The much-anticipated Te Puāwaitanga – Bay of Islands Sports Hub in Waipapa is set to officially open its five high-quality sports fields in April, Far North District Council has confirmed.
The development includes two sand-based turfs and three soil-based playing fields, ensuring athletes have access to premium playing surfaces that can accommodate various sporting codes.
“This facility has been years in the making, and we are now at a critical stage where all efforts must be focused on ensuring completion by the end of April,” said Council Head of Infrastructure, Tanya Proctor.
“Sports codes, schools, and community groups are eagerly awaiting access to these fields, and we are determined to deliver a high-quality venue for them to utilise from day one.”
The sports hub, strategically located opposite the Waipapa retail area on State Highway 10, will also feature sealed parking for 144 vehicles, eight disabled parking bays, three bus bays, a toilet and changing block with associated water services, and connecting footpaths.
The Te Puāwaitanga project was initiated in 2019 following a regional sports needs assessment by consultants, Global Leisure Group. The report highlighted a 12% projected population increase within the Kerikeri sports catchment by 2043 and found that existing facilities had already exceeded capacity, forcing many clubs to share school fields and other venues.
The Council purchased the 30-hectare site in 2020 for $4.8 million and established a project working group, including iwi, sporting representatives, councillors, and council staff, to guide its development. While delays have occurred due to complex ground preparation, the council is now fully committed to ensuring the April 2025 opening date is met.
Council has workedclosely with Sport Northland, rugby league, football, and cricket stakeholders to plan field use in 2025, ensuring the facilities are maximised while being maintained at peak condition.
