 02 V8 Swap Meet & Show Paeroa 03 Leadfoot Festival Hahei Leadfoot Ranch 03 The Great Thames Tug Off/ Strongman Thames Rhodes Park 03 Thames Trolley Derby Thames 03 Art Escape Mercury Bay The Coromandel 03 Beach Hop Whangamata 04 Bush to Beach Half Marathon Kuaotunu 04 ECHO Walking Festival The Coromandel L ocal parks and reserves 05 Coromandel Arts Tour Coromandel Town 06 The Bounty Hunter Fishing Tournament Coromandel Town 06 Matariki and Green Poi Week Thames Civic Centre 06 The Monteiths Wild Food Competition The Coromandel Restaurants 06 Whitianga Garage Sale Whitianga 08 Coromandel Classic Multisport Thames Racecourse 08 Whangamata Run Walk Festival Whangamata 08 Coromandel Peninsula Art & Craft Fair Whitianga Town Hall 09 Paeroa Antiques Festival Paeroa 09 Whitianga Scallop Festival Whitianga Northern Reclamation 10 Ngatea Garage Sale Ngatea 10 Waihi Goldfest Waihi 10 Brits at the Beach 4 Whangamata 11 K2 Cycle Race Coromandel Town Coromandel Domain 11 The Great Cranleigh Kauri Run Coromandel Town Area School 11 Opoutere Fireworks Extravaganza Opoutere Opoutere School 11 Maratoto Challenge Paeroa Maratoto Valley 11 Thames Arts Festival - Beside the Seaside Thames Civic Centre 11 Pohutukawa Festival The Coromandel 11 Coromandel Dive Festival Whitianga © SGL Funding Ltd 2013 – Thames Ward Sport and Recreation Facilities Review and Future Directions 92

Month Description Town Venue 12 Coro Gold Coroglen Ohuka Farm 12 Santa Parade Thames Pollen St 12 Thames Save the Children Fun Run Thames Rhodes Park 12 Prana New Year Festival Opoutere 12 Whanga Week Whangamata 12 Whangamata Summer Festival Whangamata 12 Whitianga Health & Wellbeing Fair Whitianga Whitianga Town Hall

11.2 INFORMATION REVIEW CMA+U Cranleigh. (29 January 2013). Thames+ Urban Development Strategy Workshop (VISUALS): Author CMA+U Cranleigh. (May 2013). Thames+ Urban Development Strategy: Volume Two – Development Strategy/Implementation Framework Draft: Author Global Leisure for Hauraki District Council and Thames Coromandel District Council. (10 June 2005). Hauraki / Thames-Coromandel Physical Activity Strategy - Steering Group Draft (Stage 2 Draft): Author Global Leisure for Hauraki District Council and Thames Coromandel District Council. (4 August 2005). Hauraki / Thames-Coromandel Physical Activity Strategy and Facilities Plan - Summary Document: Author Kim Curtis, Thames Coromandel District Council. (17 February 2011). Flood Damage Repair - Thames Netball Courts (from Kim Curtiss - Thames Area Co-ordinator): Author Paban Consulting. (20 May 2009). Thames High School Proposed Indoor Court Facility Development: Independent Project Review (prepared for SGL Group Ltd): Author SGL Group and Boon Goldsmith Bhaskar & Brebner Team Architects. (April 2009). Thames Community Leisure Centre at Thames High School: Site Master planning & Facility Design Report: Author SGL Group. (April 2009). Thames Community Leisure Centre: Presentation to Thames Coromandel District Council: Author SGL Group. (June 2009). Thames Community Leisure Centre: Concept Design Options, Build Options, Financial Feasibility and Capital Funding Strategies for a One Court indoor Facility: Author Thames Coromandel District Council (29 July 2011). Application For Community Funding for a recreation area for Youth to promote health and well being for young people: Author Thames Coromandel District Council (http://webprod/mvinprod/modules/financemaster). (22 May 2009). Thames Centennial Pool: Account Summary - Swimming Pools Thames Pool - Period ended: June 2013 (OUTPUT): Author Thames Coromandel District Council / Sport Waikato. Annual Report: 1 July 2011 - 30 June 2012 Thames Coromandel District Council Activity Report: Author Thames Coromandel District Council, Policy and Planning Group 2010. (2009-2010). Coromandel Peninsula Peak Population Study 2009/10: Author Thames Coromandel District Council, Policy and Planning Group. (2008). Coromandel Peninsula District Profile: People, housing and projections including information on main settlements: Author Thames Coromandel District Council. (2 May 2011). Activity Planning 2012-2022 Ten Year Plan: Strong Communities - Halls: Author Thames Coromandel District Council. (2 May 2011). Activity Planning 2012-2022 Ten Year Plan: Strong Communities - Parks and Reserves: Author Thames Coromandel District Council. (2 May 2011). Activity Planning 2012-2022 Ten Year Plan: Strong Communities - Swimming Pools: Author Thames Coromandel District Council. (2005). Rhodes Park Grandstand Structural Inspection Report: Author Thames Coromandel District Council. (2011). Thames Centennial Pool: Operations Manual: Author Thames Coromandel District Council. (2013/2014). Draft 2013/2014 Annual Plan: Author Thames Coromandel District Council. (December 2006). Thames and Thames Coast Reserve Management Plan, Document 2: Individual Reserve Plans (approved by TCDC May 2006, awaiting final Doc approval): Author Thames Coromandel District Council. (March 2011). Halls Activity Plan: Asset Condition Report (March 2011): Author

