Waikato Diocesan School for Girls

Another World Class Hockey Facility in the Heart of Waikato
Waikato Diocesan School for Girls set out on a transformative upgrade of its hockey facilities, inspired by a visit to Hamilton Boys High School. Having seen first-hand what a purpose-built hockey surface and modern LED lighting could deliver, the school enlisted TigerTurf to bring the same standard to its own campus.

The starting point was a multi-sport compromise. The existing field was an older TigerTurf surface carrying netball and tennis line markings alongside hockey — serviceable, but not the top-level hockey surface the school's programme had grown into. Lighting was the second constraint. The field was lit by two metal halides on each of eight 11-metre poles, delivering an average of just 150 lux. That was well short of what community-level training and competitive games require, limiting how and when the facility could be used.

Under TigerTurf's guidance, the school took on the task of uplifting and disposing of the old turf using its own internal resource — a practical decision that kept project costs down without compromising the build. TigerTurf then marked out the site and carried out minor repairs to the existing asphalt base. A 10mm rubber shockpad was installed, followed by a new WETT Pro surface engineered to meet the demands of FIH-standard hockey. Levelling the existing substrate presented the project's most technical challenge, and was resolved on site. For the finishing touch, a custom school logo produced by SignGrass was installed at the halfway line.

Lighting Upgrade
Lighting partner Lumosa developed a new light plan built around a clear target: FIH Class II standard, or 500 lux. The plan replaced the existing metal halides with LED luminaires and added two new 15-metre poles carrying additional LEDs, with towers strategically positioned to lift levels across the full playing surface. Twenty CS860pro luminaires were specified, controlled through LumosaTouch. Neighbouring properties were a live consideration throughout. Luminaires were aimed to keep light spill to a minimum, and glare shields were fitted so the light illuminates the pitch rather than the surrounding area.

In partnership with Think Water, TigerTurf oversaw the installation of a field irrigation system using solid-set sprinklers positioned above ground. The system delivers an authentic wet hockey experience, complementing the WETT Pro surface as designed.

"Collaborating with TigerTurf is always a rewarding experience. The Hockey Turf Project at Waikato Diocesan School for Girls was executed proficiently. TigerTurf demonstrated their expertise by effectively addressing the challenges related to levelling the existing substrate. They also successfully achieved the necessary lighting standards using the pre-existing, shorter light poles. Communication with TigerTurf is consistently efficient and timely. Choosing a TigerTurf product ensures you are investing in top-quality." -  Phil Basel, OCTA Project Management

"Due to the proven reliability of their stable of products and the strength of their brand, WDSG elected to engage TigerTurf to deliver the school's recently completed Hockey Turf modernisation project. To date neither they nor their lighting and irrigation subcontractors have disappointed with the school regarding the overall undertaking a resounding success." -  Vince Maree, Property Manager, Waikato Diocesan School for Girls