Ingham’s jump on board as sponsor
Ingham’s, a leading New Zealand poultry producer, has made a significant contribution to the Te Aroha community by becoming a major sponsor of its Silver Fern Farms Te Aroha Events Centre for the next 15 years with the naming rights to the sports hall.
The Te Aroha Events Centre is a multi-purpose sports complex and conference centre built on Matamata-Piako District Council land beside Boyd Park, with $4.5 million raised through a significant financial contribution from the council of $2 million and fundraising by the Te Aroha Events Centre Charitable Trust.
However, the upgraded, final cost of the Silver Fern Farms Te Aroha Events Centre was $5,081,772, with the charitable trust agreeing to raise the shortfall with continued fundraising ventures.
Trust spokesperson Paul Williams said they were thrilled to have Ingham’s on board with naming rights sponsorship.
Ingham’s New Zealand managing director Adrian Revell said: ‘‘We have been part of the Te Aroha community for more than 25 years, so contributing to the community centre is a great way for us to give back and to support our region.’’
Matamata-Piako Mayor Jan Barnes said the centre has been very popular and is in daily use since it opened its doors in October 2016.
Bookings have been from varied sports and other users, with especially good use from junior basketball teams (100 or more training at a time), futsal (indoor soccer, which didn’t have a venue before the centre) and netball, which can run year round (outdoor courts are nearby).
The centre has also been used by sponsors like Silver Fern Farms and the council for training workshops and events as well as for private functions.
The council even had an enquiry from a remote control car club, a use that wasn’t anticipated, who are considering laying carpet on the courts to run their races.
‘‘It will be a wonderful asset for our community and our district for many years to come.
‘‘The fact that there has been such amazing support from the community has helped to create a real sense of ownership,’’ she said.
‘‘Ingham’s’ sponsorship of the centre’s sports hall for such a long period of time will help our council to continue to manage and maintain this fantastic community facility.’’