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NZ to invest USD 2 million for gender-neutral upgrades in stadiums

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In what comes as a great development as far as New Zealand sports is concerned, the New Zealand government has announced a USD 2 million package in order to upgrade the facilities at the five major stadiums in the country. The 5 major stadiums in the country are Basin Reserve, Seddon Park, University Oval, Hagley Oval and the NZC High-Performance Centre at Lincoln University. They are planning to make the venues gender-neutral ahead of the 2022 ICC Women’s World Cup.

In all likelihood, the Eden Park in Auckland can host all three women’s world cups including cricket, football and rugby in the next 3 years. Preparations are being made to make it a gender-neutral venue. Meanwhile, the upgrades at the Tauranga’s Bay Oval has been accessed and has been considered “ acceptable”.

"What goes on behind the scenes is a huge part of what happens out on the field," ICC Women's Cricket World Cup 2022 CEO Andrea Nelson was quoted as saying by Cricbuzz. "To achieve exceptional performances, players need access to appropriate facilities."

"This is what major events are all about. New Zealand's premier sporting venues and the players that grace them will benefit from these facility upgrades for many years to come. Beyond the nationwide celebration of cricket in 2022, the CWC22 legacy will improve the experience of our women and girls in cricket for future generations."

The focus for the upgrade of the stadium will be given on gender-equal facilities including the toilets which is the primary on their list. New Zealand’s deputy prime minister mentioned that the facilities in stadiums are generally tailor-made for men and is not always right for the women.

"Facilities that are tailored for men are not always right for women, and part of this funding is about changing that, so we are good hosts for the world's best women's players in 2022. Gender-neutral facilities are lacking at all levels of the sector and this needs to change in order to encourage more women and girls to participate in play, active recreation and sport."

"As well as providing high-quality and safe facilities for the Cricket World Cup teams, they'll provide an example of what good inclusivity looks like for everyone using the changing facilities regardless of gender, reducing barriers to participation," Robertson added.

"Hosting three women's world cups in three years is a massive opportunity to drive positive change and put New Zealand on the world map when it comes to women in sport."

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