The Tauranga Hockey Centre is entering a transformative new chapter, with its latest upgrade delivering fresh turf, modern lighting, two new dugouts and an accessible entranceway.

As this phase wraps up, attention is already shifting to the centre’s next major development: a new pavilion to support its rapidly growing membership and expanding events calendar.

General manager Megan Cleverley said the upgrades would not have been possible without the financial backing of members, TECT, and Tauranga City Council.

She said sustainability and community benefit had been key drivers in the approach to the project.

“As part of this initiative, it’s important that we repurpose the old turf, which is still in great condition.

“This time it has been donated to the Lautoka Hockey Centre project in Fiji, where it will continue to serve athletes and support community sport.”

The donation was secured through the efforts of Dennis Fraser, who has been working closely with the Tauranga Hockey Centre team.

He said the repurposed turf would play an instrumental role in delivering a high‑quality facility in Lautoka, to help grow the sport there and strengthen opportunities for local players.

Cleverley said the Tauranga centre was gearing up for an action‑packed 2026 as demand for hockey continued to climb.

“We are looking forward to providing more fit‑for‑purpose playing facilities for our 4000 players who participate year‑round,” she said.

“We are thrilled to host an exciting line‑up of national tournaments, including the NZ U18 Nationals in July and the renowned Zespri Aims Games in September.

“We are also eagerly looking ahead to the possibility of hosting a Premier Hockey League game later in the year, as well as an international event in the near future.”

The Tauranga Hockey Centre’s upgrades reflect both the growth of the local game and the organisation’s commitment to supporting communities near and far, from Bay of Plenty to Fiji, through sustainable, strategic development.