Ngā Awa Block | Taihape Amenities Building

Construction began in March 2022 on the new Ngā Awa Block, a purpose-built, 298-square-metre facility located alongside the tennis and netball courts.

The building was designed to support a wide range of users, with four modern changing rooms, each including toilets and showers, two multi-purpose rooms, dedicated referee facilities and an upstairs viewing room overlooking the tennis courts and rugby fields.

Accessibility was a key focus of the project, with accessible public toilets, improved parking and step-free access ensuring the building could be enjoyed by everyone.

Like many construction projects across New Zealand, the build faced several challenges, including COVID-19-related staff shortages, nationwide supply chain disruptions, prolonged wet weather and the wider impacts of severe weather events in neighbouring regions.

Despite these challenges, construction was completed in 2023 and the facility officially opened with the community later that year.

Alongside the new building, improvements were also made to the surrounding facilities, including resurfacing the adjoining tennis and netball courts to provide a safer, non-slip playing surface.

What Changed?

• Memorial Park now has a modern amenities building that better supports sport, recreation and community events.
• Four fully equipped changing rooms, referee facilities and multi-purpose spaces provide a much-improved experience for players, officials and visitors.
• Accessible toilets, parking and step-free access have made the facility more welcoming and inclusive for everyone.
• An upstairs viewing room provides spectators with excellent views across the tennis courts and rugby fields.
• The adjoining tennis and netball courts have been resurfaced with a modern non-slip playing surface, improving safety and playability.

The project has strengthened Memorial Park as Taihape's premier sporting and community destination, providing facilities that will serve the district for many years to come.