Sports Park Hawke's Bay

The Smith family, owners of Hastings PAK'nSAVE, are the naming rights sponsor of the Hastings PAK'nSAVE Netball Centre, located at the Regional Sports Park.

"This is a very, very important day for netballers in the region and the Sports Park generally," says Sports Park Trust Chair, Lawrence Yule. "The fact is we wouldn't have the new courts without the Smith family investment in the sport, and I can't praise them enough," he said.

Family spokesman David Smith, on behalf of his wife Pam and sons Aaron and Brendon, said they had been long time supporters of netball and could see what a boost the new courts would be for the sport.

"We get a lot of support from the community and we're really pleased to lend a hand in something that will benefit so many people. I'm looking forward to coming down here next season and seeing hundreds of players in action," he said.

Mr Smith said the family had made a decision to keep the amount of the sponsorship confidential. "We're pleased we can help make this thing happen, and that's the important thing, not the amount" says Mr Smith.
Planning for the new courts has been underway for six weeks and earthworks are due to commence in January. There will be 18 new courts, floodlighting, a netball "control centre/building" and ample car parking. It is anticipated the new courts will be available in the early part of the 2010 season.

Hastings Netball President Joan Cameron said it will be fantastic to see the courts become a reality. "It's been a long time coming but I'm sure it will be worth the wait. We're going to have 18 courts at the new facility, great parking and much better space between the courts, so it's a better spectator experience. We've only got 12 courts at the current venue (Sylvan Rd), inadequate parking and no space between the courts. Sylvan Rd had been due for an upgrade for several years, so the new facility is going to be of real value to players," she says.

The sponsorship announcement took place on location, at the Regional Sports Park today. Members of the Pulse eastern region netball franchise put on a display and a number of teams competed in an informal tournament. Families picnicked on a freshly mown section of the Park where the courts are going to be located and "Santa" and helpers distributed goody bags to the children.

Work on the netball courts marks the commencement of the second stage of the Sports Park. They will be developed in tandem with seven new soccer fields.

Note. A cherry picker, with flat platform, will be on site to assist with photography

For more information contact
Lawrence Yule
0272 496206
David Smith
029 448 6066