New multi-million dollar hockey turf

A new internationally recognised hockey turf looks set to be built at Massey University, which is committing $1 million to the project.

The Palmerston North City Council announced on Tuesday the university was the preferred partner for the city’s new hockey turf.

The council is chipping in with $500,000.

Hockey Manawatu operations manager Kevin Nicholson said the proposal would bring a new turf of international standard to the region.

The turf would likely be located alongside the Sport and Rugby Institute and existing tennis and netball courts.

Nicholson said the proposal would add to the twin turfs at Fitzherbert Park.

Hockey was one of the fastest growing sports in the region, with junior numbers up about 80 per cent since 2011.

‘‘We are at maximum capacity in terms of turf accessibility.’’

The new turf was desperately needed to increase the chance of hosting major tournaments and gave the city room to stage the national masters tournament, New Zealand’s biggest competition, Nicholson said.

Hosting a tournament of that size would benefit city hotels, motels and restaurants, he said.

Massey’s recently appointed director of sport advancement Dr Andrew Foskett said the turf was hopefully the first domino in a long-term development plan that would see another hockey turf and football and rugby fields also built.

He said the proposal was yet to be confirmed, but it would cater for all athletes, from olympians to students.

The total cost is expect to come in at $2.6m.

Vice-chancellor Steve Maharey said the turf would help Massey’s plan to create New Zealand’s preeminent hockey development centre, within the larger sport and recreational precinct on the campus.

‘‘We aim to position Palmerston North as New Zealand’s foremost centre of sporting excellence,’’ he said.

‘‘This announcement in relation to hockey, which is already extremely strong in the region, provides an opportunity for the city, schools, clubs, national and regional hockey organisations and the university to work together...’’

Massey was selected over Palmerston North Boys’ High School by a panel that included representatives from Hockey New Zealand and Sport Manawatu.

Hockey NZ community hockey manager Colin French said the panel received two strong proposals.

He said it was a robust and lengthy assessment process, but the panel recommended Massey University as the preferred partner based on its greater community access and vision to build on the existing sports precinct.

‘‘This is an exciting development for our hockey community within this very strong and proud hockey region, and we wish them all the success as they continue to grow and develop our game.’’

Palmerston North mayor Grant Smith said the new turf would be a great asset. ‘‘Palmerston North is a sporting hub for the lower North Island and the hockey turf will be a fantastic addition to the raft of sporting facilities already on offer in the city.’’

He said the council would also be talking to Palmerston North Boys’ High School to encourage and help it with its plans.

The council’s parks and property manager John Brenkley said the new turf would bring with it economic benefits for the city.

Negotiations between Massey, Hockey Manawatu and the council are under way to finalise a memorandum of understanding.