As the sun rose at 6.30am Monday the 2nd of February 2026, iwi warmly welcomed guests onto the Open Country Community Stadium site for a dawn blessing, an exciting and emotional moment marking the beginning of a new chapter for the Matamata community.
Beginning the ceremony, the stadium’s Te Reo Māori name, Te Whare Hui Ora, meaning wellbeing through connection, was unveiled. The name aptly captures the spirit of the stadium – a place designed to bring people together, strengthen relationships, and provide support, guidance, and renewal for the community. A moving waiata, Whakaaria Mai, followed. The phrase means to make visible or reveal, with mai indicating direction toward the speaker, which was a fitting reflection of a long standing vision now finally brought to reality.
Matamata Piako District Mayor, Ash Tanner, acknowledged local iwi, Matamata Futures, and the many individuals and groups who worked tirelessly to bring the project to life. “It’s humbling to see it completed,” he said. “This is something we can all be incredibly proud of, it’s a true community effort.”
A heartfelt tribute was paid to Frank Healey, Chairman of the Matamata Futures Trust, whose dedication and belief in the project have been fundamental to its success. His steady leadership, countless hours and behind the scenes support have helped turn an ambitious idea into a reality that will serve generations. Frank described the project as both challenging and rewarding. “It’s been a journey,” he said. “And the result is just fantastic. It’s opened the doors for top sports achievement – some sports, in fact, I didn’t even know existed!” Founding donor Bruce Magan was also recognised for his generosity and foresight, alongside Frank, for backing a project driven not by personal gain but by a commitment to create a lasting legacy for all members of the community.
Representing Sport Waikato, Matthew Cooper acknowledged the bold decision to build the stadium, and that projects of this scale require courage, vision, and trust in the future. “These things don’t just happen,” he said. “This facility builds a community, and I couldn’t be more proud.”
Ross McIntyre, presiding member of the Matamata College Board of Trustees, summed up the spirit of the occasion by honouring “the dreamers, the drawers, and the commitment right through to the drilling of the very last screw. “Thanks is what I would like to say,” he said quite simply!
As a shared facility, the stadium will balance dedicated times for Matamata College use with open access for the wider community. A grand opening celebration is scheduled for February 21, inviting everyone to come along and experience this new community taonga.
Story by Caron Stewart – Scene in your community Magazine
Opening Images: Callum Barnett , Home Image (Team Photo): Caron Stewart