The Central Otago Sports Turf Trust yesterday confirmed an international women's tri-series involving New Zealand, Australia and Japan will go ahead in Cromwell in May.
The Black Sticks women have not played a test in Otago since playing Australia in Dunedin and Oamaru in May 2007.
That was 11 long years ago and Central Otago Sports Turf Trust chairman Michael Paardekooper described their return as a ``big coup for Cromwell''.
The tournament will be staged at the Pioneer Energy Turf on May 19-27. The facility received a $1.8 million upgrade two years ago.
``We actually put in an international-standard hockey turf and we've been in discussion with Hockey New Zealand ever since about the opportunity of having an international in Central Otago and it has all come together,'' Paardekooper said.
``It will be nine days of fast and exciting hockey.''
The format will involve the three teams playing each other twice during a round robin followed by a playoff match and a final.
The venue can accommodate from 1000 to 1200 spectators and Paardekooper is confident the event will break even.
``We are expecting very strong interest from all over the southern South Island, to be honest.''
Paardekooper said the sport was enjoying a revival of sorts in the region.
``There are now 900 registered hockey players in Central Otago.
``Hockey has been growing in Central Otago every year since we [upgraded the facility].
``The Pioneer Energy Turf services hockey players from Wanaka, Queenstown, Ranfurly, Alexandra, Roxburgh and Cromwell - the whole of Central Otago Southern Lakes. They all play their hockey in Cromwell.
``This is actually quite a coup for Central Otago. It has been a lot of work.''
Otago Hockey general manager Andy McLean welcomed the news and said the association would chip in where it could.
``To have players like that and a tournament like that coming to this area is fantastic for the sport,'' he said.
``We need to congratulate those up in Central Otago who have made it possible. We look forward to doing whatever we can from this end to support it.
``Hopefully, some people from [Dunedin] will go and see some games.''
Hockey New Zealand chief executive officer Ian Francis said it was exciting to be bringing international women's hockey to Cromwell for the first time.
``It's exciting to be bringing world-class hockey to Central Otago and fantastic to see the immense support from the local community in Cromwell,'' Francis said.
``Bringing the Vantage Black Sticks to smaller regions is something we are proud of and we are looking forward to seeing a packed crowd cheering on New Zealand as they take on Australia and Japan.''
