Last Sunday, the new Lakeside Park on the corner of Whites Way and Scott Road was buzzing with activity as Unity Hoops took place. It was great to see local families and community members coming together to enjoy the day and make the most of this new public space.

Unity Hoops is a community event run by Toi Ako and supported by Kāinga Ora. This popular event has been running for a number of years in Te Kauwhata, and this year marked the first time it was held at the new Lakeside Park. The basketball‑themed event combined fun basketball challenges with creative art‑making, creating a welcoming and inclusive environment for rangatahi and the wider community.

Some of the key highlights from the day were seeing young people mixing and mingling, making new friends, and enjoying a healthy bit of sports competition. Basketball proved to be a great way to break the ice, build confidence, and encourage positive social interactions.

Events like Unity Hoops highlight the importance of shared spaces like the Lakeside Basketball Court in bringing people together and building stronger community connections.

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