Future is bright for historical Waimana Sports & Cultural Club with Trust Horizon grant

A $62,913 grant from Trust Horizon is soon to bring renewed energy to the 120-year-old Waimana Sports & Cultural Club.

Previously known as the Waimana Rugby Club, the facility has played host to over a century of sports games, cultural events, and special occasions. However, during the Club’s more recent history, socio-economic changes and funding issues saw it fall into disrepair.

Over the past three years a new Club committee has formed, and with it has come a renewed sense of purpose. “The committee members are all home-grown and we really care,” says Club President, John Brown. “Like many in the community, we have so many awesome memories of the Club, and we’re all working our hardest to bring it back to the way we remember it.”

The committee has outlined a number of strategic aims, including operational excellence, increasing the use of Te Reo and tikanga in Club activities, and growing membership by 20%.

“Our vision is a future where our community thrives in health and unity, and is transformed through the power of sport and culture,” says Brown. “We hope to bring a lot more people to the Club, and we need to provide a safe environment to do that.”

With the Clubrooms operating on an aging wiring system, an electrical upgrade was the first big step in creating this safe environment. To help fund the project, the committee reached out to Trust Horizon. “This was our first time applying for a grant of this nature, and Trust Horizon really supported us throughout the process,” says Club Treasurer, Kohine Ratu.

A grant for $62,913 was approved to go towards a complete rewiring, LED lighting, insulation, heat pumps, bathroom extractor fans and new kitchen appliances.

“We’re currently getting by with domestic kitchen appliances, which isn’t sufficient for our needs,” explains Ratu. “The new commercial oven in particular will make a huge difference. We’ll be able to provide meals for visiting teams, and run a canteen to help bring in income for the Club.”

The Waimana Sports & Cultural Club’s investment in the growth of its community aligns closely with Trust Horizon’s vision to support prosperous communities in the Eastern Bay. “With such a long and cherished history behind it, the Trust is pleased to support the Club’s continued success well into the future,” says Trust Horizon Trustee, Merrin Stables.

The future is also top of mind for the Club committee. “The Club is the backbone of our community, and we want it to be a place that our kids will remember as fondly as we do,” says Ratu. “Words can’t describe how much we appreciate the support from Trust Horizon. We’re rebuilding from here, and this is giving us a great start.”

Read more about Trust Horizon’s projects here.