Paroa Rugby and Sports Club to celebrate centenary in upgraded clubrooms

Trust Horizon has approved almost $100,000 in funding for the Paroa Rugby & Sports Club’s community facilities, with upgrades due to be completed in time for the Club’s 100th anniversary celebrations this October.

Plans are in motion for the Club’s new community facility, including a gymnasium and changing rooms. The facility will play a key role in the organisation’s new strategic direction; strong emphasis on health and wellbeing. “Health and wellbeing is very important, especially for our older people,” says Paroa Rugby & Sports Club Chairperson, Jimmy McLean. “Health statistics for Māori need to improve, and we hope the new gymnasium will provide a pathway for Paroa’s Kaumata to keep up their health and fitness without having to pay to travel into town.”

2021 marks Paroa Rugby & Sports Club’s hundredth year as a place for the community to gather, socialise, and connect. Over the last century the Club has grown significantly – and so has the need to provide more space for juniors and athletes, fundraising events, and local recreation. The Club began planning for the facilities upgrade two years ago, with the goal to complete the project in time for their centennial celebrations. “The project is still in the early stages of planning and consent, but we aim to be finished by Labour Weekend, hopefully earlier,” says McLean. “I take my hat off to Trust Horizon for the great job they do for our community. We feel very fortunate to receive this funding to help us empower our Rangatahi and look after our Kaumata.”

The funds from Trust Horizon will go towards kitchen appliances and lighting for the existing clubrooms, and an electronic scoreboard, electrical wiring, and heating for the Club’s new community facility. “Organisations like the Paroa Rugby & Sports Club are the beating heart of their community,” says Trust Horizon Trustee, Kevin Hennessy. “The Trust takes our responsibility for raising the Eastern Bay of Plenty’s wellbeing seriously, so we’re proud to support the Club in their mission to improve the health and wellbeing of Paroa locals.”

Find out more about Trust Horizon’s funding process here.