Southland
Ageing tennis courts in the small Southland town of Otautau are set to receive long-awaited improvements, although the decision has divided opinion among some residents.
Southland District Council approved unbudgeted spending on Wednesday to allow four of the town’s tennis courts to be re-asphalted. The courts, located at the Holt Park extension, have seen little maintenance over the past decade or more, and a council report said visible cracking had begun to appear on the surfaces.
To gauge community support, the council carried out a survey between December and January. Residents were asked whether they supported resurfacing the courts, noting the project would add an extra $6.62 a year to local rates.
Out of 59 responses, about two-thirds supported the plan. However, several residents strongly opposed the idea, raising concerns about costs and how often the courts are used.
“Absolutely not, I struggle enough without having to fund others sports,” one person said.
Another respondent questioned the need for the facility, writing, “Not used enough. Put back into grass.”
Others also highlighted wider financial pressure on ratepayers.
The upgrade had already been identified in the council’s 2024–2034 long-term plan. That plan set aside $61,200 plus GST for the resurfacing work, funded through a loan and the small rates increase.
Earlier this month, the Wallace Takitimu Community Board asked the council to approve additional funding of up to $30,000 plus GST from a general reserve so the project could go ahead.
During discussions, councillor Brian Somerville raised questions about the relatively small number of survey responses. He also asked whether alternative funding sources, such as Lotto grants, had been explored.
Council community partnership leader Kelly Tagg told councillors the response rate was similar to a previous survey about a local playground. She also noted the tennis courts were a council-owned asset.
Tagg said the local tennis and netball clubs were not incorporated societies, which made it difficult for them to apply for lottery funding.
Councillor Matt Wilson also asked whether there might be duplication of facilities, saying he understood Active Southland had reviewed recreational assets across the region.
Tagg said while the local primary school had a tennis court, it was not regulation size.
Supporters of the resurfacing said the courts remained an important recreational asset and provided opportunities for younger people in the town.
One survey respondent suggested the community could help maintain the courts through volunteer work.
“Working bee” efforts were mentioned, with the resident saying they had a sprayer and broom available for use.
There are eight tennis courts in total at the Holt Park extension, but only four will be resurfaced as part of the project. The remaining courts could be used for other activities.
Tagg said those courts might be opened up for children to ride their bikes.
The tennis court work is not the only development planned for Otautau. The district council recently provided an update on a long-awaited camping ground project also planned for the town.