Trident High School has quite literally lifted the shadows over its sports fields with the installation of professional-grade floodlighting.

After nearly two years in development, from concept to completion, Trident High officially flipped the switch during its “Light Up Trident” sports event on Monday night.

Assistant principal Jon Stanhope said the idea began with a discussion about creating social sports teams to support student wellbeing and mental health. That conversation soon raised a simple question – where could such evening games take place?

A casual mention of lighting, followed by a chat with the Light Up Whakatāne team, planted the seed for what would become a major project.

“I approached Allison Windley from Trust Horizon with the concept and she was very supportive of the idea, as was the school once the vision was understood,” said Mr Stanhope.

Trust Horizon trustee Merrin Stables said the trust was immediately drawn to the proposal.

“When Mr. Stanhope outlined the opportunities the floodlights would create for students and the wider community, the need was clear and through the trust’s  support, the use of the facilities could be extended,.”

The project received a $177,200 grant earlier this year, and following a competitive tender process, installation began on new energy-efficient LED floodlights.

“The lights will allow us to host night cricket, rugby, and football for students and even community events if needed,” Mr Stanhope said.

He added that the upgrade would help level the playing field with schools in the Western Bay.

“Having lights will allow us to better compete with the Western Bay schools. There are very few schools in the country with a facility like this, and even fewer students who’ve played under lights, so the feedback has been incredible.”

Staff, students, parents, and Trust Horizon representatives gathered to celebrate the milestone, watching as, at dusk, Allison Windley pressed the buttons and lit up the field for the first time.