Electrical upgrade re-energises Matata Gym with support from Trust Horizon

The Matata community’s local gym has seen a renewed burst of energy with the recent completion of a $25,000 electrical upgrade, thanks to a grant from Trust Horizon.

Matata Gym was first established in 2019, when D’Arcy Stoneham and Alana Hunter spotted the need for somewhere for locals to exercise closer to home. “The nearest gym is in Edgecumbe, and we thought our community could really use a more accessible option,” says Stoneham. “We had all this exercise gear that was just sitting at home gathering dust. So we thought, why not put it to good use?” 

The pair formed a non-profit organisation, Hapori Ora Trust, and pulled together to set up a gym at the old Matata church and hall building. Since launching, Matata Gym has gone from strength to strength – bringing on board two additional trustees, Linda Bush and Maria Minarapa, and growing to a member base of 84, each paying an affordable $5 a week in fees.

Over time, Hapori Ora’s trustees noticed that the facility’s electricity bills were high, despite fairly low power usage. “We looked into how we could lower our power bills, and found out that fixing the issue would cost us more than we had in our account,” says Stoneham. Hapori Ora began exploring funding opportunities, and discovered the possibility of gaining funding via a grant from Trust Horizon. “We reached out to the building’s owners, St David’s Rangitaiki Presbyterian Church, to see if we could apply.”

John Stothers, Chairperson of St David’s, was pleased to work with Hapori Ora to facilitate the application. “When Hapori Ora approached us we saw it as an ideal opportunity,” says Stothers. “It’s great to see the church buildings in regular use, and we’re keen for the gym’s activity to continue well into the future.”

Hapori Ora’s application to Trust Horizon was successful, and in August a grant of $25,000 was approved. “Exercise is such an important part of maintaining our health and wellbeing,” says Trust Horizon trustee, Yvonne Boyes. “Matata Gym is a brilliant local facility that makes exercise more accessible and affordable for the community. We’re very pleased to have been able to support the facility’s much-needed electrical upgrade.”

Trust Horizon’s grant has enabled the completion of a range of upgrades – including brighter and more energy-efficient lighting, new switchboards and wiring, more powerpoints, and improved heating.

For Hapori Ora and Matata Gym’s 84 members, the changes have been significant. Previously, much of the gym’s equipment relied on extension cords. With new powerpoints installed, the cords no longer present a tripping hazard. The updated heating system means classes will be able to be held throughout the winter months. While transitioning from 3-Phase to 1-Phase power is also set to see a marked decrease in the gym’s electricity bills. 

“We’d like to thank St David’s for the ongoing support, Mike Bird Electrical for going above and beyond, and everyone else who was involved in the application process,” says Stoneham. “We’d also like to thank the Matata community for chipping in with donated gear and a helping hand. Finally, on behalf of Hapori Ora, we’d also like to give a big shout out to Trust Horizon. Our mission is to help our local community be happy and healthy at home, and this upgrade will go a long way in helping us achieve that.”

Find out more about Trust Horizon community funding here.