Mokoia Recreation Centre Reopens to Community

The Mokoia Campus Recreation Centre has officially reopened, welcoming students, staff and the wider community back through its doors in time for the start of Semester 2.

The reopening was marked with a special ceremony on 20 July, featuring a karakia from Toi Ohomai Kaitiaki Māori Eru Biddle and speeches from Toi Ohomai Council Chair Deryck Shaw and Chief Executive Pim Borren.

The recreation centre offers a range of fitness and sporting facilities, including a gym, weights area, basketball and badminton courts, providing opportunities for members to stay active, connect with others and support their wellbeing.

Mokoia Recreation Centre Project Manager Kris O'Driscoll said it was exciting to see the facility operating again after an extended closure.

"Reopening the Recreation Centre is a significant milestone for our campus community. We've had a great response from students, staff and members of the public who have been looking forward to returning," she said.

"The facility is much more than a gym. It's a place where people can improve their physical wellbeing, connect with others and be part of a positive, active community."

O'Driscoll said reopening the centre would contribute to the vibrancy of the Mokoia Campus and help strengthen connections between Toi Ohomai and the wider Rotorua community.

"We're proud to be able to provide a welcoming space for everyone. Having students, staff and community members using the facility creates a real sense of energy on campus and helps make Mokoia an even more vibrant place to be."

Chief Executive Pim Borren said the reopening reflected Toi Ohomai's commitment to supporting the wellbeing of students, staff and the wider community.

"I see this as just the first step in a significant reinvestment into our Mokoia campus and vibrancy. We will be rolling out a range of other announcements over coming months and look forward to reconnecting with our Rotorua community, iwi, and local employers, in encouraging many more full-time and part-time enrolments next year."

To celebrate the reopening, the Recreation Centre is offering a special Founding Member promotion, with 50 per cent off memberships for anyone who commits to six months or more. The offer is available until 20 September 2026.

The Mokoia Recreation Centre open hours:

Monday to Thursday: 5.30am to 8pm

Friday: 5.30am to 7pm

Saturday and Sunday: 7am to 12pm