Event Centre Project nears completion with key handover

Published on 20 April 2026

The Network Waitaki Event Centre is a step closer to opening today with a key-handover ceremony to allow tenants to move into the building.

Mayor Mel Tavendale received the keys from Apollo Projects Ltd. who have been the contractors for the $32 million Event Centre.

Mayor Tavendale said “What makes today so special is not just the building itself, but what it represents. This project is a powerful example of what can be achieved when a community comes together with shared vision, generosity, and determination. Thank you to everyone who supported this project – for responding to our consultations in 2021 and 2024 telling us this is what you want, for your funding, your belief, and your pride in what we are building together.”

Apollo Projects CEO Peter Beggs said the team is proud to have helped deliver a high quality facility that will support a wide range of local sporting codes and community groups.

“Taking a design and build approach to the project enabled strong early design, planning, and collaboration. This allowed the team to deliver a smooth construction process and a centre that will remain a valuable community asset for generations,” he said.

The Network Waitaki Event Centre features artwork from Ross Hemera (Ngāi Tahu) who has also contributed his creativity towards the newly opened Mahika Kai Mahika Toi extension to the Forrester Gallery, as well as the upcoming new township signage for the Waitaki District.

While some final touches on the six-court event centre still remain, in part due to delayed shipping of court-netting, tenants including Sport Waitaki, Youthtown and North Otago Rugby Football Union, will now be able to access the office space in the building.

The event centre provides six sprung courts for indoor sports, as well as a multisport space. Upstairs has office space for sporting codes, and hireable spaces for conferences, events and social events. The changing facilities also serve the six-courts and multisport space inside, and the Centennial Park #1 pitch.

The centre will be formally opened on Sunday 10 May, marked by a dawn whakawātea led by Te Rūnanga o Moeraki.

ENDS

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