Next year will be one of transformation for Tāneatua Rugby Football Club, with a facility-wide electrical upgrade starting soon, thanks to a $197,475 grant from Trust Horizon.

More than 100 years after it was established, the club went into recess in 2016.

Six years later, a group of keen rugby players drove the club’s revival, building up the numbers needed to reopen its doors.

Since then, it has expanded to include rugby, netball, 8 Ball, and various junior teams.

The thriving facility regularly hosts functions, such as 21st birthdays, wakes and community events. It also provides the location for Te Puna Ora o Mataatua’s weekly mobile health clinic.

Though Tāneatua Rugby Football Club has embraced the role of community hub, its clubrooms have been overdue for a refresh.

“The last major work was carried out in the early 1980s, so the facilities are fairly dated,” said club treasurer Grant Wilkinson.

“The kitchen in particular needed an upgrade, so that even more people come in and use the space.”

Thanks to a $197,475 grant from Trust Horizon – along with support from other funders – these upgrades will now be possible.

The extensive project will include new insulation, heat pumps, complete rewiring for both club buildings, power points, interior and exterior lighting, a CCTV security system, and brand-new commercial kitchen appliances.

“We’re even installing a generator connection, so that in emergency situations our clubrooms can be used as an evacuation centre,” said Mr Wilkinson. “It really is incredible, we’re so lucky.”

With new energy-efficient lighting, the upgrade will significantly reduce the club’s electricity costs, and the fully compliant commercial kitchen will open up the clubrooms to even more community events.

Mr Wilkinson said Trust Horizon expressed its support for the project from its earliest stages.

“As part of the application process, Trust Horizon representatives came out to the clubrooms so we could show them around.

“They could see who we were and what we wanted to achieve, and that was a huge first step in the process.”

Trust Horizon trustee Yvonne Boyes said the club’s reinvigoration in recent years had been clear.

“When we visited the club, we could see the energy and effort behind its revival.

“We’re very pleased to support the great work the club is already doing and help facilitate an upgrade that will benefit the entire Tāneatua community.”

Planning for the project is under way, with work aiming to start over the Christmas and New Year period.