Major upgrades at Tōmoana Showgrounds at least a decade away

Some internal fencing could be removed at Tōmoana Showgrounds in Hastings, but major changes to the site could be more than 10 years away.

Hastings District Council is seeking public feedback on its draft Stewardship Framework and Future Framework, which it has approved for consultation.

The frameworks focus on the relationship between people, water and landscape, with removing unnecessary internal fencing among the ideas to make the showgrounds more accessible and easier to explore.

However, more significant changes, including new and relocated facilities, stronger cultural and community spaces, improved equestrian infrastructure and a clearer heart for the showgrounds, are not expected to be considered for at least 10 years.

The frameworks were developed following community and stakeholder engagement in 2025, with technical investigations into the site's cultural, environmental, infrastructure and operational needs.

They set out long-term principles for protecting, using and managing the showgrounds, with a staged development plan.

No projects or funding have been approved, with feedback to be considered before the final frameworks are presented to the council for adoption.

The council paid $7.5m to the Hawke's Bay A & P Society for 40 of the 42 hectares of the showground in 2023.

Hastings Deputy Mayor Michael Fowler said the venue was an important part of Hastings' history and identity.

"Tōmoana Showgrounds has a rich history, from its deep connections with mana whenua and our agricultural heritage to the many events and gatherings that have brought people together over the years," Fowler said.

"As Hastings and the wider region continue to grow and change, we want to ensure the showgrounds remains a place for our community, protecting the special character and heritage that people value while allowing it to evolve to meet future needs."

A council spokesperson said the plan was important as the council worked to transfer management of the site to the Tōmoana Showgrounds Charitable Trust.

Tōmoana Showgrounds Charitable Trust chair Sandra Hazlehurst said the frameworks were about balancing the venue's many roles.

"Tōmoana Showgrounds means different things to different people. It's a place for major events and rural traditions, but also somewhere people walk their dogs, enjoy the gardens, connect with nature and spend time together.

"Our responsibility is to protect those qualities while creating opportunities for the Showgrounds to thrive."

The 30-year spatial plan is divided into three stages.

The first three years include stormwater infrastructure, stream work, new wetland areas and associated planting, nature play areas, cultural markers to recognise the heritage of Tōmoana Showgrounds and potential locations for outdoor stages and a dedicated marquee zone.

Stage 2 (three to 10 years) looks at connecting and strengthening the showgrounds.

The report says the emphasis shifts towards making the showgrounds easier to explore and use, while investing in existing facilities that support events, markets and community activity.

It says paths, bridges and boardwalks would connect the landscape created through stage 1, while improvements to roads, parking and event infrastructure would help it function better during busy periods.

The third stage (10 years plus) contains more significant changes, including new and relocated facilities, stronger cultural and community spaces, improved equestrian infrastructure and a clearer heart for the showgrounds.

When the A&P Society held its first show at the site in 1925, it was called the Tōmoana Showgrounds.

The name slipped from common use and it was eventually referred to as the Hawke's Bay Showgrounds.

In 2017, the official name was reinstated and welcomed by the Tōmoana whānau, whose ancestor Henare Tōmoana once owned 20,000 acres of Heretaunga land.

The Showgrounds hosts annual agricultural, cultural, entertainment and equestrian events and is home to the weekly Farmers Market, the annual Hawke's Bay A&P Show on this year from October 22-23, and the Fiesta of Lights.