Hawke’s Bay to host major swimming events as part of five year partnership
Hawke’s Bay will host major national swimming events for the next five years following a partnership signed today.
Swimming New Zealand, Hawke’s Bay Community Fitness Centre Trust and new facility sponsor PAK’nSAVE Hastings signed the partnership which confirms at least one national event a year through to 2028.
The partnership was announced at the Hawke’s Bay Regional Aquatic Centre Powered by PAK’nSAVE Hastings prior to the three day New Zealand Masters Swimming meet which has attracted over 140 competitors including former Commonwealth Games gold medallist Moss Burmester, who was born in Hastings as well as two competitors aged in their 90s.
Swimming New Zealand chief executive Steve Johns said the facility is perfectly suited for major swimming events both for competitors and fans.
“It’s a fantastic facility, well designed for competitive swimming with all the capabilities that are required to host significant events such as warm up pools, drug testing and media rooms through to seating for over 800 spectators.
“There’s also the onsite Avery Hostel and other good accommodation nearby while Hawke’s Bay and its wine and food offerings always make the region a popular place to visit,” he said.
Already the facility has hosted the 2023 Apollo Projects New Zealand Age Group Swimming Championships in April and will host the 2023 Apollo Projects New Zealand Short Course Swimming Championships in August – the largest event on the Swimming NZ calendar.
In 2024 the Hawke’s Bay Regional Aquatic Centre Powered by PAK’nSAVE Hastings will host the 2024 Apollo Projects New Zealand Swimming Championships and the 2024 Apollo Projects New Zealand Age Group Swimming Championships.
HBCFCT commercial manager Greg Howie said the partnership is a boost for the region’s economy and promotes the region as a potential host of other major sporting events.
“We’re incredibly fortunate to have such a fantastic array of sport facilities at the Mitre 10 Regional Sports Park but also in other parts of the region, and this creates significant opportunities going forward.”
PAK’nSAVE Hastings owner & operator Brendan Smith said the $50,000 sponsorship is a further extension of the five year $1m sponsorship commitment announced last week.
“Our support is two-fold. We want to provide affordable access for the community to a world-class facility and we also want to expose the community to top swimming talent that inspires our local youth to reach for sporting success.”
