The Alfred Cox Skate Park and Pump Track are vibrant community spaces, drawing hundreds of visitors of all ages every week. These world-class facilities in Tairāwhiti offer a dynamic environment for action sports enthusiasts, catering to everyone from beginners to seasoned riders.
Transforming a community asset
Between 2021 and 2022, Trust Tairāwhiti collaborated with Tairāwhiti Adventure Trust (TAT) and key stakeholders to upgrade the Alfred Cox Skate Park and construct the Pump Track.
TAT led the fundraising and project management efforts, collaborating closely with the Trust to bring these developments to life. Identified as early wins in the Tairāwhiti Sports Facilities Business Case (TSFBC), the Trust invested over $2.8 million to help realise these projects, which aim to empower rangatahi through action and adventure sports.
Alfred Cox Skate Park redevelopment
Innovative design and features
Originally built in 1990 using recycled materials, the Skate Park was well-loved but in need of revitalisation. The TSFBC observed that the park had significantly deteriorated, with cracks, dislodged concrete, and seismic shifts compromising its safety. The upgraded design addresses these structural issues and now features three distinct areas:
- Learner-wheeled play area: A dedicated space for beginners to build confidence.
- Main slab and trick zone: This area features terraces, jump boxes and technical elements for riders looking to refine their skills.
- Integrated bowl platforms: Various interconnected bowl spaces catering to experienced riders.
Alfred Cox Pump track
Across the road, the Pump Track offers 300m of continuous riding space across a 2000m² area. It features banked turns, rollers and smooth transitions that let riders generate speed through “pumping” rather than pedalling. The track is designed for bikes, skateboards, scooters and roller skates.
National events and growing recognition
Since opening, both facilities have gained national recognition, hosting major competitions such as:
- 2022 New Zealand Pump Track Nationals & UCI World Qualifiers
- 2023 Skateboarding Nationals
Beyond competitions, the skate park and pump track have become social and recreational hubs, fostering confidence and community connection.
“These facilities are about building resilience in individuals and a community around these sports – but it is a far more holistic view on enriching people’s lives. We need to invest in social assets that will help people to live a more vibrant life.”
— Tairāwhiti Adventure Trust chair Haimona Ngata
Our people
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Audine Grace-Kutia
General Manager Communities
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Aana Donnelly
Community Development Advisor
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Sarah Homer
Commercial Manager
