| 35 T T Kelly Deeks Quality sports surfaces across the codes The company is currently delivering a major programme of drainage upgrades across the Hutt Valley. CONTRACTING Mexted Sports Turf Mexted Sports Turf has played a critical role in strengthening New Zealand’s sporting infrastructure for more than 50 years, delivering innovative and highperformance turf solutions that help councils, stadiums and communities maximise field use under increasingly challenging weather conditions. The family-owned business is now led by third-generation owner Cameron Mexted, having evolved from agricultural contracting into a highly specialised sports turf operation. The company is currently delivering a major programme of drainage upgrades across the Hutt Valley, working for Hutt City Council on a staged improvement plan covering several key sports fields over three years. Cameron says the investment reflects a growing focus on long-term performance, rather than shortterm fixes. “With the rainfall events we’re seeing now, it’s encouraging to see councils committing to planned upgrades,” Cameron says. “Well-designed drainage protects the turf, reduces damage and means teams can get back on the field much faster after rain.” The programme begins with the installation of primary drainage to carry water away from fields into council sumps, followed by secondary sandslit drainage to feed water into the primary system. “Councils may decide to carry out the primary and secondary drainage in two parts, as budgets allow. It’s an ongoing investment for them, with the real benefits coming into play once both stages are complete,” Cameron says. While elite venues enjoy the performance of sand-based profiles, most council fields remain soil-based, commonly sitting on clayheavy ground, such as that found across the Wellington region. In those environments, Cameron says drainage technology can be a game changer. “A full drainage system reduces pugging and surface damage, which translates into more playing hours and better outcomes for users, and we see a significant lift in field performance and resilience.” Other recent development projects include the construction of four high-performance sand carpet fields for the New Zealand Campus of Innovation and Sport in Upper Hutt, which is used as an elite training base for top-tier teams, including the All Blacks, Black Ferns, Hurricanes and Wellington Phoenix. Innovation is a defining feature of Mexteds’ business, particularly through its role as the sole New Zealand distributor of SISGrass stitched turf technology. The hybrid system reinforces natural turf with polyethylene fibres, dramatically increasing durability while maintaining a natural playing surface. Mexteds first demonstrated SISGrass in New Zealand in 2019 at 11 high-profile venues, including Eden Park and the Basin Reserve, before investing in its own SISGrass Universal machine in 2022. Ahead of the FIFA Women’s World Cup in 2023, Mexteds’ technicians joined an international crew to stitch three major stadiums in Australia. The technology has since been adopted by councils, stadiums and cricket facilities across the country, with further international work including stitching at a new stadium in Saudi Arabia. Although Mexted Sports Turf is based in the Wellington region, the company operates nationwide. Crews are currently working in Christchurch at the Hagley Triangle upgrading the drainage and irrigation, as well as hybrid stitching a number of fields across the city for Christchurch City Council. Mexteds provides in-house design services covering drainage, irrigation, field layout and surfacing, giving clients an integrated, technically driven approach from concept through to delivery. Cameron says continued innovation is underpinned by investment in people, with a staff retention rate of around 96%. “Our team is highly skilled, and that expertise is what allows us to keep introducing new technology and adapting it to New Zealand conditions,” he says. From community sports grounds to international stadiums, Cameron says the focus remains clear. “We’re here to deliver durable, innovative sports surfaces communities can rely on for generations.” “With the rainfall events we’re seeing now, it’s encouraging to see councils committing to planned upgrades.” Wholesale soil, compost & mulch suppliers to make your landscape flourish 36Aruba Grove, Grenada Village, Wellington, 6037 04 477 4004 | sales@mcmud.co.nz www.mcmud.co.nz Open Monday - Friday, 7:00am - 4:30pm 06 323 0309 | tractors@trctractors.co.nz Charles 027 224 7678 | Logan 027 224 7679 | Lewis 027 224 0403 • Tractor & Machinery Sales • Side by Sides CHESTERS PROUDLY SUPPORTS MEXTED SPORTS TURF ph: 0800 700 601 | enquiries@chesters.co.nz www.chesters.co.nz PROUDLY NEWZEALAND OWNED AND J00512 - LH Waterford Press Ad V3.indd 1 18/03/26 2:47 PM
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