History

Narrows Park has been an asset of the Presbyterian Church Aoteroa New Zealand for some fifty years. Initially it was purchased as a facility for camps and retreats with the intent that the youth would be fully involved with its running. The Waikato Presbytery has overseen the running and administration.

In the early days, the Youth Movement was very strong and there was a tremendous amount of support for the project. Many hours of voluntary effort went into the upkeep and running. Unfortunately, as the venue was unable to be supervised permanently, it was also a ‘hang out’ place for groups who did not care for the property or treat it with respect. After much deliberation, permanent caretakers (voluntary) were appointed in 1969. With vision and planning, the Park grew from strength to strength during the seventies and eighties. The facility was enjoyed by many different groups and from the mid seventies was able to support employment of full-time directors and on going project development.

 There remains a strong passion for Narrows Park among both the youth of today and those who have been involved with its past. A new Trust Board has now been established to oversee the running of the site. This group is responsible to the Waikato Presbyterian Youth Committee, who in turn, are responsible to the Waikato Presbytery. Narrows Park Ministry Trust employ a full-time director, residing on site.

Their mission is:

The Board recognise, that with support from voluntary effort, fundraising, increased usage, funding bodies and the ongoing work of the Board itself, Narrows Park will be able to be a self-supporting facility. As the commercial use of Narrows Park increases, the ministry and missions will be able to be further developed.