Groundworks started this January for the Open Country Stadium build. This new indoor stadium will have facilities to play netball, basketball, volleyball, badminton, futsal and more. Attached to the court area will be student changing facilities, plus a community zone that includes ablutions and a multi-purpose room with a kitchen. The stadium will be on Ministry of Education land, and will be shared by Matamata College and the Matamata community.

J.Swap have been managing the groundworks for the build, and have already established an outer fence, road into the build site and initial foundation works since the start of the year. Bruce Magan, a founding Trustee of Matamata Futures Trust and Frank Healey, Chair of Matamata Futures Trust, went on a tour of the site last week. “We were excited when Mokoro broke the ground”, said Frank, “and seeing the progress made so far is great”. Representatives of local iwi, Matamata Futures Trust, Matamata College, Council and other involved parties gathered at the end of last year to break the ground before construction work began.

“It’s great to see construction underway after many years of planning and negotiation” said Mayor Adrienne. “Through the efforts of Matamata Futures, our community, Council, and the advocacy from Sport Waikato to bring the Ministry of Education on board, this stadium will support the growing needs for indoor sports and recreation for the wider Matamata district and beyond. Projects shared between council and other parties where capital and operational costs are shared can maximise benefits for the community.”

Over $9.5m has been raised by sponsors and the community so far, with $1.5m left in sponsorship opportunities. A list of awesome current sponsors as well as sponsorship opportunities and more information about the project can be found at matamatafutures.co.nz