The University of Waikato has partnered with Bay Venues to help drive activation and growth across Tauranga’s sports and fitness venues, including the city’s newest indoor sport and recreation centre at Cameron Road.
L-R: Bay Venues Chief Executive Chad Hooker and Deputy Vice-Chancellor Professor Alister Jones
The partnership gives the University naming rights to the six-court indoor sport facility at Mercury Baypark Arena, as well as the new indoor sport and recreation centre being built on the old Warehouse site at Cameron Road. It will see the University connect with programmes delivered in the venues and give students access to the facilities, enhancing the community experience and engaging Tauranga’s student population.
University of Waikato Deputy Vice-Chancellor Professor Alister Jones says the strategic partnership is part of the University’s long-term commitment to the Bay of Plenty region and its focus on enhancing student experiences through recreation and events.
“We have been part of the Tauranga community for the past 30 years and are committed to being here for the next 100. Our ongoing presence in this city supports our vision to positively contribute to growth and prosperity in the region and partnering with great community facilities is just one of the ways we are doing this,” Professor Jones says.
“I’m excited at the possibilities this new partnership offers and look forward to our students being able to enjoy the access to sports facilities and get involved in new campus events delivered alongside the Bay Venues team.”
“As our population grows, community connection has never been more important and our sports and fitness facilities play an important role in that,” Bay Venues Chief Executive Chad Hooker says.
“We are so excited to work alongside the University of Waikato over the coming years and have its support as Tauranga continues to develop. As partners, we share many of the same values and are both committed to this city.”
Bay Venues manages these sports and fitness facilities on behalf of Tauranga City Council and the venues hosted more than 800,000 visits last financial year (to 30 June 2024).
The Cameron Road venue will be the first new indoor community sport facility in Tauranga since the opening of Mercury Baypark Arena over a decade ago. It will be the central city’s new home of indoor community sports, also hosting recreational activities and social sports leagues. University of Waikato students will be able to access the facility for sports, recreation and learning as part of the new partnership agreement.
Discounts for students at Bay Venues
Students can access discounts for Bay Venues gym memberships and pool facility access as part of the new agreement.
