4 | REGIONAL DEVELOPMENT The Trusts Arena T T Karen Phelps Sustainability underpins operations The venue’s Sustainability Action Plan outlines clear targets through to 2030. “Sustainability is not a oneoff project at The Trusts Arena – it’s a culture of responsibility, innovation and progress.” The Trusts Arena in Henderson, Auckland, is not only celebrating its 20th anniversary in 2025, but it has also been named a finalist in the Excellence in Sustainability category at the 2degrees Auckland Business Awards. “Becoming a finalist is an achievement in itself,” says Marcus Reynolds, the arena’s chief executive officer. “We’ve worked incredibly hard to implement meaningful, measurable change across our entire operation, from waste management and energy use to water conservation and sustainable procurement.” The venue’s sustainability journey has delivered impressive results since it began in 2019. By 2024, it had achieved a 70% reduction in waste sent to landfill through a comprehensive separation system, increased recycling capacity and partnerships with composting providers and local food rescue charities. The venue now provides sustainability guidelines to all hirers, with clear expectations communicated to contractors and catering partners. “Our long-term target is to divert 75% of all waste from landfill and we are on track to meet this goal,” explains Marcus. A major milestone came in April 2025 with the completion of a solar power installation in partnership with Lightforce Solar. The system comprises 297 photovoltaic panels mounted on the arena’s roof, currently offsetting between 30 and 60% of the venue’s total electricity load. “The solar installation marks a significant leap towards energy independence and carbon emissions reduction,” says Marcus. The system includes battery storage capable of providing approximately 150 kilowatts of backup power during electricity disruptions, reinforcing the venue’s capacity to operate as an officially designated Community Emergency Hub. Marcus says this emergency preparedness proved vital during Auckland’s recent flooding events. “Our self-sustaining infrastructure, including solar power, rainwater systems and ample indoor shelter, ensures we are equipped to respond in times of need,” he explains. Other energy-efficiency improvements include a phased rollout of LED lighting, now covering over 50% of interior spaces, alongside automated lighting and climate- control systems that adjust based on occupancy and daylight. The venue has also focused on water conservation, with all bathrooms and toilets now connected to rainwater harvesting tanks, significantly reducing reliance on municipal supply. “Sustainability is not a one-off project at The Trusts Arena – it’s a culture of responsibility, innovation and progress,” says Marcus. The venue’s Sustainability Action Plan outlines clear targets through to 2030, including increased waste diversion, continued renewable energy expansion, and measurable carbon footprint reduction. The venue serves over 58,000 track and field users and over 500,000 arena users annually, hosting everything from international concerts and national sporting events to community gatherings and cultural celebrations. Its community-first approach includes a tiered pricing model, allowing commercial events to subsidise costs for schools, not-for-profits and community groups. “We operate with a strong community-first ethos,” says Marcus. “Affordability should never be a barrier to accessing our venue, enabling us to serve a broad and diverse range of users.” As the venue commemorates two decades of service to West Auckland, Marcus says the sustainability award nomination represents recognition of its evolution from a grassroots sporting facility into a forward-thinking, environmentally responsible community hub. We’re proud of how far we’ve come and even more excited about where we’re going next.” Your local specialists in Onsite First Aid Training, Private Medical Coverage, Ambulance Transfers, AED Sales 0800 4367 111 w w w . e l i t e m e d i c a l . c o . n z Dedicated To The Business Of Life TEMPORARY TRAFFIC MANAGEMENT EXPERTS OPERATING NATIONWIDE 0800 424 387
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