| 29 Hawke’s Bay: Rodney Green Arena Volleyball has been one of the many sports to benefit from the new facilities at the Rodney Green Arena. REGIONAL DEVELOPMENT Pleased to be supporting PettigrewGreenArena HAWKE'S BAY'S MOST TRUSTED ELECTRICIANS • Sports and Dance Floors • Indoor & Outdoor Court Surfaces P: (09) 274 9712 E: info@hardwood.co.nz Carrying over half a century of experience in the design and it-out of recreational and sporting facilities of all shapes and sizes, Auckland-based Gymleader was the obvious go-to company when plans were being drawn up for a multi-million dollar new arena in Taradale, Hawke’s Bay. Gymleader’s Managing Director, Mark Millar, says the ambitious project was exactly the sort of thing he likes to get involved with. “With our history and understanding of what goes into the successful design and installation of facilities, such as those found in the Rodney Green Foundation Arena, we were able to tailor materials, ixtures, ittings exactly as needed to create a irst-class multi-sport space,” Mark says. Gymleader not only has access to hundreds of products from overseas, but it also manufactures an outstanding range of sporting equipment at its Mt Wellington plant. The best part about engaging Gymleader for the new arena project was that it got involved in discussions and planning right from the outset, ensuring no stone was left unturned when it came to developing the inside spaces, eliminating any costly errors that can so easily occur. “There are so many elements that need to be carefully worked through to maximise the potential of what starts out as a large open space, and that’s where we can o er real guidance to those making the decisions in the build,” says Mark. In the case of the Rodney Green Arena, apart from the basketball and drape systems imported from the U.S.A., everything else was manufactured and installed by Gymleader. The go-to company Mark says that the relationship with the arena didn’t end on the opening of the facility. Ongoing orders for equipment such as umpire stands and mobile units for the original Pettigrew arena next door have kept Gymleader busy. “We ind it so incredibly satisfying to do work from scratch as we’ve done with this project. We turn a cold empty space into a really valuable facility for the community to enjoy and bene it from.” The bulk of work Gymleader engages with is here in New Zealand. Working in school upgrades and brand new builds is a large component of ongoing work. Community facilities owned privately or by Councils are another source of business for the company. “I think that there has been a development in recognising how important these facilities are by Councils and the like, with the experiences of COVID in recent years as well.” Gymleader often works with architects, engineers and building companies at the early engagement phase. Mark says it’s this collaborative approach that always brings the best project outcomes. In the case of the Rodney Green Arena project, Apollo, the principal contractor, engaged Gymleader early on to help shape construction decisions. Gymleader also o ers extended warranties on its equipment and ongoing maintenance servicing. “I know they are all super proud of what has been achieved for the community to enjoy. We’re proud, too, of just how our expertise has contributed to its outstanding success.” ated as a fixed-price contract which, Janene says, given the impact Covid had on building material costs, was a very good thing. Janene says the principal building contractor Apollo were phenomenal to work with. “From the day-to-day point of view during construction they were great to have on site and the feedback has been wonderful.” Janene says that during the build phase visitors from sporting codes came from all over the country, in anticipation of using the arena to host national and regional competitions. Since its opening, community sports groups use the arena every afternoon after school until about 9 pm and the facility is open 24/7. “There’s been a really good uptake of individual membership which is managed through our gym. We have also brought competitions to Hawke’s Bay such as the National Volleyball Competition held on King’s Birthday Weekend which was a wonderful success.” Janene’s responsibilities extend over staff and community engagement. The team also includes a finance manager and events and gym managers. Janene reports monthly to the board who govern the facility. “We know that Rodney Green Arenas will become a venue of choice for indoor sports organisations to use and we only see great benefits flowing to our local community for years to come.”
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