Ngati Kahungunu kaumatua Haami Hilton blessed the site of the Hawke's Bay Community Sport and Health Centre at the weekend.
Organisers said the ceremony at the Hawke's Bay Regional Sports Park was "a moving occasion" that took place ahead of planned site works likely to start next month.
Joined by local community leaders, Hawke's Bay Community Fitness Centre Trust chairman Sir Graeme Avery and fellow trustees were "humbled by the cultural and spiritual significance of the blessing".
Mr Avery said it signalled a critical point in the project.
"We are making excellent progress and although there is still a lot of work to be done we are really pleased to be at this stage.