New Saxton Stadium manager, Hayden Bryant oversees the busy stadium.

Young Enthusiasm for Saxton Stadium

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The new manager of Saxton Stadium has grown into the job.

Hayden Bryant has spent eight years working in recreation facilities for Sport Taman, starting as a volunteer at the Motueka Recreation Centre while a polytechnic student.

Now he takes over from Tony Naylor as boss at what is the region’s largest and busiest sport and recreational hub.

Almost 400,000 people pass through the doors of the stadium a year.

The 34-year-old Nelsonian brings plenty of energy and experience to the role, which has included stints as squash development officer for Nelson, a recreation assistant at the Motueka Recreation Centre and most recently working on special events such as the Cricket World Cup and FIFA under 20 World Cup for Sport Tasman.

Just back from eight months in Adelaide, he is delighted to secure the job.

“I love this region and I get to work in a role which is very fulfilling.”

Hayden, who lists football, running and photography as his interests, says he wants to continue the great work done by Naylor, the two councils and sporting codes in the face of challenges such as the devastating flood of 2013 and the lingering loss of the Trafalgar Centre as a venue.

“I think the job done so far considering the challenges is to be commended.”

He says he will be working with Sport Tasman and sports codes to establish what needs to change to ensure the facility keeps up with the play and “give our community the opportunity to be more active, more often.”

Sport Tasman general manager of facilities Brent Maru says Bryant is hard worker who leads from the front.

“He has a 100% commitment to building and maintaining strong relationships with stakeholders.”

Maru says among the new developments at the stadium which Hayden will oversee is the trialling of a new online booking system and the procurement with Rata Foundation funding of some spin bikes and fitness equipment to further enhance community programmes.

The stadium continues to host a wide range of events ranging from last week’s NZ secondary school netball competition to the forthcoming Home and Garden Show and Art Expo.

For more information contact Hayden Bryant at [email protected] or phone 923 2319.