Tūparikino Hub facade to celebrate culture and community

A traditional symbol of connection will embrace visitors when they enter the indoor arena at the Tūparikino Hub when it opens next to the New Plymouth racecourse in early 2028.​

The façade design symbolises two interlocking hīnaki (woven eel nets), traditionally used by mana whenua to gather tuna (eels) from the nearby river.​

The indoor arena, which will host sport, recreation and cultural activities, will feature six basketball or netball-sized courts that can be configured into 12 volleyball courts, 16 badminton or pickleball courts, or three futsal courts.​

The exterior design acknowledges the shared history of Ngāti Te Whiti and Ngāti Tūparikino, reflecting both the past and the future of the site as a place where communities come together.​

“Tuna was a staple food source for Māori and represents the relationships woven over time between the two hapū, and the importance of their connection to the local landscape and waterways,” said Ngāti Tūparikino spokesperson Rita Rukuwai.​

“We felt this represented not only the historical significance of this site, but also the connections that will continue to grow within the Tūparikino Hub. This place will see many different groups of people coming together for health, wellbeing and prosperity.”​

Local firm Clelands Construction has been awarded the construction contract for the indoor arena which will include an upper-level community space for local organisations and groups, a café area for people to meet and socialise, and event facilities.​

New Plymouth District Mayor Max Brough says this is great news for the local economy.​

“This will support jobs for more than 20 local subcontractors and suppliers at a time when the construction industry is feeling the pinch, so the benefits of this building work will flow back into our community.”​

With the design complete and the project on budget, construction will begin in May.​

The stadium has been designed as a flexible and accessible space that can support a wide range of activities, from grassroots recreation and school groups to cultural performances, regional tournaments and everyday community use.​

Additional playing fields inside the racecourse will be developed as further funding becomes available.​

Sport Taranaki Chief Executive Michael Carr said the Tūparikino Hub will have far-reaching benefits for the region’s sport, recreation and wellbeing.​

“Tūparikino will be a place that inspires people to be active, to connect and to belong.​

“It will bring together people from across codes, activities, ages and backgrounds. The benefits will extend well beyond sport. It’s about health, confidence and community spirit.”​

Follow progress on @tuparikinohub on Instagram or find out more at npdc.govt.nz/Tūparikino.​

At a glance:​

• The Tūparikino Hub will have a new indoor stadium and sports fields that could hold national sports tournaments and events like kapa haka.​
• We’re working with other partners in the project to get external funding and reduce the $50m cost to ratepayers.​
• Groundworks started in late 2024 and we’re aiming to have the stadium open early 2028.​
• It will be an energy-efficient, low-maintenance building to keep the operating costs down.​
• The hub will share the site with Taranaki Racing, which has a lease for 33 years.​
  
  

Caption: AI-generated image of the Tūparikino Hub.