Manawatu Sports Stadium - history and development

Abstract

The Manawatu Sports Stadium was officially opened by the Prince of Wales, on April 2nd, 1981 and today is the largest stadium in New Zealand. It was built to replace a cattle pavilion of a similar size which was burnt down in 1977. The stadium has been especially designed to cater for a large variety of uses. These include sporting events, exhibition and shows, conferences and A. & P. activities. The Palmerston North Showgrounds Board of Control are responsible for the management of the Stadium and employment of staff to develop and maintain it. The Board is made up to representatives of the Council, A. & P. Association and users of the showgrounds. The stadium has heavy demands on usage during the weeknights in the winter months, but during the day and over the summer period, the stadium tends to lie idle. To overcome this quite period, it would be necessary to employ a recreation officer who can initiate programmes to ensure the maximum possible use of this excellent facility. Employment of part-time supervisors could also encourage more casual use of the building if the sports equipment was available for hire.