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. I’m looking forward to coming down here and seeing hundreds of players in action,” he said.

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.”

The courts are due to open early in 2010

 

The Sports Park received a major boost with the announcement of a $1million sponsorship package from Unison was announced.

The Unison Velodrome will provide a world class facility for track cycling in New Zealand, and will also be a focal point for the development of recreational cycling in the Hawke's Bay.

Sports Park Trust Chair Lawrence Yule said: "I can't overstate the importance of Unison's involvement and support for this project. Unison is an outstanding supporter of the community and this sponsorship is adding real momentum to the Park's development."

Unison Chief Executive Ken Sutherland said the Velodrome was a natural project for the company to partner with because both provide key infrastructure for the economic and social development of Hawke's Bay as well as making a mark outside the region.

"We're excited by the Velodrome's potential for both community and high performance use. We've got 100,000 customers so community involvement is always important to us, but this is more than that. It's a world class facility the region can be proud of and we're pleased to play a part in that," said Mr Sutherland.

Biking is popular In Hawke's Bay. The Ramblers Club is the second largest in the New Zealand and the Hawke's Bay Mountain Bike Club, with over 2000 members, is easily the largest in the country.
The Velodrome will also be used as an events and indoor sporting facility. The floor area within the track can accommodate 4 tennis or netball courts.

 

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.

"This is 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".