Noise levels around Ngā Puna Wai Sports Hub are concerning some surrounding residents.
Others say this is only an issue sometimes and the sports hub is an asset for the community.
Said city council manager of recreation and sport services David Bailey: “A resident who lives close to the venue has contacted us on two occasions. On one occasion, the resident alerted us to the noise of hockey balls reverberating off the back of the goal during hockey practice.
“On the second occasion, the resident contacted us after the Christchurch Car Show to inquire if this event was appropriate for the venue. We also received a complaint during the official opening of the rugby league fields relating to the light and noise created during the testing and commissioning of the speaker/PA system and during the game.”
Spreydon Ward city councillor Phil Clearwater said he has spoken to two nearby residents who had noticed noise levels at the facility had increased recently.
“They lived certainly relatively close to the stadium . . . they pointed out that there had been some noise, which they expected and they just hoped that that noise would always be controlled and that it wouldn’t proceed long into the night,” he said.
However, Graham Purkis who lives about 300m away from Ngā Puna Wai said noise has not been an issue for him.
“Sure, on match day you can hear it but it’s not affecting us.”
Mr Purkis said in spite of this occasional noise Ngā Puna Wai is “nothing but a benefit.”
Euphrasie Drive resident Lorraine Sellers said noise was much more of an issue when the facility was being constructed than it is now.
“We don’t hear anything at all.
“I think it’s a wonderful set-up.”
Mr Bailey said city council staff are taking measures in response to noise complaints near Nga Puna Wai.
“We understand the noise and reach of the PA system during the rugby league opening was disturbing to some residents and have now reprogrammed this system.
“We acknowledge that the noise of the hockey balls hitting the back of the goal during trainings can be disruptive and have encouraged our sporting partner, Canterbury Hockey, to mitigate this issue. One tactic we’re looking into is to install a pad on the back of the goals to dull the impact of the ball.”
