Gisborne's rugby community celebrated the completion of the John Heikell Grandstand at Rugby Park redevelopment today, marking the return of one of East Coast Tairāwhiti's most iconic sporting venues and a significant achievement for the region.
Associate Regional Development Minister Mark Patterson joined Gisborne locals today to celebrate the reopening of the revitalised facility.
“Since opening in 1955, Rugby Park is one of New Zealand's historic provincial rugby grounds. It has hosted legendary touring sides including the Springboks and the British & Irish Lions, and the ground has been graced by rugby icons such as Ian Kirkpatrick, Richard “Tiny” White and Bob Scott.” Mr Patterson says.
“Home of the Poverty Bay Rugby Union, it's great to see the park restored as a premier facility for rugby and other sporting codes, and a place where locals can come together to celebrate major events."
The original grandstand closed in 2019 after assessments found it was no longer safe to use, with significant seismic deficiencies and deteriorating building materials.
"With support from central government and local government partners, Rugby Park has been transformed into a modern, fit-for-purpose facility.
“The redevelopment includes a new 900-seat covered grandstand, upgraded player and media facilities, a modern scoreboard, and extensive improvements to the park's grounds and infrastructure," Mr Patterson says.
"It not only restores a treasured sporting venue but also strengthens the region's ability to host major cultural and community events, attract visitors, and support local economic activity."
The project received $11.3 million in grant funding from the government for the rebuild. Co-funding for the project was provided by Trust Tairāwhiti and the Lottery Grants Board. The total project value is $12.5 million.
"This investment helped support 26 local businesses during construction and kept money in the local economy, while building a facility that will serve Tairāwhiti for generations to come," Mr Patterson says.