8 May 2025
Auckland Curling Club nears dream of dedicated ice facility
The long-held dream of the Auckland curling community in New Zealand — to have a dedicated ice facility of their own — is now closer than ever to becoming a reality. Now, the project leaders believe it is within touching distance, with just one more push needed to make it a reality.
The project has secured a large, unused warehouse in central Auckland, and detailed plans have been drawn up for a four-sheet curling facility. The proposed curling clubhouse will include changing rooms, social spaces, a kitchen and cafeteria, as well as viewing areas and a state-of-the-art ice-plant — everything needed to make a compact, welcoming and high-quality curling centre.
The total cost of the project is estimated between $2 NZD million and $2.5 NZD million, and much of that funding is in place, or close to it. Lorne DePape OLY, one of the project leaders, gave some exciting updates, “We have a very generous benefactor — who wishes to remain anonymous — who has contributed close to half of what we need. That’s why we’re ready to pull the trigger.”
Additional funding efforts are also underway and DePape continued, “We also have an application in with city council that we’ll hear about in two months.”
“We have almost six figures in the kitty through club members’ donations already, so we’re getting there.”
With most of the financial groundwork laid, the team is now launching a final public appeal to secure the remaining funds. “This is a ‘let’s finish the job’ appeal—not pie in the sky,” DePape emphasised.
Auckland, home to 1.7 million residents, is a natural hub for curling’s growth in New Zealand. While there are around 750 active curlers nationally, Auckland Curling Club already boasts over 250 members, including a thriving secondary school league.
Liz Matthews ONZM (Order of New Zealand Medal), an internationally recognised senior curler and another one of the project champions, highlighted the broader impact of the facility, “Unfortunately, there is no dedicated curling ice in the North Island. Having proper curling ice to play on will be a huge benefit to New Zealand curlers as a whole and will help the sport to grow.”
She continued, “Our goal is to meet the growing interest in the sport, create a valuable community asset for people of all ages and abilities, and provide a venue for schools, public, corporate and social use, as well as national and international competitions.”
The final appeal for funding for this project has been launched. Donations to Auckland Curling can be made at: www.givealittle.co.nz/org/auckland-curling-club-incorporated
Find more information about New Zealand Curling Association here: www.curling.org.nz
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