Parks Pulse

As the weather heats up, we're committed to ensuring Hamilton's fields remain in tip-top condition all year round. Here’s how we’re doing it and how you can help us.

• We water the fields at night to maximise water efficiency. During the middle of the day, you might see some light mist over the lawn to cool the air and reduce stress on the grass. Please avoid using the fields during these times to allow the grass to absorb water effectively.  

• Use shaded areas when it's hot and try not to place heavy objects on the grass. 

• It’s important to rotate activities to different areas, as the loss of grass if a field is overused will carry through to autumn.  

• Help keep our fields clean by picking up rubbish and cleaning up after pets.

If you notice any broken sprinklers or water wastage, please report it to Council's Parks team or via the Antenno app. You can download Antenno for free to receive Council updates and report incidents. It’s an easy and efficient way to let us know of any issues. Or you can contact Customer Services via 07 838 6699.

Sports fields are great places to bring your whaanau, friends or teammates. Whether it's for school groups, training sessions, or just a casual match, you can book a sports field at an affordable rate. 

Check out what sports fields could suit you this summer by following the simple steps below: 

1. head to the Hamilton City Council website hamilton.govt.nz 
   
   
2. search 'finding and booking a sports park' 
   
   
3. browse the different sports parks and select which sports park you are interested in
   
   
4. check the park facilities and who it is best suited for 
   
   
5. click on the booking enquiry tab to either apply for an events permit or to book a sports park
   
   
6. once the request has been submitted our booking coordinator will confirm the park’s availability.

We all love our Kiwi summers, especially hanging out in Hamilton's beautiful parks. But remember, our sunshine comes with high levels of ultraviolet (UV) radiation that can harm your skin and eyes. 

Here’s a couple of top tips to stay SunSmart while enjoying the sun.   

• Check the UV level SunSmart — UVNZ app 

• The UV Index gives a measure of the strength of the sun's rays. When the UVI (ultraviolet index) is 3 or above though the course of any day, we need to be SunSmart and slip, slop, slap and wrap.  

• If the UVI is low (1-2), this generally means it’s safe to be outdoors unprotected unless you spend a lot of time outside.  

• UVI levels where sun protection is necessary are: moderate (3–5), high (6–7), very high (8–10) and extreme (11+).  

During our sizzling New Zealand summers, the UVI often soars above 12, while in the cooler winter months, it usually stays below 3. 

Remember, unprotected skin can get damaged in less than 15 minutes when the UVI is 12, and in about 60 minutes when it's 3. So, always be SunSmart and enjoy the sun safely. 

Here is some key information on closures, projects and major works happening at our sports parks. If you have any further questions, email parksadmin@hcc.govt.nz. 

Ongoing works

Gower Park: field 6 

Field 6 is closed for renovations. Works are expected to finish early February 2025.  

Porritt Stadium 

Storm water pipes are being renewed in the gully by the Wanders Football Club at Porritt Stadium. Works are expected to finish mid-December. No fields will be closed during this time. 

These dates are subject to change based on factors such as wet weather and staff availability. Thank you for your patience and understanding – it is appreciated.

Here is some key information on closures, projects and major works happening at our sports parks. If you have any further questions, email parksadmin@hcc.govt.nz. 

Upcoming works

Gower Park: field 1 

Field 1 will be closed for renovations from Monday 24 February, with works expected to be completed in late March. 

Korikori Park: field 1 

Field 1 will be closed for renovations starting Monday 24 February, with works expected to be completed in late March.  

Porritt Stadium: field 1 

Field 1 will be closed for renovations starting Monday 24 February, with works expected to be completed in late March. 

These dates are subject to change based on factors such as wet weather and staff availability. Thank you for your patience and understanding – it is appreciated.

Over the summer months Te Whare o te Ata are hosting some family-friendly events at Fairfield Park.

Come along and celebrate Pasifika dance and performing arts at the Gracefully Pasifika Festival being held on Thursday 5 December from 5pm – 7pm.

Christmas in the Park is a crowd favourite every year. Check out the food trucks, entertainment, cultural performances, prizes and giveaways, skate demo and basketball competition on Saturday 14 December from 10am – 1pm, run by Fairfield Enderley Resilient Network. 

Youth events are happening over the course of five days from Monday 13 January – Friday 17 January from 10am. This is free for children and teens, simply register by turning up on the day. 

Te Whare o te Ata's holiday programme runs from Monday 20 January until Thursday 23 January from 10am – 2pm.  This programme is free but there are limited spaces available, and you will need to register your children by emailing staff@twota.org.nz     

For more information and to stay up to date, make sure to check out the Te Whare O Te Ata / Fairfield Community House Facebook page.

To learn more about the youth events, holiday programme or any further enquiries send an email through to staff@twota.org.nz 

Porritt Classic 2025  

Get ready for an action-packed day with over 400 athletes, from youth and secondary school stars to international champions, Olympians, and Paralympians. The 2025 Porritt Classic is not an event to miss. 

Held on Saturday 15 February from 12pm – 7.30pm at Porritt Stadium. 

This is Athletics Waikato-Bay of Plenty’s premier athletic event, part of the Oceania Classic Series. A World Athletics “ranking competition” for NZ and Australian athletes. 

Entries for athletes open Sunday 1 December. For registrations and more info head to athletics.org.nz 

WBOP Athletics Children’s Relay Championships   

Gear up for team spirit and athleticism at the Waikato and Bay of Plenty Children’s Relay Championships! 

The Waikato and Bay of Plenty Children’s Relay Championships will be held on Saturday 14 December from 9.30am – 5pm at Porritt Stadium.  

This will be a great day out for the whole whanaau, celebrating the team spirit of athletics. The event brings together the children’s athletics clubs from across the Waikato and Bay of Plenty regions.

While athletics is usually about individual performances, relays add a fun team element. They help kids develop communication and planning skills, and give everyone a chance to shine, even if they don't usually make it to the podium on their own.

There will be a podium for all the events, making for an exciting day of competition amongst athletes aged 7 – 14 years old. 

Participation is via club-entered teams for registered athletes.  

For more information on what events will be running at the championship, please head to athleticswaikatobayofplenty.org.nz 

Since 1973, the Waikato Society of Potters has been a hub for creativity and community. With more than 270 members, they recently celebrated their 52nd annual exhibition at Artspost.

The group offers classes for everyone, from beginners to advanced, covering hand building, wheel throwing, and figurative sculpture classes. Sessions run for four or eight weeks, aligning with school terms.

Throughout the year there are three Play with Clay sessions a week to explore pottery with no strings attached. Come along to a class on Tuesdays from

6pm – 9pm, Wednesdays 9.30am – 12.30pm or Saturdays 10am – 1pm.

Membership runs from 1 April to 31 March, with fees of $90 for adults and $35 for under-16s, or half-year memberships are $50 for adults and $20 for under-16s.

Check out membership details and more exciting opportunities available at Waikato Society of Potters.