By Phil Taylor

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A new multifaceted climbing structure, the tallest in New Zealand, aimed at giving people confidence and a thrill has been opened.

Wero Climb, costing $3.3 million, is the next adventure feature at Trillian Wero Whitewater Park in Manukau and a plaque-unveiling and ribbon-cutting ceremony was held for it last Friday.

Auckland mayor Wayne Brown said: “It’s facilities like these that provide exciting things to do in our city, and that boost the confidence and fitness of our children. Well done.”

He was on official opening duties alongside Waka Pacific Trust chairman John Bongard, Trillion Wero Whitewater Park chief executive David Comery, and Tainui iwi members.

The special ceremony at the adjacent Due Drop Events Centre, formerly known as the Pacific Events Centre, was also attended by trust patron Sir Noel Robinson, the original visionary for the outdoors adventure complex; and Trillian Wero Whitewater Park patron Ian Ferguson, the former Olympic Games’ multi gold-medal winning kayaker.

“Planning for this project commenced in 2018, then Covid came along and held things up, but we got there in the end,” Bongard said.

“The total project cost was circa $3.3m and we’ve been able to fully fund this through generous support from the gaming, philanthropic, corporate and public sectors, with special mention of Auckland Council providing the last funds required to get the project over the line.”

The council contribution on behalf of Auckland ratepayers was $500,000 from its sport and recreation capital fund.

“These facilities are about giving young people opportunities to grow, to gain confidence, and to see what they’re really capable of,” Brown said.

“Non-profit, charitable organisations like the trust give a lot to our communities.

“The trust hosted nearly 100,000 children in arts and cultural programmes at its events centre last year, and over 19,000 in water safety programmes at its waterpark.

“This is especially important in Auckland. We’re a water-sports region with a backdrop of stunning harbours and a remarkable 2400 kilometres of coastline.

“The waterpark prepares tamariki for a healthy, active lifestyle that is iconically Auckland,” Brown said.

Comery said Trillian Wero Whitewater Park has hosted more than 18,000 children through its “safety in and around moving water” programme.

“For free or heavily discounted – 12,000 local children participated free of charge.

“In total, 117,541 students have accessed one or more of our programmes and the value of our community support was $1,361,344.

“For year one, we have reserved 15,000 free spaces for local schools to utilise within their physical education programmes to get kids onto Wero Climb.

“We’ve already hosted 1000 and have a further 10,000 registered so we should reach this goal.”

Comery said at 16 metres high, Wero Climb is the country’s tallest climbing structure, and it complements Auckland’s array of extreme sports and activities.

“Wero Climb is an unmissable landmark for those driving along the Southern Motorway in Manukau.”

Brown said: “Funding 15,000 free climbs for south Auckland tamariki in Wero Climb’s first year – with more than 11,000 already registered for this – is certainly something we can all celebrate.”

Comery said: “For the team at Waka Pacific, seeing students climb for the first time was a proud milestone after years of planning in partnership with local Tainui iwi and German high-ropes specialists KristallTurm.

“Designed for up to 100 climbers of any age and fitness level at a time, Wero Climb offers 78 unique climbing elements, from a daring ‘walk the plank’ to a thrilling trust jump – all while securely double-harnessed to guide wires.

“While the structure itself was engineered overseas, its heart is firmly rooted in Aotearoa.

“Incorporated into the design are powerful symbols of Te Ao Māori, developed with local iwi representatives.

“Climbers encounter the Tainui waka, which carried voyaging ancestors, and the legend of Māui slowing the sun – stories that link the mental and physical challenges of Wero Climb with the wisdom of the past.”

Comery said Wero Climb and Trillion Wero Whitewater Park are anticipated to “support 135,000 students and youth through subsidised school programmes” this year.

Bongard said: “This addition to the trust enhances our dedication to the well-being of south Auckland youth in particular, and Auckland regional young people and community groups in general.

“Thanks to the funders who are identified on our funders’ board. Thanks to our supporters and partners.

“Thanks to the contractors who brought about the wonderful facility, and special thanks to Mayor Brown for his and his council’s support for this project.”

Public tickets start from $25 for adults and $15 for children, available online at www.weroclimb.org.nz or onsite at Wero Whitewater Park, Manukau. Subsidised rates for schools and community groups are also available.