Thames Coromandel District Council. (March 2013). Your Waikato #77: Featuring 2013/14 Draft Annual Plan: Author Thames Coromandel District Council. (May 2006). Thames and Thames Coast Reserve Management Plan, Document 1: Part 1 & 2 (final document awaiting TCDC approval): Author Thames Coromandel District Council. (May 2011). Thames Centennial Pool: Risk Management Plan: Author Thames Coromandel District Council. (May 2013) Bookings Data - Thames – Civic Centre (EXCEL): Author Thames Coromandel District Council. (May 2013). Bookings Data - Coromandel Citizens Hall Booking 2012 (EXCEL): Author Thames Coromandel District Council. (May 2013). Bookings Data – Rhodes Park Bookings (EXCEL): Author Thames Coromandel District Council. (May 2013). Bookings Data S - Halls - All district bookings 2012 Financial (EXCEL): Author Thames Coromandel District Council. 2012-2022 Ten Year Plan, Volume 1: vision, strategies and activities: Author Thames Coromandel District Council. 2012-2022 Ten Year Plan, Volume 2: financial implications and forecasts: Author Thames Coromandel District Council. 2012-2022 Ten Year Plan, Volume 3: policies and statements: Author Thames Coromandel District Council. CDC - 2012-2022 Ten Year Plan - Consolidated Activity Plan - Swimming Pools: Author Thames Coromandel District Council. Coromandel Peninsula District Profile: People, Housing And Projections Including Information On Main Settlements: Author Thames Coromandel District Council. Schedule of Fees and Charges: Halls (Coromandel and Thames): Author Thames Coromandel District Council. Submission Draft Annual Plan 2003 2004 - Community Facilities - Skateboard Park: Author Thames Coromandel District Council. Thames Centennial Pool: OPEX_0522190833_001: Author Thames Coromandel District Council. Thames Centennial Pool: Quarterly Reports: Author Thames Coromandel District Council. Thames Centennial Pool-Monthly Reports: Author Thames Coromandel District Council. Thames Swimming Pool air inflated dome structure (PLANS): Author Thames Coromandel District Council: Thames Pool. Thames Aquatic Centre (proposed) - data gathering (document): Author Thames Coromandel District Council: Thames Pool. Thames Aquatic Centre: Do it once, Do it right (PowerPoint): Author Thames Valley Rugby Union. (2013). Season Draw: Author Vivian and Fowlie, Sport Waikato. (2012). Audit of Sporting Facilities for the Waikato Region: An Aid For the Development of a Regional Sporting Facility Strategy: Author WaikatoBOP Football Federation (2013). Season Draw: Author

