Located east of Manurewa is the beloved Gallaher Park. With four flood-lit sports fields and a grandstand that backs onto the clubroom, it is the proud home of touch rugby and various other sports and recreation.
Over the past year, the park has undergone a much-needed facelift valued at approximately $600,000 so it can continue to serve its growing community.
With dazzling new lights, repaired lighting posts and an upgraded grandstand complete with a shiny new roof – Gallaher is in its new era of facilitating community sports and recreation.
Manurewa Local Board chair, Heather Andrew appreciates the highly valued community gem.
“We recognise it is vital to invest in the upkeep of Gallaher Park, as it is one of eight in our area that we are responsible for, and is hugely cherished by our community,” says chair Andrew.
Gallaher Park grandstand's shiny new roof.
“Such facilities are critical to whānau as they draw people together to socialise, learn, and exercise to support their wellbeing. Not to mention, we are incredibly proud that it has been the birthplace of international sports stars.
“It is very important to us that Gallaher is maintained to a standard that adequately serves our community and its growing needs,” she says.
“We’re continuing to deliver priorities outlined in our Manurewa Sport and Active Recreation Facilities Plan 2022 to encourage locals, who participate in community, sports, recreational and creative activities, to feel connected to our public and community spaces.”
Gallaher park grandstand's new roof from underneath.
The plan prioritises a spruce up for the clubroom, including a refresh of the changing rooms, which will commence soon and is expected to be completed before the end of the year.
“We want to thank All Seasons Community Sports Trust – Pat and the team – for their commitment to touch rugby over the years. Your dedication to the code has not gone unnoticed,” says chair Andrew.
Meanwhile, Gallaher’s fields remain open to the public and is bookable via Auckland Council’s facilities booking website.
The local board welcomes any feedback and suggestions for Gallaher Park and any other park with Auckland’s Annual Plan 2026/2027 currently open for consultation until 29 March 2026. Submit your comments at AK Have Your Say.
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