$2m funding for arena expansion

• Published date: 22 June 2022
• Publication title: Hastings Leader, The

The decision comes as the council agreed on an Annual Plan budget to be adopted at the end of this month

Hastings mayor Sandra Hazlehurst said the funding approval demonstrated the council’s acknowledgement of the importance of the facility for the region.

“Hastings residents accounted for 45 per cent of the stadium’s users,” Hazlehurst said.

Pettigrew Green Arena chair Craig Waterhouse said there had been phenomenal growth in indoor sports in the region.

“With the expansion, the arena would be the third-biggest indoor court sports facility in New Zealand.”

The council said keeping the projected rates increase close to what was consulted earlier this year was a “key consideration” for Hastings district councillors in Tuesday’s deliberation.

The council has agreed to contribute money towards several projects of importance to residents. Others are still to be approved.

It is yet to make a decision on purchasing the Tōmoana Showgrounds. If it did, Hastings homeowners could have an average rate increase of 6.9 per cent.

The final decision on the showgrounds will be made on June 23, and the final Hastings average rates increase will be confirmed and adopted on June 30.

Hazlehurst said while it was...