Scoop has an Ethical Paywall
Community in Crisis: Upper Hutt’s Only Inline Hockey Rink Faces Closure
Upper Hutt, NZ – The Rimutaka Renegades Inline Hockey Club is facing an urgent crisis as their home rink is set to close due to skyrocketing rental costs. The Upper Hutt Roller Skating Club, which sublets the space to the Renegades and the local Roller Derby Club, can no longer sustain the staggering $174,000 annual lease. As a result, all three clubs must vacate the premises by July 30th, leaving Upper Hutt’s roller sports community without a home.
“This isn’t just about a rink—it’s about a community,” said a club representative. “For years, this space has fostered teamwork, fitness, and passion for the sport. Losing it would be devastating for inline hockey and other roller sports in the region.”
With no suitable alternative venues in Upper Hutt, the club is urgently seeking support. They are calling on the local community, businesses, and government officials to help find a solution—whether it’s securing a more sustainable lease, finding a new location, or rallying financial backing.
The Renegades urge anyone with connections to the Upper Hutt City Council, media, potential investors, or community groups seeking space to get in touch.
How to Help:
Contact the club at renegadesihc@gmail.com
Spread the word using #SaveOurRink
Jude MacArthur, The Conversation: As New Charter Schools Open, We Still Know Too Little About How They Worked Last Time
Women in Sport Aotearoa: From Aotearoa to the Pacific - 11 New Zealand Sports Organisations Back 2025 YPL Sports Programme to Shape Future Leaders
Lunar New Year Festival: New Minister For Ethnic Communities Opens Wellington Lunar New Year Festival Day
Toy Library Federation of New Zealand: Toy Library Awareness Week 2025
University of Auckland: Hon. Carmel Sepuloni Talks Celebrity Treasure Island And Imposter Syndrome On Return To University Of Auckland
Whanganui Regional Museum: In Return - A Unique Live Music Experience At Whanganui Regional Museum