The Cook Islands Investment Corporation (CIIC) is overseeing a number of upgrades to the Telecom Sports Arena, better known as the TSA Arena, Rarotonga’s indoor sports complex located at Tereora College in Nikao.
The major project currently underway is a full roof replacement, with repairs and maintenance also being carried out on the arena flooring. The installation of a new energy-efficient lighting system is also planned.
Construction of the TSA Arena first started in 2007 and the building was officially opened in 2009. Shortly after it was opened, the Cook Islands hosted the Netball World Youth Cup and the Pacific Mini Games at the indoor complex.
Since 2019, a number of remedial works have been carried out to address leaks in the roof. With some sporting events impacted by leaks during heavy rains over that time, earlier this year it was decided that the deterioration of the roof was too severe to continue repairs and it would be necessary to replace the entire roof instead.
CIIC has engaged Makeke Contractors to carry out this project, with a budget of $300,000 and the majority of the work scheduled for completion by early August.
Currently, the TSA Arena is closed to the public to ensure that the roof replacement can be carried out safely and CIIC asks that the public stay clear of the fenced-off area around the arena for their own safety.
CIIC is also liaising with the Cook Islands Sports and National Olympic Committee (CISNOC) to notify all sports associations who usually use the indoor arena once the works are complete. CIIC asks for patience during the repair period, as the works are weather-dependent to ensure the health and safety of the contractors.
Parallel to the roof work, CIIC is also working closely with the New Zealand-based contractor Hardwood Technology NZ, who installed the arena flooring more than 15 years ago, to undertake floor repairs and a major treatment of the sports arena courts.
The flooring, which has an asset life of up to 50 years, will undergo a number of treatments over the next few months. This is the first major treatment since installation and with ongoing maintenance it will not be required again for at least another 10 years.
This phased approach is necessary to align with scheduled sporting events and to ensure the proper treatment of the flooring, so as to be ready in time for the Oceania Netball Youth World Cup Regional Qualifiers in September and the Cook Islands Games in October.
In addition to the roof and floor works, CIIC is partnering with local contractors to transition to green technology by replacing the arena’s now-obsolete lighting system. This initiative involves installing energy-efficient LED lighting which not only reduces the arena’s carbon footprint but will also provide better illumination for sporting events. The new lighting technology will significantly decrease energy consumption and maintenance costs, ensuring a more sustainable and cost-effective use of the facilities.
All of these works are part of a wider programme that CIIC is carrying out to improve the sports facilities on Rarotonga, including recent improvements to the grandstand in the National Stadium.
“We recognise the importance of fit-for-purpose sports facilities to help grow our Cook Islands sporting talents from grassroots to professionals, and the value that sport has in ensuring a healthy population,” said CIIC CEO Allan Jensen.
CIIC is collaborating closely with CISNOC and other key stakeholders on this project. This partnership ensures that all necessary preparations are made to meet the standards required for international and national sporting events.
CIIC appreciates the public’s patience and understanding during these disruptions. The inconvenience caused by the ongoing works is acknowledged, and gratitude is extended for the community’s support. These significant improvements aim to enhance the experience for athletes and members of the public while contributing to the long-term sustainability of our sports facilities. This ensures they remain in good and safe condition for the community’s continued use and enjoyment.
