The Open Country Community Stadium in Matamata is opening its doors after years of planning, fundraising and partnership across the district. The facility will serve both Matamata College and the wider community, offering a modern indoor space for sports, recreation and community use.

A ceremony, led by iwi, took place on Monday 2 February, allowing the college to begin using the building while preparations continue for the community opening on Saturday 21 February.

A dawn blessing to open the space

At 6.30am iwi welcomed guests on to the site before unveiling the stadium’s new Te reo Māori name, Te Whare Hui Ora, meaning 'wellbeing through connection'. It represents a space where movement and shared experiences bring people together, nurture relationships, and build a sense of belonging and community support.

Guests followed iwi from room to room, as they acknowledged the space with intent, the intent of giving meaning to ‘wellbeing through connection’ by giving the space and new building purpose. The blessing ended with a kōrero that connected the project to its spiritual foundations and the responsibility of caring for places where people gather. Further speeches followed, along with waiata, before everyone came together to share kai (food).

Years of vision and partnership

This was a monumental occasion for the project team and key sponsors, who reflected on the journey that got them to this point. "It takes people willing to step up,” said Matthew Cooper of Sport Waikato, "These sorts of things don’t just happen - you need a lot of courage.”

The idea for a purpose-built indoor facility has been discussed in Matamata for years. It was initiated by Bruce Magan and the Matamata Futures Trust (MFT), and later gained backing from Matamata-Piako District Council (MPDC), Sport Waikato, the Ministry of Education (MoE), and many generous local individuals and businesses.

"Bruce and Frank are two incredible humans," continued Cooper, "They've worked to bring everyone together, and their only goal was to better the community."

A shared agreement between MPDC, Matamata College and MoE means the stadium will support both education and community use. This partnership reflects a commitment to long-term wellbeing and sustainable operations.

Mayor Ash Tanner (MPDC), Frank Healey (MFT) and Matthew Cooper (Sport Waikato) reflect on the journey to this point.

A facility built for local needs

The stadium includes a double court gymnasium, multi-purpose indoor space, mezzanine, changing rooms and storage. It is designed to support a wide range of indoor sports and recreational activities, responding to community needs like low indoor sport participation, limited existing venues and the desire for a vibrant community hub.

Frank Healey, chair of MFT, said, "This stadium will be around for 50 years or so. It’ll see our community involved in all kinds of sports - some that I didn't even know existed before this!" The building includes custom-built features for sports like netball, badminton and futsal.

Throughout 2025, the structure took shape as the walls went up, the roof was installed, and interior works progressed. Contractors are now adding the finishing touches to the accessway and parking area ahead of the community opening on 21 February.

Built by community, for the community

Throughout construction, the project team have highlighted that the stadium is a genuine community investment. Local volunteers, clubs, iwi partners, funders and supporters have all played a role in bringing the project to life. Many have contributed design ideas and helped shape how the facility will operate.

Sponsor boards and signage within the stadium recognise the various contributors. Mayor Ash Tanner thanked everyone who played a part, "We've got some amazing people in the community who have rallied together to make this happen."

The result is a space designed to lift community morale, increase participation in sport and recreation, support health and wellbeing, and to connect.  It shows what’s possible when organisations and residents work together towards a shared goal. "It's fantastic to be at this point," the Mayor acknowledged. "What started as a dream has become a reality."

Community invited to celebrate

The public opening from 9-11am on Saturday 21 February will celebrate this achievement and give everyone a chance to see the facility in action. People can explore the building, enjoy local food, watch demonstrations, and connect with local sports clubs.

The Open Country Community Stadium stands as a testament to collaboration, generosity and community pride - built for today, and for generations to come. "Our trust is a community trust.” Healey added, “Thank you to our community, we could not have done it without you."

You can find out more about this project at mpdc.nz/stadium