Project background

This large new complex provides facilities for a range of sports from around the Bay of Islands. It addresses the shortage of facilities in the region, support growing participation in sports and help meet future demand in Northland, as one of the fastest growing regions in the country.

Te Puāwaitanga - Bay of Islands Sports Hub opened in May 2025.

Project construction

Te Puāwaitanga - Bay of Islands Sports Hub project was separated into two key development phases - Phase 1 - funded and Phase 2 - unfunded.

The council worked with the project working group when preparing the resource consent application. The project working group includes iwi, sporting code representatives, elected members and council staff.

The sports hub was named Te Puāwaitanga, which means a home of belonging, play and growth.

Phase 1 - funded was completed in April and the sports fields opened in May 2025. Phase 1 of the sports hub construction had a budget of $10.758 million, with $8.758 million provided by council and $2 million from the government’s COVID-19 Response and Recovery Fund.

Phase 2 - unfunded focuses on future development options. The existing resource consent considers future options and what is needed to support the growth of sports in the region.

Further engagement is required to confirm the priorities and timings needed in order to achieve this. The works will then be undertaken as funding becomes available.