Palmy packs in the Labour Weekend events

Palmerston North’s Central Energy Trust Arena is where the action is this Labour Weekend, with three major events covering a wide range of interest.

World champion Silver Ferns suit up

The world champion Silver Ferns will suit up against three New Zealand teams in the four-day Cadbury Netball Series from Wednesday 21 October through to Saturday 24 October. The Ferns will take on the New Zealand Men, an NZ A side and the New Zealand Under 21s.

The New Zealand Men’s Team provided a great matchup for the Silver Ferns last year and brought an exciting element to the game with their dynamic style. The whole Silver Ferns Squad will be in action during the series, including such names as Karin Burger, Gina Crampton, Ameliaranne Ekenasio, Bailey Mes, Katrina Rore, Shannon Saunders, Te Paea Selby-Rickit and Jane Watson, who were all part of the 2019 Netball World Cup-winning squad.

Doors will open 5pm each day followed by the first game at 6pm and the second game at 8pm. Head to the Ticketek for game and ticket information.

Venues Palmerston North Manager John Lynch said it is a real coup to see such top-calibre netball talent on show in the city. “This is an opportunity for our developing netball talent and sports fans to see big names in New Zealand netball live on court. We can expect to see vigorous competition, especially when the women pit their skills against the New Zealand Men’s side.”

  • Cadbury Netball Series

Women’s Lifestyle Expo 2020

Head to the B&M Centre (Arena 4) on the Saturday and Sunday of Labour Weekend (24-25 October) to take in one of Manawatu’s largest events.

The Women’s Lifestyle Expo 2020 hosts about 140 companies, showcasing everything from gourmet food and beverages to jewellery, fashion, makeup/beauty products, homeware, art and more. You can also learn about areas such as fitness, business and travel. “The Taste and Artisan Craft zones are always popular, not to mention the goodie bags offered,” Lynch says.

Entry to the event is $10, with under 12s free. More information is available on Facebook, including about discount deals and competitions shared before the show.

Speedway season opens

The 2020-21 season at the Robertson Motors International Speedway starts its engines at the Central Energy Trust Arena on October 24, with the Grand Opening including the Lucas Oil Superstock Series and Quin Buildings Super Saloon Series.

Speedway fans will see work progressing towards the new pits and entrance plaza, which will enhance the Central Energy Trust Arena facilities for the city’s speedway enthusiasts. For the first few events for the speedway season, the Waldegrave Street car park will be temporarily used for speedway pits. Within a few speedway events, the fantastic new pit facilities will be available to speedway drivers and for public activity use, Lynch says.

The toilet block is not programmed to be completed until the New Year, along with the entrance. For the first few speedway events of 2020, alternative public facilities, including food and beverage service and toilets, is being set up.

  • Robertson Holden International Speedway Grand Opening

Coming to speedway? Here’s what you need to know

With the entrance plaza completion due early next year, there will be two entrances in operation for the speedway meetings. These are Gate 1 on Waldegrave Street and Gate 4 on Pascal Street. Ticket booths are located at both entrances.

There will be no public car parking at the Waldegrave Street car park while it is being used for temporary speedway pits. We encourage people to use the railway land area close by. Please park responsibly by not blocking commercial or public driveways and premises.

Mayor Grant Smith says Palmy is booming along with some real vibrancy, which is reflected in the busy Labour Weekend Venues offerings.

“There’s so much to see and do here this Labour Weekend. These events are great opportunities for our residents to support local and see their national netball and speedway heroes. Visitors will see why Palmy is such a great place to visit and ultimately live.”

New events are regularly being added to the Venues and Events Palmerston North calendar. To keep up to date, visit venuespn.co.nz.