MEDIA RELEASE: Trust hopes to raise $25,000 through new Watersports Facility Foundation Club

MEDIA RELEASE FROM WANAKA WATERSPORTS FACILITY TRUST
WEDNESDAY, MAY 14, 2014

Trust hopes to raise $25,000 through new Watersports Facility Foundation Club

The charitable trust behind a lakefront watersports facility for the Wanaka community has established the “Foundation Club” to help the facility become a reality.

The Wanaka Watersports Facility Trust launched the “Foundation Club” at a function in Wanaka tonight. Attendees got to view the animation video of the Trust’s planned facility, created by Dunedin animation expert Ian Taylor of Animation Research Limited.

The Trust wants to build the community facility in Roys Bay Reserve and is urging locals and lake users – including multisport athletes, swimmers, rowers and recreational beach users – to submit in support of their cause to the Draft Wanaka Lakefront Reserves Management Plan. Queenstown Lakes District Council is currently seeking public consultation on the draft plan.

Trust chairman Michael Sidey says the Trust hopes to raise $25,000 through the Foundation Club, which will go towards the cost of professional services required to make the facility a reality for Wanaka. Trustees have contributed $7000 to start the fund. The overall cost of the proposed building is expected to be between $750,000 and $1 million.

“The success of the Foundation Club is important if we are to achieve our goal. The benefactors recognise how integral the Wanaka Watersports Facility is to the community and what a valuable long-term asset it will be,” Sidey says.

“Wanaka needs this facility and we need it to be lakeside. Our town has produced champion multisport athletes, Maadi Cup medallists and record-breaking lake swimmers. Right now there is no suitable lakeside facility for these people, or for recreational beach users. This facility will ultimately have a positive flow-on effect to the local economy – it supports Wanaka’s growing multisport destination industry.”

Sidey says the Trust needs as many people as possible to show their support. This can be done in two ways: By making a donation to the Foundation Club and/or by submitting to the Draft Wanaka Lakefront Reserves Management Plan. Further details can be found on the Trust’s website, www.wanakawatersports.co.nz.

Submissions close on June 6, 2014, and can be made to wanakalakefrontplan@qldc.govt.nz.

ENDS

About the Wanaka Watersports Facility Trust:

The Wanaka Watersports Facility Trust is driving a project to build a high quality, functional, low-profile lakefront facility, to support the increasing numbers involved in watersports in Wanaka. Trustees have identified Roys Bay Reserve, next to the Stoney Creek Car Park, as the preferred location. The Trust recognises that it is a privileged waterside position and is sensitive to any concerns that residents may have. The Trust believes their concept plans are consistent with the objectives of the Wanaka Lakefront Reserves Management Plan, which allows buildings on the lakefront.

For more information, please contact:

Wanaka Watersports Facility Chairman Michael Sidey: 021 228 5073

www.wanakawatersports.co.nz

Wanaka Watersports Facility Trustees Alistair Madill (left) and Nic Blennerhassett at the proposed site of the facility in Roys Bay Reserve