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 at the Regional Sports Park.

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. It's very pleasing to see several thousand people here every week during the season," he said.

“We’re really excited by the move [to the new courts],” says Hastings Netball Centre Chairperson Heidi Oliver.  “The building alongside the courts is brand new and we have six more courts than we had at the old facility.  The players will really notice the increased space between the courts, which should also make for a better spectator experience,” says Mrs Oliver.

The courts opened in June 2011.

 

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Unison

Unison is a strong supporter of Hawke’s Bay sport and was a major, $1million sponsor of the proposed Unison Velodrome which was to be located at the Park.

However, following a SPARC run tender process Hamilton was chosen as the velodrome location and as a result this facility will not be developed at the Sports Park.

 

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Higgins

Roading and infrastructure company Higgins, is investing $500,000 into the Sports Park.

"We're making a substantial contribution because we want to demonstrate our commitment to the region and also recognize that Hawke's Bay has been good to us. It's a chance to put something back," says Bernard Higgins, Managing Director of the Higgins Group.

Mr Higgins said the Sports Park was developing into a wonderful asset for the region. "Much of our work involves building community infrastructure and we inevitably build strong bonds with the communities as a result. I can see that thousands are going to be using the Park every week so it's very satisfying to be part of its development, and it fits well with our company philosophy" he says.

Hastings Mayor and Sports Park Trust Chair Lawrence Yule said the Higgins involvement was another major boost for the Park.

"Half a million is a substantial sum and a very strong endorsement of Higgins' commitment to Hawke's Bay. They (Higgins) did an outstanding job in laying the athletics track so we are pleased they are going to be involved with other stages of the Park's development," says Mr Yule.

Mr Yule said it was intended that Higgins would be forming the roads, carparks, and netball courts as part of the next stage of the Park's development.

As part of its sponsorship Higgins will have naming rights to the main "Higgins Boulevard".