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Headon Events Centre opens

Headon Stadium was opened on Monday 15 November – after overcoming significant issues with the floor and delays due to lockdowns.

The redeveloped indoor sports facility was blessed and officially reopened as Whare Hakinakina o Headon/Headon Events Centre at a small gathering.

“We were hoping for a big community opening for Headon Events Centre,” said Mayor Ash, “but true to form with this project, Covid-19 has thrown a spanner in the works.”

“The Matamata community has waited long enough to get their indoor sports centre back, so we opened it with a small, private blessing.” Local iwi led the blessing and were joined by the Mayor and Councillors, Headon family members Del Bawden and her son Roger, and Phillip and Dianne Yorke.

The Rose Yorke Function Room is named after Phillip’s mother and he was pleased Council had invested in upgrading the facility as it was a special place for them. This view was also shared by Del Bawden, and other speakers recalled fond memories of their involvement with the stadium.

Mayor Ash is impressed by the transformation. “It really has to be seen to be believed. It’s taken longer than any of us would’ve liked but I take my hat off to everyone involved - we’ve ended up with a great community facility.”

The facility is now single story with a function room and kitchen facilities, storage areas and provides full disability access. It includes internal and external access to toilets and changing facilities, and the wooden floor is marked out with a full size netball and basketball court, plus five badminton courts.

Headon Events Centre is now available for bookings - groups or individuals wanting to use the venue can book it online.