Every town has people who leave a mark that lasts long after they’re gone. In Morrinsville, Hugh Vercoe was one of those people. A former Mayor, Rotary stalwart, and tireless community champion, Hugh had a knack for turning conversations into action and ideas into places where people could gather, play, and belong. The Morrinsville Events Centre is one of those places - and its latest chapter is firmly stamped with Hugh’s legacy.

The Morrinsville Events Centre courts have been recently refurbished, marking an important new chapter for one of the town’s most valued community facilities. The centre has historically been supported by the Morrinsville Events Centre Trust, which is no longer required for operation. However, before stepping away, the Trust together with the Morrinsville Rotary Club made a financial contribution towards refurbishing the court walls inside the facility.

The Trust and Rotary requested that the court space be named the Hugh Vercoe Courts, as a tribute to the late Hugh Vercoe, recognising the pivotal role he played in bringing the Events Centre to life, and his lifelong service to Morrinsville.

Community gathers to honour a legacy

A small ceremony was held on Thursday evening, bringing together Hugh’s family, friends, Rotary club, elected members, and community representatives to mark the occasion.

Paul Hutchinson, Chairperson of the former Morrinsville Events Centre Charitable Trust, said the Centre may have never been built without Hugh’s determination and Rotary’s support.

“It’s one thing to have an idea, a plan, or a vision, but I couldn’t get it off the ground,” Mr Hutchinson said. “Then along came Hugh Vercoe and the Rotary Club of Morrinsville, and they turned that idea into a reality. The reality is - we’re gathered inside it here tonight.”

The idea of a community stadium for Morrinsville emerged at a Rotary meeting. As Club President in 1992, Mr Vercoe immediately recognised the opportunity and established a committee to explore the development of a two-court complex. From 1992 to 1995, he led a determined team through strong opposition and numerous challenges, ultimately securing Council support for a scaled-down version of the project.

Council agreed to move forward with the $2 million facility in 1995, but only if the community could raise half the money to match Council funding. Many doubted that a small club could meet such a significant goal but Mr Vercoe proved otherwise. Thanks to his leadership and a committed community effort, the Westpac Morrinsville Events Centre opened in 1997. He then helped establish a Charitable Trust, chaired it for many years, and remained actively involved until shortly before his passing in 2023.

Rotary’s ongoing commitment to Morrinsville

Morrinsville Rotary President Sean Mason said the refurbishment represented far more than a building upgrade.

“Today we gather to celebrate more than a refurbishment, more than a project, and more than a partnership,” Mr Mason said. “We are honouring a legacy built with vision, hard work, and the remarkable dedication of a man who deeply believed in the potential of Morrinsville.”

Mr Mason described Hugh as a leader who inspired action and collaboration. “Hugh had extraordinary energy. When he set his mind to something, it was almost inevitable that it would get done. He brought people together and reminded us that things don’t come about by luck, they come about by hard work.”

He said naming the courts in Hugh’s honour reflects both Rotary’s history with the facility and the community’s future needs. “By partnering with Council again, we’re investing in the health, recreation, and wellbeing of future generations, and ensuring the story of how this centre came to be is not forgotten.”

Enhancing the space for users

Mayor Ash Tanner said Council supported the naming of the courts, while also using the opportunity to enhance the building itself. “Instead of just giving the walls a quick lick of paint, the team went a little bit further,” Mayor Ash said. “The internal walls have been upgraded with a special fabric finish. It looks fantastic and has also made a real difference to the acoustics for everyone using this space.”

Anyone who has been in the courts will immediately notice the difference, as many people can now have separate conversations without the need to compete with echoes and reverberation. The striking blue colour also adds a pop of joy to the once-brown walls.

A moment for family

Many members of the Vercoe family came along to the ceremony, for them, the naming and plaque-reading was a deeply personal moment. Hugh’s daughter, Linda Vercoe, said seeing her Dad’s name on the courts was emotional.

“It was a privilege to walk in and see the name up there. It actually brought a tear to my eye,” she said. “On behalf of our family, thank you for all the hard work that’s gone into this, and thank you to everyone for being here today.”

A wider legacy of service

Hugh Vercoe’s service extended well beyond the Events Centre. Taiporutu Hauraki, General Manager at Ngāti Hauā Mahi Trust, acknowledged Hugh’s foundational role with the Trust.

“Hugh Vercoe was a foundational trustee of Ngāti Hauā Mahi Trust and served until the day of his passing,” Mr Hauraki said. “He played a pivotal role in establishing the Trust as a charitable entity and shaping its early direction. Hugh was known for his big heart, sharp business mind, and unwavering passion for the Mahi Trust.”

Across his lifetime, Hugh contributed:

• 49 years to Rotary
• 31 years to the Morrinsville Events Centre committee
• 15 years in public office with Matamata-Piako District Council, Mr Vercoe served as Mayor from 1998 to 2013

Naming the courts in Hugh’s honour acknowledges his lasting contribution to Morrinsville and the wider district, ensuring his legacy continues to be recognised by all who use the centre.

The Morrinsville Events Centre is open for bookings at mpdc.nz/mec