11.3 STAKEHOLDER ENGAGEMENT Date From With Concerning APRIL 17-Apr TCDC Greg Hampton & Marlene Perry Project Briefing 26-Apr TCDC Paul Dufty (Pool Manager) Centennial Pool 26-Apr TCDC & Sport Waikato Marlene Perry & Justine Baverstock Data Collection Briefing 26-Apr Thames Youth Centre Louise West Skate Park Project MAY May Kauaeranga Valley Christian Camp Andy Miller (Manager) May Thames Netball Centre Cath Ngamure (President) & Robin Brooke 02-May TCDC & Sport Waikato Marlene Perry & Justine Baverstock Project Briefing 08-May Kiaido Ryu Martial Arts New Zealand Lance & Ava Strong (Owners) 08-May Thames Athletics Hillary McConnell 08-May Thames Badminton Nikky Bernstein, Sally Hartley & Kay Paki 08-May Thames Basketball Larrissa Davy & Dhea Hart 08-May Thames Cricket Club Marc Hall 08-May Thames Gymnastics Club Alia 08-May Thames Junior Football Inc Tiffany 10-May Thames Amateur Swimming Club Mark McDowell 15-May Thames High School Dave Sims 15-May Thames Rugby & Sports Club Steve Gooder (President), Brent Duffin, Vaughn DeGroen & Hamish Babe 15-May Zoom Zone Peter Richardson & Mary Hamilton 16-May Thames Local Board Project Presentation & Update 16-May Thames Skatepark Revolution Diane Connors (Thames Local Board), Louise Skate Park Project West, Diane, Vorry Mahal, Wyonetta Ryan, Karen Mobberley Tolly Gibbons, Patrick O’Shea, Ciaran Fill & a group of skaters (aged 9-11 years) 22-May TCA Gym Arna Rohrlack 22-May TCDC Dave Hammond (CEO) & Ben Day 22-May Thames Harrier Club Inc John Grey 22-May Thames Squash Rackets Club Inc Leigh Robcke & Matt Juby 22-May Thames Bowling Club Inc Karl Garrett & Rodney Garrett 22-May Thames Mountain Biking Club Richard Hawkeswood & Mike Cook 22-May Thames Tennis Club Inc Roger Dodds 22-May Thames Valley Motor Cycle Club Lester Yates 22-May Thames Workingmen’s Club John Grey 30-May TCDC Dave Hammond (CEO) & Greg Hampton 30-May Workshop Zoom Zone (Peter Richardson & Mary Project Update & Hamilton), TCDC (Greg Hampton, Marlene Discussion Perry, Derek Tompson, Paul Dufty), SGL & BGBB (Steve Bramley, Audry McLaren, Glenn Brebner) JUNE June WaikatoBOP Football Federation Peter Arndell (Competitions Manager) June Thames High School Linda Kennedy Gymnasium Bookings June TCDC Richard Cruice (Head Coach) Thames Swim Academy 11-June Thames Valley Rugby Union Edmund Leahy (CEO) 14-June TCDC Peter French & Greg Hampton 14-June Thames Rugby & Sports Club Steve Gooder (President), Brent Duffin, Grandstand Vaughn DeGroen & Hamish Babe 25-June TCDC Greg Hampton Reserves for Disposal 28-June Destination Coromandel Megan Nunn Peninsula events (Email)

11.4 RESTRICTIONS This Report has been prepared solely for the purposes stated herein and should not be relied upon for any other purpose.

In preparing this Report and forming our opinion, we have relied upon the information available to us from public sources and furnished to us by Stakeholders and TCDC. In turn, we have evaluated that information through analysis, inquiry and review.

This Report has been prepared solely for use by the TCDC and may not be copied or distributed to third parties without our prior written consent.

To the fullest extent permitted by law, SGL and BGBB Team Architects accepts no duty of care to any third party in connection with the provision of this Report and/or any related information or explanation (together, the “Information”). Accordingly, regardless of the form of action, whether in contract, tort (including without limitation, negligence) or otherwise, and to the extent permitted by applicable law, SGL and BGBB Team Architects accepts no liability of any kind to any third party and disclaims all responsibility for the consequences of any third party acting or refraining to act in reliance on the Information.

Our Report has been prepared with care and diligence and the statements and opinions in the Report are given in good faith and in the belief on reasonable grounds that such statements and opinions are not false or misleading. No responsibility arising in any way for errors or omissions (including responsibility to any person for negligence) is assumed by us or any of our partners or employees for the preparation of the Report to the extent that such errors or omissions result from our reasonable reliance on information provided by others or assumptions disclosed in the Report or assumptions reasonably taken as implicit.

We reserve the right, but are under no obligation, to revise or amend our Report if any additional information (particularly as regards the assumptions we have relied upon) which exists at the date of our Report, but was not drawn to our attention during its preparation, subsequently comes to light.