Rotorua's first international grade water turf has just been installed and will see its first hockey action on May 6.

Bay of Plenty Hockey Executive Officer, Darrell Fournier says the juniors will be the first to play on the new TigerTurf water surface in a round robin tournament on their opening day. "I can't wait for the turf to be up and running. It is a brilliant facility and it is so well laid. The middle of the turf has absolutely no pooling even with the horrendous rain we've been having."

TigerTurf Operations Manager Don Crockettt says the players will notice and appreciate the benefits of playing on a water surface. "The biggest difference players will notice about the water surface is the playing characteristics, better ball control and traction, and the surface is non abrasive and more forgiving on the body. Generally, it's a better game on the water turf."

The RotoTurf working party oversaw fundraising and project management for the water turf on behalf of Bay of Plenty Hockey and the Rotorua Hockey Trust. Working party convenor, Whaimutu Dewes is very pleased to see the project's successful completion, saying it is a testament to the dedication and work ethic of the hockey community and the citizens of Rotorua.

"Hockey is a family game in New Zealand. It takes a lot of hands to make sure everything gets done, whether it's fundraising, coaching, driving, coordinating or cheering. Everyone pitches in to support the game and the players, and that's basically what the working party for RotoTurf did, with a lot of help from the citizens of Rotorua, including schools, businesses and individuals," said Dewes.

Dewes says the new field will relieve pressure for field time, as well as give hockey participation a boost in Rotorua. "We've already noticed some increase in the number of people interested in playing hockey and turning up to play for the clubs."

Fournier says the field will be used for multiple activities. "We have had a real shortage of turf time, but now we'll have enough for our purposes and still be in a position to open up the facility to the wider community. We anticipate it will be used for soccer, marching teams and sevens and rugby league fitness training."

Construction on the water turf began in November, and TigerTurf's Don Crockett says the installation went smoothly. "The TigerTurf team worked through Easter to ensure the field was ready on time and we have installed a great turf. The surface looks excellent with the blue surrounds."

"An area about 110 x 70m was cleared, and dug down 1.5 metres. Then, a layer of crushed rock was put down as the base. We followed that up with laying the actual turf over a 10mm Regupol comfort pad."

Says Fournier, "Every day I look at it and want to get out there and play hockey again.”

An official opening will be held toward the end of May. There will be invitation teams at the festivities featuring current Black Sticks and the National Maori Under 21's.