History of Mclean Park

The park is named in memory of Donald McLean who, as Native Minister and Government Land Commissioner, purchased a large block of land from local Maori in the early days of European settlement in this area.

In 1905, a trust was formed to establish a memorial to Sir Donald McLean and to that end, ten acres was purchased for recreational purposes - the future McLean Park. In its early years, the Highland Society was very strong and the park was mainly used for highland games and athletic events.

Read here McLean Park's History by Michael Fowler.

From a Rugby perspective, below is a list of firsts on McLean Park

28 September, 1912 

First Club Match
Marist OB v Waipukurau United, HB Challenge Shield Match 

1 September, 1917 

First Interprovincial Match
Hawke’s Bay v Poverty Bay

3 June, 1926 

Record Score
Hawke’s Bay defeat Wairarapa 77-14 in a Ranfurly Shield defence. The Magpies 77 points is the highest score by any NZ province, and remains so until passed by Counties in 1972 with their 101-7 win over East Coast.

24 March, 1965

First night match
Hawke’s Bay v Invitation XV  

30 August, 1969 

Record Attendance
26,292 spectators watch Hawke’s Bay defeat Wellington 14-6 in a Ranfurly Shield defence

26 August, 1972

First nationwide live TV telecast in NZ of a rugby match
Hawke’s Bay 15 v Australia 14 

12 May, 1976

First ever NPC first division match in New Zealand
Auckland 10 v Hawke’s Bay 7

24 May, 1987 

First Test Match
Canada defeat Tonga 24-7 in inaugural World Cup.

7 June, 1996 

First All Blacks Test
All Blacks defeat Samoa 51-10

McLean Park Re-Turf 2018