Gisborne

Matt Skuse

Who benefits from this nominee's efforts?:
The greater East Coast community and all current and future Hockey players of the region.

What obstacles has this nominee overcome?:
Limited funds, small community base of support in a lower socio-economic region

What tangible results has this nominee achieved?:
Kick started fundraising by tireless efforts, negotiations and raising the profile of the cause. Innovative fundraising ideas that the community will enjoy

Why this nominee is a Kiwi Battler:
Hockey has been trying to build an artificial turf since 1993. Hockey in the East Coast Region has been in the doldrums for many years. There has been many difficult processes with council and other parties. Matt has been working on this for the last four years. After going nowhere for the first two years their only choice was to relocate and start from scratch. They are leaving behind a fabulous grandstand and pavilion. So far they have raised $650,000 and need another million. The entire community is hoping they can be playing on this new surface next year. Matt has organised many fabulous fundraisers which can be viewed on www.pbhockey.co.nz/turf For the last 5 months Matt has been spending 30-40 hours a week on hockey and his work comes second until this project is finished. It has cost Matt a lot of money over the years. Matt is unpaid and does it because he's passionate about the sport. Matt is lucky in the respect that he has a business and family that supports him as it would not be done otherwise. If Matt is chosen he would like to donate the extra $1000 towards the hockey facility.