Twenty four bricks have already been sold in the Molyneux Turf Incorporated (MTI) Buy a Brick community campaign.

MTI spokesperson Nikki Heckler said it was exciting to see "a wee run of people" supporting the idea straight after its launch ten days ago.

Central Otago District Council (CODC) has agreed to provide a $300,000 grant in the long term plan toward the project - an artificial turf where the old tennis courts at Dunstan High School are.

Nikki said donations were in from local families, many of whom were hockey players or had children playing hockey.

“Someone has bought one from Australia, as a memorial for their mother who was a former hockey player from Omakau. That’s pretty cool, to step up and help a turf go in [from overseas].

“My grandmother was made a life member for her contribution to hockey, we’re thinking we’re going to buy one as a memorial for her too,” Nikki said

The $250 bricks can be paid for via online banking, or an invoice can be sent. Each brick will be engraved with two lines of text of 16 letters and spaces.  

“People don’t have to pay for it now, the bricks will be made and installed right near the end of the project - we are aiming for within 2026.”  

She said a group of people had been working on bringing the project to life for 20 years.

The expected cost is $1.8M, and more fundraising activities are in the pipeline, as are funding applications to local funders like Central Lakes Trust and Otago Community Trust. 

A feasibility study for the project said in a best-case scenario (high participation and high population growth) Eastern Central Otago hockey player numbers could increase by 50 per cent, between 2024 and 2048.

If businesses or individuals were interested in donating to the turf project they can contact [email protected].

Read more: New turf backed by council grant.

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