Latest News

Back to Latest News back

 

Hamilton turf technician heads to Samoa for All Blacks Test preparation

Hamilton turf technician heads to Samoa for All Blacks Test preparation
July 4, 2015

Hamilton City Council’s Turf Manager Karl Johnson has travelled to Apia, Samoa, to assist with preparation for the Pacific Island nation’s historic hosting of the All Blacks Test later this month.

International rugby’s world champions will make their first visit to Samoa for a full Test match on 8th July, with the match to be played at Apia Park in the nation’s capital.

Johnson, responsible for the management and development of playing surfaces at Hamilton’s Seddon Park and Waikato Stadium, travelled to Samoa with members of the All Blacks support crew to provide advice to Apia Park management ahead of the match.

The visit is Johnson’s visit to Apia before the fixture, a reflection of his skills and reputation as one of New Zealand’s leading turf specialists.

Johnson explains “Apia Park hasn’t hosted a match involving the All Blacks before, and it’s very important we provide stadium management with advice on how the venue can meet the needs of high-level international rugby.”

All Blacks management are happy with the pitch at Apia Park, but asked Mr Johnson to join them ahead of the match to provide further expert advice.

Johnson adds “this match is very exciting for the All Blacks and for the nation of Samoa, so to be asked to have some involvement is a real thrill.

“It’s also a nice little change from the frosty and foggy Hamilton winter.”

Johnson has previously spent 12 months living and working in Dubai, where his expertise contributed to the development of playing surfaces at several stadiums in the United Arab Emirates.

Sean Murray, the Council’s General Manager of Events and Economic Development, says New Zealand Rugby’s request for Mr Johnson’s expertise is a reflection of his immense knowledge and sought-after skills.

Murray concluded “Karl’s reputation as one of the best in the turf management business is well-known, and the call-up to Apia only adds to that. We’re really pleased to see Karl head off to contribute.”

Image shows Apia Park.

30th June 2015 - RUGBY SOUTHLAND GENERAL MANAGER MOVES TO OVERSEE DEVELOPMENT OF SAMOAN RUGBY

10th December 2014 - STUDY SUGGESTS ALL BLACKS LIKELY TO KEEP ON WINNING 

17th October 2014 - GATES OPEN AT HAMILTON’S SEDDON PARK

9th November 2012 - WAIKATO RUGBY MAKES EARLY REPAYMENT OF HAMILTON CITY COUNCIL LOAN

25th November 2011 - CHIEFS AND COUNCIL BROKER NEW WAIKATO STADIUM DEAL


Support our industry news service
We hope that you value the news that we publish so while you're here can we ask for your support?

As an independent publisher, we need reader support for our industry news gathering so ask that - if you don't already do so - you back us by subscribing to the printed Australasian Leisure Management magazine and/or our online news.

 

supplier directory

The Complete Guide to Leisure Industry Products & Services.

See the directory see all

24/7 Software

The world's greatest properties run on 24/7 Software Whether at commercial properties, corporate facilities, sports arenas, or public entertainment venues, we're proud to lead the way in…

read more

Entertainment / Security / Sport / Technology / Venues

 
 

@leisure Planners

@leisure is a team of experienced leisure, aquatic and sports facility managers and planners, with market modelling, sports management, recreation planning, business and GIS qualifications. We have…

read more

Consultants

 
 
 

SimplySwim

    SimplySwim is a school management solution that helps swimming school owners and managers optimize operations by automating functions such as managing class schedules, billing and…

read more

Aquatics / Education / Recreation / Safety / Technology

 
 

Ungerboeck Software

As of February 2023, Ungerboeck Software has rebranded as Momentus Technologies.

read more

Entertainment / Events / Hospitality / Technology / Venues

 
 

ProSlide Technology

ProSlide is the global leader in water ride design and manufacturing, supplying high-performance water attractions to new and expanding water parks around the world. For over three decades, ProSlide…

read more

Aquatics / Play / Waterparks

 
 

XBODY Australia Pty Ltd

PROVEN BUSINESS CONCEPTS WITH XBODY XBody’s goal is to see you and your EMS business succeed. That is why we don’t just sell equipment, we provide know-how, expert knowledge, business support…

read more

Fitness / Technology / Wellness

 
 

GREENEDESK

Track. Engage. Retain GreeneDesk is a suite of cloud based software solutions helping health clubs, leisure centres and swim schools to effectively track progression, improve customer engagement and…

read more

Aquatics / Billing / Education / Fitness / Technology

 
 
 
 

get listed with our suppliers directory

Get your business noticed in our targeted directory. Viewed by 10,000 industry professionals per week!

list your business