The Manawatū Community Hub Libraries is under extensive redevelopment to become a central hub in the heart of Feilding that bridges all members of the community.  With internal spaces for meetings, a café, an extensive makerspace and a designated place for youth – the Hub will be well equipped for the needs of the community.  And now as a result of the NZCT funding received, the outdoor green space will be developed to include a half basketball court, a basketball hoop and a backboard which will extend and enhance the services available to youth and sports stars of all ages.

“Having the support of NZCT funding, affirms Council’s vision and extensive investment towards the redevelopment of the Manawatū Community Hub Libraries”, Janine Hawthorn, Community Wellbeing Manager explains.  “The basketball equipment and court is a fantastic compliment to the work being done within the redevelopment of the building.”

Located in close proximity to the Makino Precinct which hosts a skatepark, Makino Aquatic Centre and playground, the basketball court will complete the space which helps to encourage an active lifestyle and social fun.  Being centrally located in Feilding gives all residents access to use these facilities.  This basketball court will be the only court in the central business area.

With an increase in local youth crime in the last few years, Manawatū District Council’s Youth and Engagement Coordinator Joey Mckechnie has been working closely with Feilding Youth Police Constables to provide an alternative pathway for youth to stay busy, keep fit and avoid boredom which has been deemed by police as a primary reason for youth to engage in criminal behaviour.  This funding provides a perfect complement to the partnership of work being done.

MDC is grateful for the NZCT funding grant and the three NZCT Feilding venues (Empire Hotel, Drovers Bar and Kitchen, Feilding Hotel) that support these funding opportunities.