COMMUNITY CONSULTATION

Mercury Baypark Arena Extension Project

Creating more space for our community to play, connect and thrive.

ACCEPTING FEEDBACK UNTIL 19 OCTOBER

Manawa Trust has received a proposal from Bay Venues seeking support for the Mercury Baypark Arena Extension Project, which would add six new indoor multi-purpose courts to the existing arena. Manawa Trust Trustees have agreed in principle to contribute up to $15 million from the Facilities of Regional Significance Fund, subject to community consultation and final approval.

For some time, we have heard from community and sporting groups about the constraints on indoor community space across Tauranga and the Western Bay of Plenty. This proposal is intended to help respond to that need by increasing access to community sport, recreation, tournaments and events, while making better use of an existing regional facility.

What is the project?

The proposed expansion aims to address the growing shortage of indoor court space across Tauranga and the Western Bay of Plenty. Bay Venues has identified rising demand for indoor sports facilities, population growth, and limited availability of existing courts as key drivers of the need for additional capacity. The proposed expansion would increase opportunities for community sport, recreation, regional tournaments, and events.

At an estimated cost of $29.7M, the extension will provide:

6 additional indoor multi-purpose courts
Supporting the growth of existing and emerging indoor sports across the region
Attracting larger sporting tournaments and events to Tauranga
Providing additional capacity for business and entertainment events by freeing up existing arena space

By building onto an existing regional facility, the project forms part of the wider Baypark Masterplan and is intended to complement other planned developments at Baypark.

The project aligns strongly with Manawa Trust's strategy by supporting participation in sport and recreation, strengthening community wellbeing, and delivering a high-quality facility that supports a wide range of uses for today and the future.

Why are we consulting with the community?

We have previously committed to consulting with the community on major decisions of this nature, and this commitment is entrenched in our Trust Deed.

We see consultation as an important way to ensure major funding decisions are informed by community views and lead to good outcomes for Tauranga and the Western Bay of Plenty. Projects funded through this fund are large-scale regional facilities designed to deliver long-term benefits for the community, so feedback plays an important role in supporting Trustees’ decision-making.

Consultation Timeline

Date	Milestone
Monday 28 September 2026	Community consultation opens
4:00pm Monday 19 October 2026	Deadline for submissions
Thursday 29 October 2026	Trustees consider community feedback and make a final funding decision

Manawa Trust is inviting feedback from the community on the proposed Mercury Baypark Arena Expansion Project. Community members can:

Review the project information provided on the Manawa Trust website
Complete an online submission form
Provide feedback on Manawa Trust's proposed investment in the project

A summary of the feedback received will be prepared and presented to Trustees as part of the final assessment process. This feedback will help Trustees understand community perspectives alongside the project's strategic, financial, and community impact assessments.

Consultation FAQs

Why is Manawa Trust considering contributing $15 million?

Our city needs help to grow in a healthy and sustainable way, and our financial contribution to this project could enable the project to be completed and start proving benefit to the community in the near future.

What is the total cost of the project?

The estimated total cost of the project is $29.7M. Manawa Trust is considering a contribution of up to $15M, with the remaining funding subject to final approval by Tauranga City Council through its Long-term Plan process.

Why is Baypark the preferred location?

Expanding the current Arena is a cost effective solution from a construction and operational perspective. The Baypark Master Plan accommodated additional indoor court space.

What happens if Manawa Trust decides not to fund the project?

The project is unlikely to go ahead. This will prohibit growing indoor sports to meet current and future demand for court space. The project will become more expensive in future years.

Will this affect other community grants?

The proposed contribution would come from Manawa Trust’s Facilities of Regional Significance Fund and is being assessed alongside Manawa Trust’s other current and future funding commitments. Manawa Trust’s regular community grant programmes would continue, although Trustees will consider the proposed investment within the context of the Trust’s overall financial position and future commitments.

How will community feedback be used?

Community feedback will help Trustees understand the level of support for the proposed investment, the reasons for that support or opposition, and any concerns, conditions or alternative views the community believes should be considered. Trustees will consider this feedback alongside the business case, financial analysis, project risks and alignment with Manawa Trust’s strategy before making a final decision.

Will this restrict the ability for other local courts to be built in other areas?

No. Manawa Trust is aware of wider network planning by Tauranga City Council to ensure local court provision is developed across the city and wider area. The proposed Baypark Arena extension is intended to complement, not replace, or restrict the future development of other local indoor court provision.