Council continued delivering its long-term investment in sports infrastructure, completing around $4M of sports field upgrades across Hutt Park, Richard Prouse Park, Naenae Park and Petone Recreation Ground during the year. Work also began at Te Whiti Park and Frederick Wise Park as part of a wider $10M programme agreed through the Long Term Plan 2024-34.
The upgrades focused on improving subsoil drainage and levelling playing surfaces where needed to reduce waterlogging, improve resilience during wet weather and provide safer, more consistent playing conditions. These improvements will help reduce weather-related closures, extend the playing season and support increased use of sports fields by clubs, schools and the wider community.
Investing in quality sports infrastructure also strengthens Lower Hutt’s reputation as a destination for regional and national sporting events. The 2026 New Zealand Gaelic Football and Hurling Championships were held at Hutt Park, showcasing the benefits of the recent field improvements. Feedback from national sporting organisations highlighted the quality of the playing surfaces, facilities and event support, reinforcing Lower Hutt’s reputation as a capable host for high-profile competitions.
These events deliver benefits beyond sport by attracting visitors who support local accommodation providers, retailers and hospitality businesses. Through continued investment in resilient, high-quality sports facilities, Council is helping to increase opportunities for community participation, improve the reliability of local sports grounds and support economic activity by attracting more regional and national events to the city.
Making swimming facilities more accessible has been a priority, with free entry for under 10s when accompanied by an adult with a Community Services Card. In its first three months, over 100,000 people visited Te Ngaengae Pool + Fitness.