Otago Hockey: A Growth Spurt and National Championships, but Work Still to Be Done

Otago Hockey has seen significant growth and success in recent years, with the addition of a long-awaited third turf at King’s High School and the Otago men winning back-to-back national championships. However, despite these achievements, there is still work to be done to raise the visibility of the sport.

The opening of the third turf at King’s High School in 2021 was a major milestone for Otago Hockey, providing much-needed space and attracting events to the city. This was followed by the Otago men’s historic national championship wins in 2022 and 2023, marking the first titles in the tournament’s 114-year history.

General manager Andy McLean acknowledges the challenges in increasing the sport’s profile, noting that hockey struggles to capture mainstream attention outside of Olympic years. He highlights the need for an elite domestic competition to engage fans and media, with hopes that the Premier Hockey League will help boost the sport’s visibility.

In addition to raising the sport’s profile, Otago Hockey faces facility challenges at Logan Park, with the need to replace aging playing surfaces. The Dunedin City Council is considering a proposal to invest $1 million in new turfs, which would be replaced in the 2024-25 financial year.

Despite these challenges, Otago Hockey remains in a healthy position, with steady growth in registrations and a commitment to financial sustainability. The association has invested in facilities and staff, with a focus on building reserves for future projects.

With 2600 registered players in Dunedin, 930 in Central Otago, and 440 in North Otago, Otago Hockey continues to be a popular sport in the region. As the association works to enhance the sport’s visibility and facilities, the future looks bright for hockey in Otago.