Yesterday I officially opened the terrain for the Panmure Pioneers Petanque Club.
The opening realised the vision of Club President Andrew Mailei. Andrew worked alongside members of the Mt Wellington Lawn Bowls Committee and, in particular Club President Wayne Illis, to make the merger of clubs a possibility.
The project was made possible by the generosity of the Mt Wellington Foundation, Black Pepper who designed the club website, Troy Wheeler Constructions and Maccaferri who created the Terrain.
Pétanque is a game that originated in France and has been played for more than 100 years in countries around the world. With more than 45 clubs spread across New Zealand, it is a wonderfully social game. New players soon get hooked as they learn to understand the strategies of competitive play at club, regional, national and international level.
From humble beginnings when the Pioneers Club first began in 2002 at Victoria Park. Later on it moved to Gribblehurst Park in Sandringham in 2007 due to the construction of the Victoria Park Tunnel. Without a fixed club base, the club still managed to grow its membership, win many club regional titles and many members achieving national representative honours. This is a testament to the club's strengths and further reinforces the values of the organisation of continuous improvement, integrity, enjoyment, personal leadership, and lastly service.
The club will also provide our local youth and community with an opportunity to experience a new sport and upgraded facilities.
I wish both clubs well in providing valuable sporting facilities in our local community!