With the Bay Oval hosting the BlackCaps against South Africa next week and the White Ferns New Zealand women playing England here early next year, Tauranga is firmly establishing itself as an international cricket and major sporting event destination.

The Bay Oval at Blake Park is New Zealand's newest international cricket venue and comprises an international level cricket ground, wickets, outdoor (grass) practice nets and a newly completed pavilion, with player facilities second to none in New Zealand.

International standard: aerial view of Mount Maunganui including the Bay Oval, Blake Park and Tauranga Hockey Centre.

The one day internationals follow on from the ICC world cup qualifying matches at the Bay Oval earlier this year, and are just reward for the commitment and determination of the Bay Oval Trust, which raised $5 million (including $1 million from TECT) to bring the oval and facilities up to international standard.

Bay Oval General Manager Kelvin Jones says the Trust has also spent a further $700,000 to install the latest sightscreen, Sky TV platform and an embankment at the northern end to increase the crowd capacity to more than 10,000.

Tauranga City Council, a partner of the Bay Oval Trust, is continuing to invest in major events for the city. In its 2014/15 Annual Plan, Council allocated $382,000 from rates for events in the city as part of its Events Investment Strategy, plus $200,000 from external funders for major events.

Council manager: strategic events Pip Loader says Tauranga City Council is aware of the value of major events and their potential for Tauranga.

'Major events are a significant contributor to the Tauranga economy and add to the vibrancy of the city and help support future growth and prosperity.

'With the Bay Oval, Tauranga Hockey's international-standard hockey facilities, host of the AIMS Games, Magic netball and Tall Blacks games at ASB Arena, the Port of Tauranga Half Ironman, as well as our arts and cultural events, Tauranga is on track to play a powerhouse role for events.

'We really want to encourage locals to support events like next week's international cricket to ensure the city is awarded future matches.”

New Zealand Cricket commercial and marketing general manager James Wear says the prospect of playing in Tauranga is an exciting one.

'This summer is one of the biggest in the history of cricket in New Zealand, and it'll be great to kick things off at New Zealand's newest international cricket venue. And South Africa is one of the best sides in the world – ranked number two in one dayers.”

Tourism Bay of Plenty Chief Executive Rhys Arrowsmith says the BlackCaps versus South Africa international matches provide the ideal opportunity to showcase Tauranga and the region.

'The timing with Labour Weekend will hopefully entice people from out of town to stay longer in Tauranga and make the most of the long weekend.”

Upcoming Events: BlackCaps vs South Africa 21 and 24 October, Bay Oval Mount Maunganui White Ferns v England Women, 11, 13 and 15 February 2015, Bay Oval Mount Maunganui