Super centre for Waikouaiti

The new centre from outside. Photo by Jane Dawber.
The new centre from outside. Photo by Jane Dawber.
Close to tears, Dunedin city councillor Andrew Noone thanked everyone who contributed to the East Otago Events Centre in Waikouaiti, at the opening ceremony yesterday.

The East Otago Sports and Cultural Centre Trust, of which Cr Noone was the chairman, worked in partnership with the Dunedin City Council to fund the $4.4 million project.

The trust raised $740,000 for the centre and the DCC contributed $3.7 million.

"We wouldn't be here without the DCC," Cr Noone said.

He encouraged the more than 300 people at the ceremony to use the "eye-catching" building.

"The trust's vision was to cater to the diverse needs of the surrounding communities," he said.

The building included a new health centre, an events centre, an auditorium, a pharmacy and a Plunket room.

It could also be used for emergency accommodation by Civil Defence.

The city council project manager, Kim Stewart, thanked those at the "finale of a long process".

"This is our gift to East Otago, to be enjoyed for the next 100 years."

- Cerisse Denhardt

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