Tauranga hockey appeals for help

A looming financial crisis for hockey in Tauranga has led to a radical reappraisal of the sport's viability and independence.
A combination of high operating costs at the Hockey Centre in Mount Maunganui and the need to replace its two artificial fields has forced Tauranga Hockey Association to seek a partnership with the city council.
It yesterday asked the council to help fund its $60,000 annual operating costs in order to free up revenue for the $1.2 million sand and water turf replacement.
Its plans also call for a third artificial turf, costing $800,000, to cater for the growth of the sport and to allow the association to host national tournaments.
President Lynne Whitaker said the sand turf was now 18 years old and almost unplayable, while the eight-year-old water turf had exceeded its lifespan and also needed to be replaced.
She revealed that levies collected over many years from players for turf-replacement reserves were instead needed for day-to-day operating costs.
Tauranga Hockey's submission to the council's 2011-12 annual plan said that without help, the association would be unable to maintain or grow its operation.
The Hockey Centre was already at capacity, catering for nearly 2000 players.
Jo Tisch, chair of the Tauranga Hockey Association's asset committee, said player subscriptions were the primary source of income.
It was already a reasonably expensive sport, costing seniors over $320 a year and college players about $200. Hockey was now an all-weather turf game and there was no going back to grass, she said.
The association was not asking for $1.2 million, but it was asking to develop a partnership and a long-term sustainable strategy for the sport.
Mrs Whitaker said hockey was looking to be aligned with other major sporting codes in the city. The council provided playing fields for rugby and soccer, courts for netball and maintained indoor facilities for volleyball.
Mayor Stuart Crosby said he was sure the council could assist through its contacts. "We need to get on to this fairly quickly."
A meeting between the council and hockey representatives was due to take place next Thursday, with the association's submission to be debated about two weeks later.