Matamata's Headon Stadium finally reopened this week after overcoming significant issues with the floor and delays due to Covid-19 restrictions and lockdowns.
The redeveloped indoor sports facility was blessed and officially reopened as Whare Hakinakina o Headon/Headon Events Centre at a small gathering on Monday.
Matamata-Piako mayor Ash Tanner says: "We were hoping for a big community opening for Headon Events Centre but true to form with this project, Covid-19 has thrown a spanner in the works. The Matamata community has waited long enough to get their indoor sports centre back, so we opened it with a small, private blessing."
![The facility is now single storey with a function room and kitchen facilities, storage areas, and provides full disability access. Photo / Supplied](https://www.nzherald.co.nz/resizer/v2/7NRQU5FPPQ4I2MKR27QEEPAXIU.jpg?auth=68d7df9273a3d3ee0febb559c95803c015f612d447648ecf501a6b49882fb5ae&width=16&height=6&quality=70&smart=true)
Local iwi led the blessing and were joined by the mayor and councillors, Headon family members Del Bawden and her son Roger, and Phillip and Dianne Yorke.