Historic Kihikihi grandstand to be demolished after serious safety findings

By Webfit News | 16 October 2026

A grandstand dating back to 1888 will be demolished at Kihikihi Domain, with Waipā District Council saying its deteriorating condition means it can no longer be safely used.

Work is scheduled to begin on Monday, 19 October, and take about two weeks. There are currently no plans to rebuild it.

The decision follows an independent assessment that identified damaged steel supports beneath the lower seating and stairs, along with earthquake vulnerability.

Closed since February 2024

The grandstand has been fenced off since February 2024, when the assessment raised serious concerns about its structure.

It received an earthquake rating of about 20 per cent of the New Building Standard. The assessment also found it could safely accommodate no more than five people at a time and recommended avoiding use during strong winds or heavy rain.

Those findings left the council considering whether repair and strengthening could provide a viable future for the structure.

Repairs estimated at $500,000

The council estimated upgrading the grandstand would cost around $500,000, compared with $95,000 for demolition.

Community Delivery Director Nick Murphy said the decision acknowledged the grandstand’s history and significance to Kihikihi, but public safety had to come first.

“We carefully considered the options for repairing and strengthening the structure, but ultimately, demolition is the right decision to protect public safety.”

More than a century of history

Built in 1888, the grandstand was relocated to Kihikihi Domain in 1954. Further sections were added during the 1960s.

It is listed as a Category C heritage item in the Waipā District Plan.

Its removal will bring an end to more than seven decades at the domain, although some materials may find another use.

Materials may be salvaged

The council says materials will be saved for reuse wherever possible, potentially by the Kihikihi Polo Club.

With no replacement currently planned, the demolition will remove a historic feature of the domain while addressing safety concerns that have kept it closed for more than two years.

Photo caption: The historic grandstand at Kihikihi Domain is scheduled for demolition from 19 October.

Photo credit: Waipā District Council.

Source: Waipā District Council announcement, 16 October 2026.