What do Wellsford Athletics, Matakana Branch Pony Club, Kaukapakapa Pony Club, Netball Rodney Centre, and the Kowhai Art & Craft Centre have in common?

They’ve all recently been granted community leases and licences to occupy by the Rodney Local Board ensuring their much-valued work continues in the heart of local communities.

A lease and a licence to occupy both allow a group to use council land, but a lease gives exclusive use of the space, while a licence only grants permission to use it for a specific purpose.

These leases and licences support a diverse range of activities across Rodney, from athletics to equestrian sports, netball and local arts. Together, they represent the board’s ongoing commitment to nurturing community-led initiatives and providing accessible spaces for people of all ages and interests.

Boosting sport and youth development

Wellsford Athletics has secured a new licence to occupy to continue operating from Wellsford Centennial Park, where for over 20 years athletes have trained and raced on the track. The club plays a vital role in encouraging youth development, fitness and community spirit through athletics.

Just across the park, Netball Rodney Centre will continue to host hundreds of players every week during the netball season. The centre has long been a cornerstone of local sport, with generations of players shooting goals and building teamwork on its courts.

Ongoing support for equestrian clubs

Further afield, Kaukapakapa Pony Club has secured a renewal of its lease and licence while the Matakana Branch Pony Club has secured a new lease and licence. This enables the clubs to continue their activities at Sinclair Park and Matakana Diamond Jubilee Park respectively.

At Matakana, the club will continue using moveable jumps as a flexible solution that allows shared use of the park space. These clubs provide opportunities for young riders to develop equestrian skills, responsibility, and confidence often forming lifelong friendships along the way.

Creative spaces for local artists

In Warkworth, the Kowhai Art & Craft Centre will continue to operate out of the Warkworth Showgrounds, providing a space for local artists and craftspeople to create, exhibit, and teach a wide range of artistic disciplines. The centre is a cultural asset, contributing to the creative identity of the area.

Local board backing

Rodney Local Board Chair Brent Bailey says the board is proud to support such a broad mix of community groups through these leases.

“All of these organisations do fantastic work in their communities whether it’s getting kids into sport, giving people a creative outlet, or helping young people learn responsibility through riding and animal care,” he says.

“Local boards are responsible for decisions around community leases, and we’re very pleased to see these groups continuing to thrive in spaces that serve the public good. Their work aligns strongly with our priorities from health and recreation to arts and culture.”

Strengthening local communities

Leases and licences to occupy ensure that valuable community-led services continue to be accessible, inclusive and active across the Rodney area and reinforce the importance of local facilities and community groups in building strong, connected communities.

For more details about the lease decisions, please read the full Rodney Local Board meeting minutes for July 2025 which are now available for viewing.