All-weather turf to boost football in Whangārei
Published on 16 September 2026
Football players, clubs, and whānau across Whangārei are one step closer to having a high-quality, reliable year-round playing facility, with construction of the artificial turf and lighting project at Tikipunga Sports Park starting on Monday 21 September 2026.
Tikipunga Sports Park upgrade project
The all-weather turf is being developed to meet growing demand for football facilities and reduce wet-weather disruptions. Unlike natural grass fields, it will support more regular use throughout the year, creating more opportunities for people of all ages to get active and play football.
The facility will serve the wider football community, with football clubs and user groups from across the Whangārei District able to book and use it.
The artificial turf will include one full-sized football pitch overlaid with two junior pitches, allowing different age groups and teams to use the space. The layout is designed to make the most of the site while supporting strong community access.
Whangārei District Councillor and Infrastructure Committee Chair Brad Flower, who is also a Kamo Football Club life member and long-serving board member of 39 years, said the project would provide much-needed capacity for football in Whangārei.
“Anyone involved in local football knows how hard it can be when wet weather puts pressure on grass fields. This turf will give clubs and players a dependable place to train and play, even when conditions are challenging,” Councillor Flower said.
“What matters most is that this will be a facility for the whole District, not just one club. Football clubs and community groups from across Whangārei will be able to book and use it,” he said.
As construction gets underway, park visitors can expect contractor activity, temporary fencing, site clearance, earthworks and construction vehicles on site. Some areas of the sports park may be temporarily unavailable while work is completed.
Once complete, the facility will provide a modern, accessible football venue for play, training and community use throughout the year.