Astro-turf for N.Z.?

Press, 7 August 1976, Page 52

Astro-turf for N.Z.?

PA Wellington The Wellington City Council Parks ana Reserves Committee will meet next month to discuss the feasibility of obtaining an astro-turf surface similar to the playing surface used for hockey at the Montreal Olympic Games.

The Mayor of Wellington (Mr Fowler) said last evening that he had received several approaches about the turf since New Zealand won the hockey gold medal. He suggested that the most logical place for the synthetic turf, if bought, would be at the velodrome in Hataitai. “It has a fullsized field, is well drained and has tiered seating.” Mr Fowler felt at this stage that the cost of the

turf might be beyond the resources of the council.

The surface is reputed to cost several hundred thousand dollars. Mr Fowlers’ comments came at the Mayoral reception for the returning Wellington members of the national Olympic team. The team manager (Mr Bill Holley) said it was vital for New Zealand to obtain the use of the astro-turf if this country was to maintain its hockey standard. Two surfaces should be provided in New Zealand, the first, he hoped, in Wellongton, he said.

Another member of the team to return home yesterday was the New Plymouth weightlifter, Brian Marsden: He said that New Zealand’s

performance in international athletics could improve if a Ministry of Sport was established. He said that New Zealanders, who were part-time sportsmen, could not compete against other countries, particularly Eastern Bloc countries, whose sportsmen were devoted full-time to their sports.

In many events New Zealanders could not “get into the medals” because of the sports system in this country. “We want an active Ministry of Sport,” he said.

In many cases New Zealand athletes were not getting enough international competition before Olympic Games because of lack of finance, he said.