New base for the Rotorua Sports Academy

The initiative aims to provide a home for all the facilities required by the New Zealand Sports Academy, and to develop the next generation of sporting superstars, as well as offering a base for international teams. The building, on a site next to Rotorua Stadium, and designed by leading architect Julian Guthrie, will blend traditional Maori motifs with high-tech materials, providing a 21st Century statement of Maori progress.

The structure will be built by Aotearoa Construction, the Maori-controlled construction company headed by Tawera Nikau. Tawera said, "I was impressed by the vision Jim and Darrel brought to me. They want to create something unique – a centre for Maori sporting excellence. This is the sort of venture Aotearoa Construction was set up to deliver. We can't wait to start."

Jim Love of the New Zealand Sports Academy is excited by the potential to mentor the next generation of high performers. "Rotorua is the natural home for Maori sporting centre. We can offer them a number of things, including excellent training and coaching opportunities, a tikanga that supports and values their background, and now a world-class facility that's right next door to the stadium."

By providing a superb new centre to house international sports teams and high-performance experts, this initiative is expected to provide a major drawcard for visitors and business. Another spin-off is the opportunity to increase usage of the stadium.