The National Sports Arena, Cook Islands’ key indoor sports facility at Tereora, has undergone a significant upgrade to improve its ability to host both local and international events. These essential works include a full roof replacement and a major restoration of the arena’s timber flooring, ensuring it meets the highest standards for upcoming competitions.
Roof Replacement: The replacement of the deteriorating roof became a priority after initial repairs since 2019 failed to stop leaks. In July, Makeke Contractors successfully completed the full roof replacement, addressing the issue and securing the facility for future use.
Floor Restoration: This marked the first major floor treatment since the arena opened in 2009. Local business Alpha Beta Floors & Pools Ltd, led by Teariki Pirangi, partnered with Hardwood Technology NZ to restore the timber flooring. Their work involved sanding, necessary repairs, and applying four coats of polyurethane. Impressively, the project was completed eight days ahead of schedule.
Stakeholder Collaboration: The Cook Islands Investment Corporation (CIIC) collaborated with key stakeholders, including CISNOC, Netball Cook Islands, local contractors, and technical experts, to ensure the project was delivered to the highest standards, meeting both international competition requirements and community expectations.
Event-Ready: With the upgrades completed, the National Sports Arena is set to host the Oceania Netball Youth World Cup Qualifiers next week, followed by the Cook Islands Games in October.
Wider Sports Upgrades: The improvements extend beyond the Arena, with lighting upgrades completed and preparations ongoing at the National Stadium’s track and field facilities for the Cook Islands Games.
Government’s Commitment: These upgrades reflect the government’s commitment to providing high-quality, fit-for-purpose sports facilities that support the development of local talent and the long-term viability of the infrastructure.
Community Appreciation: The Cook Islands Government thanks the public for their patience and understanding during the upgrade works. The enhancements to the National Sports Arena will offer a safer, more enjoyable experience for athletes and the wider community.
