16 Apr 2026 – A new home for curling in Auckland opens this weekend with the launch of the multi-million dollar Auckland Curling Centre in Penrose. Open to the public and designed for both experienced curlers and first timers, the purpose-built facility will welcome social leagues, schools, and families alongside high performance competitors, helping grow the sport across the region and attract international competition.
 

• Radio NZ - Auckland Curling Club finally gets a dedicated rink

Designed to World Curling standards, the four sheet facility combines precision ice technology with welcoming social spaces, making it equally suited to elite curlers preparing for global competition and newcomers trying curling for the first time. The Olympic grade rink will also feature a bar, café and hang out spaces, and will provide a new home base for the popular Auckland Curling Club.

The facility will be formally opened on Saturday, 18 April by Deputy Mayor, Desley Simpson, with the traditional throwing of the first stone by Auckland Curling Club reigning champions, "Stonehenge".

Club President Rhys Greensill says the new rink is an exciting community asset. "Curling is a sport for everyone, and we're excited to invite current and future teams to join us for a session on the ice," he said. "We're also looking forward to providing a much-needed North Island training and competition venue for our Olympic and World Championship curlers."

New Zealand Olympian Lorne DePape (OLY 984) adds that the project has been a significant undertaking for the Auckland Curling Club.

"To construct the venue, produce the ice and provide facilities that meet the needs of both high performance curlers and have a go local teams is a major investment. We're hugely grateful to Auckland Council and World Curling for their financial support, and to the many Auckland Curling members who gave generously of their time and resources. We also acknowledge an important anonymous gift that was vital in getting the project underway."

The beauty of curling is that "all you need is a pair of sneakers, a warm jumper, and a have a go attitude — and our team will show you the rest," said DePape.

The Auckland Curling Centre is located at 10 Burrett Avenue in Penrose, Auckland. Public bookings are open now for sessions from 1st May. Head to www.aucklandcurling.nz for more information and bookings.
 

Curlers piped in at the club's 'soft' opening. Photo: Ke-Xin Li / RNZ

Icemaker Doug Charko. Photo Ke-Xin Li / RNZ