Happy New Year from Ōmokoroa Settlers Hall

By Ellen Haynes

The Ōmokoroa Settlers Hall committee would like to say many thanks to our wonderful community for your support over 2022 We hope this year brings many reasons to give you a lot of happiness, success and good health over 2023

As you may know, the Hall is unique to Ōmokoroa and provides a venue for a very wide range of activities such as yoga, pilates, Tai Chi, dancing, art, table tennis, indoor bowls, along with events that include: discos, wedding receptions, family gatherings, our monthly market plus exhibitions just to name a few We feel privileged to work with you as well as act as the caretakers on your behalf on our historic Ōmokoroa Settlers Hall As our Community continues to grow and develop, we look forward to 2023 along with actioning some longawaited Hall improvements If you would like to be a part of our dynamic Committee team, please email: settlers hall@gmail com

Bowentown Boating and Sport Fishing Club recently celebrated the opening of their long-awaited, upgraded deck

A significantly bigger and better facility, the project was completed just in time for summer

Wrapping around the front and western sides of the building and offering unrivalled views of the inner harbour, the deck is described as a “game-changer” by the club’s recently retired ex-Vice Commodore, John Fagan, who saw the project through from beginning to end

The club’s previous balcony was small and narrow, with limited usability The new design provides ample space for outdoor dining and functions, John says “We wanted a space for people to be able to enjoy a drink and meal out in the open whilst watching the boats and enjoying the beautiful view ”

According to club Commodore Stu Curd, the committee is pleased to have the project complete ahead of the busy summer season It will meet the needs of the community now and in the future

“The size of the deck future-proofs the club for the ongoing growth in the area, ” Stu says

The club was formed in 1962 by a small group who met to discuss their common interest in boating, sailing and other water sports The initial phase fo- cused on installing concrete boat ramps, followed by building the club rooms

Since then, the club has developed to be a key organisation in the community of Bowentown and Waihī Beach

The club rooms are regularly used by community groups and families for meetings and functions; Waihī Beach Coastguard volunteers use the club facilities for training sessions; and the local waka ama group is based at the club

“It’s not just a boat club; it’s a community centre,” says John