Wellington skates on again
Kerry Prendergast is keen to hit the ice on the waterfront. Photo: Neil Price, WCC.
Plans for a temporary ice rink, under the sails on Queens Wharf next to the TSB Bank Arena, include attracting 30,000 skaters; visitors to the Rugby World Cup and school children on holiday.
Past Wellington Mayor Kerry Prendergast says it’s another chance for Wellingtonians to prove to the private sector that there is demand for a rink in the city.
“It’s wonderful, a great facility. We have to make use of this in such numbers to prove that there’s a viable business case for a permanent one,” says Prendergast, who says she will definitely be visiting the rink, usually found overseas, but which has been in the country for ice hockey games between the United States and Canada.
As part of her 2001 election campaign Prendergast made a commitment to try and establish a permanent ice rink in Wellington, but during her time as Mayor only a temporary one came to town in 2002, placed in Waitangi Park. It drew 20,000 skaters in the 16 days it was open.
“We found a site for a permanent rink, worked with a developer, found a long lease, and gave them funding for a resource consent. But the way the market was the business couldn’t have worked,” she explains, adding that she’s “delighted” there’s potential for Wellingtonians to show that there’s demand this time around.
Wintergarden ice skating, from September 30.
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