Blessing marks Ngā Puna Wai milestone

A moving blessing ceremony has been held to mark a milestone in the development of the new sports hub at Ngā Puna Wai.

HEB Construction regional manager Adolph Marmetschke gets a blessing from Te-Kaharoa Manihera.

Contractors HEB Construction Ltd, who have been chosen as the main contractor by the Christchurch City Council and the sports codes involved in the project, were today formally welcomed onto the site.

 HEB will be responsible for putting in the accessways, car parks, underground services and many other things needed to support the sports hub. They will also be coordinating and managing the construction of all the playing surfaces.

The Ngā Puna Wai Sports Hub is a long-term project that combines the regional and community facilities for four sports – athletics, tennis, hockey and rugby league – on a 32-hectare section of Ngā Puna Wai reserve in southwest Christchurch. 

HEB, who helped build the Christchurch Adventure Park, were chosen to take the lead in the development of Ngā Puna Wai because of their experience in constructing sports parks across the country  and their collaborative approach to working with communities to deliver fantastic places.

Christchurch City Council Recreation Services Manager David Bailey said construction of the sports hub was more than just another project for HEB; it was a way to make a meaningful contribution to the community.

“They have kids who play sport and they understand the importance of this project and the desire that exists to see it come to fruition,’’ Mr Bailey said.  

They planned to start work on site immediately.

“The plan is to open Ngā Puna Wai in stages throughout 2018 and early 2019, with the top priorities being the athletics tracks and the hockey turfs,’’ Mr Bailey said.