McLean Park may need to be re-turfed to remove old grass root matter clogging the soil and preventing the ground from drying. If organic matter builds up below the turf as well, it can retain excessive levels of water. Another concern was that towing a super-sopper behind a tractor effectively massaged water back into the surface rather than taking it away. The theory is that unless water is removed using the 'whale' system, sustained traffic turns the turf to mush. One source suggested New Zealand Cricket might struggle to get the March 1 ODI match against South Africa insured against commercial losses for inclement weather if Napier remained the venue.

Source: New Zealand Herald February 03, 2017 03:08 UTC