Paeroa Domain Set for Major Lighting Upgrade

Paeroa Domain could soon be brighter, more reliable and cheaper to run, with plans underway to replace the ageing sports field lights with modern LED lighting. The project is subject to successful community grant applications.

The $200,700 project would install new LED light heads on rugby fields 1 and 2 and the netball courts. The lights would improve evening training and events while using up to 75 percent less power.

Hauraki District Council is contributing $100,000. Sport Waikato has committed $50,000 in principle, subject to evidence that the project will increase participation by rangatahi (young people). The remaining $50,700 will be sought through community grant applications.

Why LED?

The current metal halide lights are reaching the end of their life and becoming increasingly unreliable. Replacement bulbs are hard to find, and the old system is expensive to run and maintain.

The new LED lights will last around 20 years and switch on straight away, so there will be no wait for them to warm up. They can also be controlled remotely. The lights will be brighter and more consistent across the fields, with less light spilling onto neighbouring properties.

What this means for our community

The upgrade will support the sports clubs and community groups that use the domain, including rugby, touch, athletics and netball clubs. More reliable evening lighting will help teams and clubs train throughout winter, with less risk of lights failing or events being cancelled.

The project also aims to create more opportunities for rangatahi to be active and take part in sport. The new lighting will help make the domain more welcoming and accessible for junior teams and school groups.

The LED lights will use up to 75 percent less power. While this will not directly reduce rates, the lower running costs will allow Council to put those savings towards other community services. It is a practical way to make better use of ratepayer dollars. Page 2

Better lighting will also help bring people together. Sport builds friendships and supports physical and mental wellbeing. By improving the domain, we are creating more opportunities for teammates, friends, neighbours and whānau to get outside, be active and spend time together.

“This is great news for everyone who trains, plays or gathers at Paeroa Domain. The new lights will be more reliable, cost less to run and be better for the environment. By working with Sport Waikato and seeking support from community funders, we aim to deliver an upgrade that benefits rugby, touch, athletics and netball and serves our community for the next 20 years. It is a practical investment that will make a real difference to everyday life.” says Mayor Toby Adams

What happens next?

Council will work with Sport Waikato and community groups to finalise the funding applications. Grant rounds open in January 2027. If the applications are successful, installation is expected in mid to late winter 2027.

The upgrade will also support community events that rely on evening lighting.

About Hauraki District Council

Hauraki District Council serves the communities of Paeroa, Waihi, Ngatea, Kerepehi, Turua, Mackaytown, Karangahake, Waikino, Whiritoa, and surrounding rural areas across the Hauraki Plains and Coromandel Peninsula.

Key things to know:

• Paeroa Domain is a multi-use sports facility that hosts rugby, touch, athletics, netball, and a range of community events throughout the year.
• The existing metal halide lighting system on fields 1 and 2 consists of seven lights that have been in place for many years. Metal halide technology is now outdated and replacement parts are becoming increasingly difficult to source.
• LED sports lighting has become the preferred standard for sports facilities both in New Zealand and internationally due to its efficiency, reliability, and performance benefits.
• The new LED lights are expected to last approximately 65,000 operating hours, equivalent to around 20 years of typical use.
• Energy savings from the LED upgrade are estimated at 50 to 75 percent compared to the old metal halide system.
• The project was originally included in Council's Long Term Plan 2024-34 with a budget of $200,700. It was later deferred and reduced to $100,000 with the expectation that external funding would be sought to complete the project.
• Sport Waikato has committed $50,000 in principle to the project, conditional on evidence of increased participation outcomes for rangatahi (young people).
• The remaining $50,700 will be sought through community grant applications, with funding rounds opening in January 2027 and decisions expected in April 2027.
• Installation is expected to take place in mid to late winter 2027, subject to successful grant applications and material delivery timeframes.
• The new LED system will include smart controls that allow remote operation, adjustable lighting levels for different activities, individual field control, and detailed usage tracking.
• Maintenance requirements will be significantly reduced, with annual inspections and periodic cleaning (approximately every three years) replacing the need for regular bulb replacements.