One-off Bulls match expected to benefit CBD

Will Johnston 

Photo by: NPDC

New Plymouth’s hospitality sector will receive a boost from Pukekura Park’s one-off rugby match on Saturday.  

The Yarrows Taranaki Bulls will host Hawkes Bay in the opening round of the national provincial championship at the famous cricket ground.  

It’ll be the first domestic match played at the iconic venue since 1946, when Taranaki lost to Wellington 13-6. It will also be 100-years since Taranaki drew nil-all draw with the Springboks at the same ground  

Owner of Crowded House Bar and Eatery Doc van Praagh said it's exciting to see provincial rugby back in New Plymouth for the first time since 2019. 

“It’ll be great for hospitality in the CBD, not just for us, but for everyone,” he said.  

While matches were moved to Inglewood’s TET Stadium last year because of Yarrow Stadium’s re-development, van Praagh said he doesn’t get much traffic from matches out of town.  

“We still get support by the corporates but not the general rugby public, they’re a bit detached.”  

But he's expecting a big day on Saturday. 

“It’ll be big. We’ve got quite a few booked in after the game. They can wonder down the hill and we’ve got the team coming in.” 

He said the Taranaki team look 'pretty good on paper’ and hopeful for a positive season.  

Taranaki Chamber of Commerce chief executive Arun Chaudhari said businesses in the CBD thrive on people coming into town and the match is likely to draw large numbers.  

“A sold-out game would be fantastic support for the team and the CBD businesses,” he said.  

“Visitors from out of town tend to spend more in the regions they visit and we can expect a fair few supporters from Hawkes Bay too.” 

Chaudhari said Pukekura Park being used for an NPC game after so many years is ‘wonderful.’ 

Taranaki Rugby commercial manager Jimmy Fastier echoed van Praagh’s comments about the hype in the CBD. 

“It’ll bring plenty of colour to the CBD, Doc and the team at Crowded House Bar & Eatery are looking forward to a big weekend!” 

He said the rugby public has got behind the fixture evident with the number of memberships purchased this season. 

“Memberships have gone from a couple of hundred in 2019 to nearly 1,400 this year. There is a lot of energy amongst the rugby public. We can’t thank our members enough for their support.” 

Hospitality interested has also increased in anticipation of the match, he said. 

A lot of planning has been underway with temporary infrastructure put in place. 

Bars, food trucks and portaloos will be moved in ahead of game day. Sky has built a platform on the eastern terrace to broadcast from.

Fastier said the event is a one-off and Taranaki’s remaining games this season are scheduled at Inglewood and Yarrow Stadium will be operational next year.