A retired school sports “legend” officially opened the Maniototo Area School gymnasium on Friday (July 18) after the completion of a refurbishment project.

Joe Donald, who taught physical education (PE) for more than three decades at the school, was a VIP guest at the community-focused opening ceremony.

“When we thought about who should open our redeveloped gym, there was no doubt - it had to be Mr D. He taught here for about 35 years and became a true MAS legend,” school deputy principal Lucia Dowling said in a speech at the event.

According to Lucia, the gym “quickly became a beloved place” at the school, largely due to Mr D’s influence.

Retired school teacher Joe Donald returns as a VIP guest at the opening celebrations. Photo: Nigel Pacey

Construction of the original gymnasium began in 1979, the year of the school’s centennial, commemorated with a visit from then prime minister Sir Robert Muldoon.

“During that celebration, he announced the approval for a general-purpose hall, a dream that had been 53 years in the making,” Lucia said.

In 2018, a project to rejuvenate the facility was launched, with the idea to incorporate some smaller teaching spaces into the main area of the gym. 

Construction began in 2023, coinciding with a school-wide rebuild, and finished at the beginning of term four last year, led by Stewarts Construction.

“Some cold PE sessions were held outside during the build,” Lucia told The Central App.

Current pupils perform at the gymnasium’s official opening ceremony. Photo: Nigel Pacey

Staff and pupils are already making use of the new space.

“We are most proud of the scope of the gym. As well as a large gym space we have two dedicated spaces for fitness training - a weights room and a cardio room,” Lucia said.

“Thanks to our partnership with the Maniototo Rugby Club we have state of the art fitness equipment. 

“Not many school gyms have the equipment and resources our students have access to.”

The gym is also used for prizegivings, discos, science fairs, and visiting performers.

The school’s focus had shifted to the development of an artificial turf, a project that received $200,000 of community funding in the district council’s latest Long Term Plan, signed off last month.

“When this is done we will be a real sport and activity hub for the community,” Lucia said.

Read more: New turf backed by council grant

Have a story to share or comment to make? Contact [email protected]