The grand opening of the Thames Valley hockey turf in Ngatea kicked off on October 19.
The Thames Valley Hockey Turf Society and Thames Valley Hockey Association upgraded its facility from a sand turf to a specialised water-based synthetic turf in December, 2023.
While financial funding for the project came to $855,000, the upgrade itself was $820,000 with the surplus covering associated expenses.
Although the turf had been in use since last December, hockey hobbyists, friends, family and the community showed up for the official opening celebration to offer support for the town’s new blue turf.
Thames Valley Hockey Turf Society chair Julie Stephenson told The Profile it was an awesome day.
A special ribbon-cutting ceremony was conducted by Hauraki district Mayor Toby Adams and former New Zealand representative hockey player and life member of the Thames Valley Hockey Association Lorraine Hayward.
The Thames Valley Hockey Association said they wanted to thank the funders, volunteers, supporters, VIPs, players and umpires who helped to celebrate the installation of the new water turf, and memorial unveiling for the Black Sticks shirts.
