Bay bids for international hockey centre

The proposed hockey centre in Hawke's Bay would be a blue turf, similar to the one set for the London Olympics, pictured. Photo / Supplied

The Hawke's Bay Regional Sports Park could have an international hockey facility under construction late this year if a $3.5 million funding request to Hastings District Council is accepted.

The facility, part of the park's long-term development, would consist of a new full-size playing turf, a practice half-turf, an 800-seat grandstand, media and player facilities, and lighting enabling televised evening matches.

The Sports Park Trust has submitted a proposal to the district council for its draft 2012-22 Long Term Plan (LTP), in which funding of $1.513m would be required in 2012-13 and another $2m in 2018-19.

Additional funding for the plan would come from the Hawke's Bay Regional Council and sponsorship revenue.

The new turf would be in addition to the two already at Park Island and if accepted into the LTP draft, require public consultation.

Sports Park Trust chairman Lawrence Yule said they were careful to ensure it would not detract from Park Island's role as the main hockey facility, where the majority of the winter competition would remain. It would be used in a different role, such as a practice venue.

"We're not trying to cannibalise the facilities at Park Island," he said. "I've been very careful to test through that and take care it's the right thing to do."

Since the Christchurch earthquake destroyed Porritt Park, Hockey New Zealand (HNZ) had a new policy of not centralising hockey facilities, Mr Yule said.

He also said he had confirmation that Hawke's Bay would be given two international tests at the venue per year, and he was confident there could be enough to justify the cost.

"All the conversations we've had indicate that there is a very real chance that we can [secure international matches]," he said.

HNZ chief executive Hilary Poole said once the infrastructure was in place, it could be considered an option for hosting internationals.

"In principle we are committed to two home tests being played in Hawke's Bay, at a minimum," she said. "Potentially downstream we would like to have more internationals here in New Zealand, but that's all in early stages. But it means Hawke's Bay is in a position to bid for them because it's got the facilities."

She said the lighting would be a key part of the development, as it allowed matches to be played and televised in the evenings.

It would also be a blue turf, similar to those at the coming London Olympics, and only the third of its kind in New Zealand. The blue turfs are designed to provide better contrast between the ball and turf for television coverage.

District council chief financial officer Tony Gray's recommendation was to accept the funding as part of the draft LTP. His report estimated that revenue of about $50,000 per annum could be expected from international events.

Hawke's Bay Hockey chairman Iain Taylor said the board was behind the proposal, particularly with Park Island running at full capacity.

"Our board is certainly supportive of the proposal, and are excited by it," Mr Taylor said.

"We regard it as a wonderful opportunity to grow the sport in our region."

Mr Taylor said Park Island was full most evenings, and all day Saturday and Sunday during the hockey season.

"With a third turf it will give us an opportunity to allow people to play hockey at a more reasonable hour."