Todd Talks By Todd Muller

Two times this week I have been happily dragged back to my childhood while being out and about in the city.

The first was sitting on a warm Sunday afternoon watching the Bay play Waikato. Despite the result, I just loved it and reminisced to my wife of the various games I watched with my parents on sunny Saturdays passed.

It all came flooding back, the colour, the noise, being close enough to actually feel a part of the game and the enjoyment of feeling part of a community of blue and gold. It was great to see all the kids with their parents – a great afternoon out. I know stadiums cost a lot of money, but once built they provide for generations.

Baycourt is one of those community investments that was eye watering expensive in its day. I was there on Monday night listening to my kids and hundreds of others sing to the rafters at the 60^th Tauranga Schools Music Festival. Even my old conductor from my primary school music year, 1981, made a special appearance. Happy kids, admiring parents, enjoying themselves in the CBD. Amenities pay off handsomely, particularly when you value community connectedness.