Hawke's Bay Community Sport and Health Centre project 'transformative'

Ngati Kahungunu kaumatua Haami Hilton (right) and Sir Graeme Avery of the HB Community Fitness Centre Trust during a blessing of the centre's site at the Regional Sports Park. Photo/Supplied

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.

"We expect initial site works to be under way in a matter of weeks. I have been overwhelmed by the site blessing and am very grateful to Ngahiwi Tomoana and the people of Ngati Kahungunu for their support."

He said key partnerships, funding and donation conversations would continue for the next five months as the trust worked to ensure it can deliver the "most important Stage One features".

"Although the focus has to be on the building and facilities at this stage, it's knowing that we are getting close to delivering transformational programmes into communities throughout Hawke's Bay that has us really excited."