Support Metro Judo Hamilton and save our dojo
The Issue
For over 30 years, Metro Judo Hamilton has been more than just a venue for martial arts; it has been a second home to our community in Hamilton, New Zealand. My name is Darleen Kerr, and I am one of the many who have deeply benefited from the sense of community and personal growth that the dojo has provided to over 100 loyal kids and adults dedicated to mat-based sports in Hamilton.
Recently, we received disheartening news. The Hamilton City Council is recommending against the ongoing lease arrangement, which has been the backbone of our operations for the last 30 years. Instead, they propose a plan to undertake extensive renovations at the cost of hundreds of thousands of dollars and provide the location to a community who has a home and can provide their services currently. If they go ahead, they also stand to benefit significantly more than Metro Judo has over the past 30 years in that they have a venue, significant renovations, a change to the designation of the building (costing more money) and displacing our club along with another that shares the venue. This decision could scatter our tight-knit community and deprive us of the space where we learn, grow, and thrive.
Metro Judo Hamilton is more than mats and walls; it is where young athletes learn discipline, respect, and confidence. It is where adults unwind from their daily pressures in a supportive environment that promotes health and well-being. We believe the proposed designation of the building and renovations will not serve the best interest of all stakeholders, especially our rate payers who are already seeing significant rates rises year on year and cannot afford to support this.
We urge the Hamilton City Council to reconsider their decision as part of their Long Term Planning. Let's work together to find a solution that supports renovations if necessary, but with a clear plan in place to ensure continued operations of the dojo and a reduced financial impact to our community.
Your support is crucial. We need you to stand with us in urging the council to recognize the vital role Metro Judo Hamilton plays in our community. Let’s protect the legacy of this dojo and secure a future where generations can continue to benefit from its presence.
Please sign this petition to show your support for Metro Judo Hamilton, and help us fight to keep our dojo open! Your voice can make a difference.
473
The Issue
For over 30 years, Metro Judo Hamilton has been more than just a venue for martial arts; it has been a second home to our community in Hamilton, New Zealand. My name is Darleen Kerr, and I am one of the many who have deeply benefited from the sense of community and personal growth that the dojo has provided to over 100 loyal kids and adults dedicated to mat-based sports in Hamilton.
Recently, we received disheartening news. The Hamilton City Council is recommending against the ongoing lease arrangement, which has been the backbone of our operations for the last 30 years. Instead, they propose a plan to undertake extensive renovations at the cost of hundreds of thousands of dollars and provide the location to a community who has a home and can provide their services currently. If they go ahead, they also stand to benefit significantly more than Metro Judo has over the past 30 years in that they have a venue, significant renovations, a change to the designation of the building (costing more money) and displacing our club along with another that shares the venue. This decision could scatter our tight-knit community and deprive us of the space where we learn, grow, and thrive.
Metro Judo Hamilton is more than mats and walls; it is where young athletes learn discipline, respect, and confidence. It is where adults unwind from their daily pressures in a supportive environment that promotes health and well-being. We believe the proposed designation of the building and renovations will not serve the best interest of all stakeholders, especially our rate payers who are already seeing significant rates rises year on year and cannot afford to support this.
We urge the Hamilton City Council to reconsider their decision as part of their Long Term Planning. Let's work together to find a solution that supports renovations if necessary, but with a clear plan in place to ensure continued operations of the dojo and a reduced financial impact to our community.
Your support is crucial. We need you to stand with us in urging the council to recognize the vital role Metro Judo Hamilton plays in our community. Let’s protect the legacy of this dojo and secure a future where generations can continue to benefit from its presence.
Please sign this petition to show your support for Metro Judo Hamilton, and help us fight to keep our dojo open! Your voice can make a difference.
Petition Updates
Share this petition
Petition created on 29 August 2026