Many of us will remember the space as a humble field—play was enjoyable but often hindered by muddy conditions in the wetter months of the year. In 2010, the University took a significant step by commissioning contractors to level the site, install sub-soil drainage, and lay down artificial turf. This transformation made Boyd-Wilson one of the first turfs in the Wellington Region to be converted, ensuring all-weather availability for our sporting community.

The turf has been well looked after through careful usage and a continuous maintenance program which gave it a fourteen-year lifespan. However, after constant use since 2010, the turf had become worn out and compacted, making it less suitable for play and increasing the risk of potential injuries to players.

Property Services, along with our supplier Polytan NZ, began the replacement in December with the removal of the old turf. On top of the existing shock pad, the old turf consisted of the turf, a sand layer, and performance infill for stability and shock absorption. Careful consideration and planning was given to the removal of the crumb rubber performance infill (recycled rubber tyres), which at the time of installation in 2010, was considered the best product for this purpose, giving old tyres a second life.

Times have changed—there is now growing movement away from crumb rubber due to its classification as a microplastic. As a result, a natural, untreated, kiln-dried pine wood chip product was selected as our performance infill. This product offers equivalent performance to polyurethane, with a similar life-cycle and pricing.

The 342m running track around the perimeter of the playing field is now marked with blue lines instead of the original red, as red turf is no longer manufactured. The new track is the same length as the old one but provides a more cushioned run.

When you walk on the new turf, here's what you're experiencing:

• The original base layer shock pad was in excellent condition and was reused with minor repairs.
• The new turf is LigaTurf Cross 250 18/8, a high-density option with excellent playing feel and performance.
• The sand used for ballast is kiln-dried Dricon sand, sourced locally.

The performance infill is Brockfill, a kiln-dried wood product. It is the hint of tan colour you can now see on the turf. It provides an excellent quality surface and is the most environmentally friendly solution in New Zealand. Find out more about Brockfill.

Head of Sport and Recreation at Te Herenga Waka, Karl Whalen, highlights the importance of the Boyd-Wilson re-turfing project.  “We are excited to see Boyd-Wison Field reinstated as one of the premier training facilities in Wellington. Our clubs and community groups rely heavily on the field being available across the year to accommodate their high numbers. Just as importantly, the field serves as backyard for the general community, providing a wonderful surface for casual recreation, play, and exercising.”

Property Services would like to thank everyone who made this project a success—particularly our suppliers and contractors who delivered the work, and our community of turf users who were patient and accommodating while the work took place.