Could you be a vital part of Te Puāwaitanga’s future?

Are you passionate about our district’s sporting life? Do you have the strengths, skills, or experience to help guide a vital sports hub through the next steps of its development? Nominations are now open for board members to oversee Te Puāwaitanga – Bay of Islands Sports Hub.

The Far North District Council opened the multi-sports complex in May last year (2025) as a much-needed answer to a shortage of facilities in the district. Sitting opposite the Waipapa retail area on State Highway 10, its extensive offering includes two sand-based and three soil-based fields that operate six days a week.

At the request of the Far North District Council (FNDC), Sport Northland has brought an appointments panel together, to find the right board members to oversee the hub’s operations. Spaces & Places Manager at Sport Northland, Stu Middleton, says they will have a big job ahead of them. “As well as keeping the hub running, board members will also explore options for future development.”

Mr Middleton says people might be interested in serving on the board for a variety of reasons. “A person might nominate themselves or someone they know due to a strong involvement in sports, experience in similar community projects, or proven governance skills. An organisation might also nominate a member for their accounting, legal, communications, or facility development experience. It’s about bringing together a group with complementary skills.”

Nominees can download and fill out the form at this link before Friday 27 March 2026 and send it to info@sportnorth.co.nz. The appointments panel will let them know in April if they have been shortlisted for an interview.

This will lead to the selection of six people. The council will also appoint a board member, from its elected representatives, and Ngāti Rēhia will appoint another. In the meantime, more about Te Puāwaitanga and its ongoing development is available here.