Ashburton to become Hub of NZ Equestrian
- enquiries9605
- Dec 9, 2025
- 3 min read
It’s a mutual admiration society between Cartown Kiwi Super Classic founder Kevin Hansen and his gold sponsor, Catherine Stuart from the Southern Parallel Equine Centre Project.
“Her efforts will change the sport of equestrian in New Zealand,” says Kevin. “It is exciting what she is doing for the sport in Ashburton, and we are absolutely thrilled she is going to share the news at the Kiwi Super Classic.”
He’s talking about Catherine’s Southern Parallel Campus Project – a two-pronged affair that focuses on an Equine Centre and a Life Skills Academy. The $200million equine centre is expected to be operational by the end of 2027. Kevin is an advisor for the ambitious equine centre, which Catherine says the aim will one day be a 5* FEI centre.
Catherine says she didn’t hesitate to support the Kiwi Super Classic. “Kevin has supported me in my endeavour,” she says. “He is so dedicated to showjumping and equestrian sports and has been an amazing advisor to me. He supports the centre, so we in turn will support him.”
Catherine will be unveiling her plans at the Super Classic to riders at the reunion lunch and VIP function.
“This will be the biggest equine centre in New Zealand,” she says. “It is part of a multi-discipline campus with the life skills academy helping those disabled in service or through an accident. . . . anyone disabled who needs to rejig their lives and career.”
Catherine’s background is in infrastructure through the redevelopment of war-torn regions. She spent 20-plus years in war-torn regions, Kosovo, Bosnia, Sierra Leone, Uganda, Angola and others.
“Since 9/11, there have been 1.8 million disabled veterans in the coalition forces, and 60% of those are struggling... not just after rehab but with their mental health as well.”
Her 22-week programme will include equine therapy, as she knows through her own experience just how valuable that can be.
“This is my way of paying things forward,” says Catherine. “I wouldn’t be here without brave veterans.”
Her connections across the globe are extensive and include those behind the Invictus Games. She is South African by birth but has called New Zealand home for 45 years and considers herself a “proud Kiwi”. Construction is set to start mid-2026 and be completed by the end of 2027. She is using new European-style modular panel technology, which means the 600 competition stables will be up to the fit-out stage in three months. Catherine says she is focused on environmental responsibility, and using stone and timber for the buildings meets this goal. There will be four fibre arenas – made with Arenamend natural fibre – four grass arenas, a 50mx100m indoor and two polo fields. The venue will easily be able to host large-scale international events.
Catherine has plans to breed “top line” horses and will be buying 200 brood mares from offshore. “Riders will be able to come and train to Olympic level and SPEC plans to sponsor teams to compete at Nations Cup level across the disciplines. My goal is to bring equestrian sport in New Zealand into the global circuit,” she says.
She draws inspiration from the best and will draw on people she knows who will help sponsor New Zealand and get them back on the winning podium.
Ashburton was the “perfect” place to establish her dream, which has been seven years in the making. “We have had to pivot due to consent issues, and we’ve spent $5 million in those processes alone,” says Catheine. “I have committed to this, and I won’t be walking away. I have been captured by rebels, shot, blown up by land mines and more, but this has been my most stressful project to date!”
As well as the competition side of equestrian, she will also establish a comprehensive research centre and a world-class equine hospital featuring three theatres and top-line scanners, offering top expertise to train New Zealand vets and technicians.
“I am a developer of not just things, but people too. I love helping people achieve their goals.”
WHAT: Cartown Kiwi Super Classic
WHEN: December 19-21, 2025
WHERE: Manfeild Park, Feilding
Words by Diana Dobson - The Black Balloon
