Rogers Charitable Trust has helped to fund a new $1.6 million multi-sport facility at Te Awamutu College, whiched opened in February 2024.
The 51.2m x 36.9m turf is used as a practice turf for lacrosse, hockey, netball, football, and other sports. It is also used as a space for physical education classes and for assemblies.
The turf adds to the college’s other sport and recreation facilities and resources, including a double-gym complex with a basketball court, training room, swimming pool, playing fields, and tennis courts.
The school launched a fundraising appeal in September 2022, and Rogers Charitable Trust provided $150,000 towards the turf.
At the time of opening, Te Awamutu College Principal Tony Membery said the idea of a turf was brought up 20 years ago, but at the time “it seemed like a dream, a fantasy land” due to the cost.
“I do want to give credit. The current and previous boards, the desire to have a turf has become stronger and has become real,” he said.
“...You can see it from a distance, but when you get underneath it, you see the scope and size and go ‘wow, this is flash’. I’m really pleased. It’s been a lot of dreaming and planning — it’s been a bit of a saga.”
