Mr Edmundson reminded the council there was already a plan to build a third turf at Park Island and it would be the most suitable location for a tier 1 turf, if there was a business case to justify its development.
He said he found it difficult to oppose the proposal and did not want to speak as chairman of the trust but just a "passionate hockey administrator".
"I don't purport to speak on behalf of Hockey Hawke's Bay Association though some people have accused me of this. I simply speak from the heart with sound knowledge of all the issues."
Mr Wellwood told the council Invercargill had build an international hockey facility which had become "nothing but a white elephant - and your one would be too".
"Building it would be a waste of public money."
He said it might attract one international tournament a year but doubted whether secondary school or club players would enjoy regular access to the turf.
Hastings deputy mayor Cynthia Bowers pointed out a majority of submissions on the turf, in the long-term plan, supported the international turf's development at the regional park.
Mr Edmundson said people had supported it because it was the only option put in front of them. "But there's always another way and my view is that we build a third turf (at Park Island) with a satellite turf in Hastings to satisfy demand there."
