Women’s Space Lacking in the New Rec Centre

The Recreation Centre has reopened at its new location at 70 Stanley Street. The facility spans two levels and features a range of cardio and weights machines, a group exercise studio and a Mind Body Studio on its upper level.

The location serves as the temporary home for the university’s sport and recreation facilities as a new facility is under construction. The new Recreation and Wellness Centre is expected to open in 2024.

However, the interim facility has recently attracted criticism from some students over its lack of a women’s space. The former recreation centre included a dedicated women’s space.

“As we transition into interim sport and recreation facilities during the period while we build the new facility, there are a number of dedicated studios and areas which we will be temporarily unable to provide,” says Sean Smith, Associate Director Campus Life – Sport and Recreation. “The future Recreation and Wellness Centre will have a women’s only fitness studio, as well as a range of other facilities such as dance studio, bouldering wall and squash courts which are also unable to be provided for in the interim facilities.”

“The interim sport and recreation facility at Stanley Street does have two studios available which are ideal for women who may not feel as comfortable in a general gym environment.  Our level 2 studio which is attached to the mind body studio, is specifically designed for this purpose, although isn’t a dedicated female only area due to its connection to the mind body studio which caters for all.  We offer a women’s fitness programme and also a women’s self defence programme”

“With regards to a dedicated women’s only space as required for religious reasons, this will be available as part of our programmed activities in our level 2 studio over the coming weeks.”

The University of Auckland website still currently lists a “women’s space” as one of the facilities at the Sport and Recreation Centre.

Outside of the recreation centre, the Auckland University Students’ Association provides a Womxnspace, run by their Womens’ Rights Officers. The space is open to all students who identify as women. It provides kitchen facilities, free condoms and sanitary products and resources for women.