Opening-day activities popular

Olympic silver medallist New Zealand shooter Natalie Rooney, of Waimate, Waimate-born rugby player Billy Guyton (centre) and Waimate Mayor Craig Rowley cut the ribbon at the Waimate Event Centre official opening on Saturday.

Waimate District Councillor Sharyn Cain said about 1000 people turned out for a look and to try some of the activities on offer at the event centre, including using the fitness centre, taking part in squash, miniball, tennis, basketball, badminton, netball, fencing, table tennis, indoor bowls, inline skating and indoor climbing at the climbing wall.

"It truly was an amazing day, and I couldn’t be any prouder of what has been achieved, and the people in our community that helped achieve it," Cr Cain said.