Fanfare marks $1m turf

The Old Boys and Girls are back in town and looking to reclaim their turf as Wanganui Collegiate School is hosting a celebration of hockey this weekend.

The programme, which is presented by the Wanganui Collegiate School Foundation in conjunction with the school's hockey supporters club, is to mark what will be the official opening of the million-dollar hockey turf, following its completion a couple of years ago with ownership then taken over by the foundation.

The festivities will start this afternoon with Collegiate Old Boy and Black Sticks Olympian Ben Collier being recognised with a special Honours Tie at the Prince Edward Auditorium.

Collier, who played 137 games for his country and went to Beijing 2008, will receive the tie which recognises high achievers.

The person proposing the Honours Tie is Jayesh Parag, another Old Boy.

Tomorrow at the WCS turf, Collier will take his place among some star-studded names for the women's and men's invitation matches.

Spokeswoman Kathy Norman said they were delighted to bring so many former champions of the school and region to show off their skills.

"We opened it up and particularly wanted to bring back Central Districts players of note," Ms Norman said.

"There's ex-Black Sticks, Junior Black Sticks, Central NHL, distinguished Old Boys and current players of the First XI."

Alongside Collier in the men's game will be former Black Stick and famous drag flick specialist Hayden Shaw, along with Junior Black Stick wider squad member Martin Atkinson.

The women's game includes former Black Sticks such as Caryn Paewai (148 caps), Skippy Hamahona, Anna Symes and Michaela Curtis.

Joining them is Anna Symes' sister Pip and Bre Wiig, Junior Black Sticks.

Norman said they had also invited the current Black Sticks from the Central Districts - Kayla Sharland, Emily Naylor, Shea McAleese and Nick Wilson but they were unable to come following overseas tournaments.

Following the invitation games tomorrow morning - starting at 10am and 11.30pm respectively - the WCS turf will be officially opened at 12.30pm.

During the afternoon there will be a 7-a-side Inter House tournament involving both current members and alumni.

"There will be plenty of house rivalry," said Norman.

The winner will receive a trophy at 3.45pm.