Howick's sports facilities are getting a major upgrade!
Thanks to Auckland Council’s Sports and Recreation Facilities Investment Fund, three local sports facilities received a total of $5,873,939 in 2024, with an additional total of $7,986,061 from the $14.3 million allocated in 2025.
Howick Ward Councillor Maurice Williamson emphasises, “Howick is growing rapidly, and it’s crucial our facilities evolve to meet the demands of our community, sports clubs, and increasing users. I’m pleased to see funding secured for Howick Pakuranga Community Sports Centre, Highbrook Regional Watersport Centre, and Lloyd Elsmore Park Hockey Stadium. These great facilities will be enhanced with this funding, and will not only benefit Howick, but Auckland as a whole.”
Howick Pakuranga Community Sports Centre (HPCSC): total funding of $7,995,000
“The Howick Local Board has been a supporter of these projects for several years through grants, leases, and other support. It’s wonderful to see them successfully gaining the financial support they need to deliver for our communities,” says Howick Local Board Chair Damian Light.
Located in Lloyd Elsmore Park, the Howick Pakuranga Community Sports Centre (HPCSC) serves as home to several local sports clubs, including Pakuranga United Rugby Club, Pakuranga United Netball Club, Pakuranga Touch Rugby, and more. Recently, it has also become the new hospitality venue for the Howick RSA.
Image: PURC.
To cope with growing demands for more indoor facilities, the funding went towards building an expansion of their gymnasium to develop a flexible, multisport facility. This will add two full sized courts designed to enable basketball, badminton, volleyball, futsal and netball.
Howick Local Board previously provided $42,000 for the initial business case.
Image: PURC.
PURC Chairman and HPCSC spokesperson Robert Neil expressed gratitude for the council’s support: “It’s relatively unprecedented to receive a grant of this magnitude, showing that Auckland Council understands our vision to create a real community hub in East Auckland.
“Demand for indoor sports continues to rise, yet East Auckland has a significant shortage of courts. This expansion will help meet that demand.”
Pakuranga United Rugby Club (PURC) to create indoor sports courts and additional facilities as part of an expanded development at Lloyd Elsmore Park. Image: The Times.
Highbrook Regional Watersport Centre: total funding of $5,300,000
Highbrook will soon host a regional watersports facility, as part of the 2007 Auckland Regional Paddling and Rowing Facilities Study (ARPASS). It will provide storage, training, and a clubhouse for rowing, waka-ama, and canoe sports.
The Local Board supported temporary facilities in 2018 and provided a $42,000 grant in 2022 for water supply. A formal lease was granted in 2023 to progress the project.
The facility is expected to be completed in 12 months, with further phases planned over five years.
The Highbrook Esplanade Reserve in East Tamaki will serve as the site of a new water sports facility. Times file photo by Wayne Martin.
Lloyd Elsmore Park Hockey Stadium: total funding of $565,000
Auckland Hockey Association Incorporated secured $350,000 for turf renewal and LED floodlight upgrades at the Lloyd Elsmore Park Hockey Stadium. In early 2025, they received a further boost from the Recreation Facilities Investment Fund of $215,000.
This will ensure that the 13-year-old turf can be replaced as it’s well past its typical lifespan of 10 years. Lloyd Elsmore provides a regional and community hub for over 12,350 players.
Image: Auckland Hockey.
For more information on eligibility and funding priorities, visit the Auckland Council website.
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