Chairpersons Update

Welcome to the 2025 Season!

Well, here it comes—2025 is approaching like a freight train! For those of you who follow us on social media, you’ll have already seen our pre-season plan. This year, we’re excited to welcome Touring Club Athletico de San Isidro from Buenos Aires, Argentina. This will be our boys' first hit-out of the season, with all games being played on Yarrow’s Number One under lights, followed by the aftermatch at Tukapa.

From there, we head into the Komene Cup, a social bowls tournament named in honor of our great mate. This will be held at Vogeltown, and you can enter either as an individual or a team of four. It’s all about having fun, so we’d love to see players, supporters, partners, and anyone keen to mix and mingle!

Next up, we’re off to Poneke for our annual exchange, which is always a fantastic game. Before you know it, the season will kick off! Our Premier Men’s team is going back to full rounds, while other grades will miss a couple of long weekends, which I think is a great move to keep players engaged. We’ll release the draws as soon as they’re available.

Club Leadership and Changes

At our AGM in November, we had some great discussions and a few changes to our leadership team. We’d like to thank Darryn Jones and Dan Johanson for all the hard work they’ve put in for the club. They’ll both be missed, but we’re happy to see Darryn still around and helping with the transition to the new Junior Committee.
I’ve been reaching out to a few people to join the Junior Committee, but if you’re interested, we’d love to have a few more helping hands. We’re having a catch-up on Tuesday, February 4th, at 7:00 PM for those keen to support the Junior Rugby side of the club—especially non-coaching parents who can help share the load. If you’re interested, come along to the meeting or reach out to me directly.

Meet the Club Board

President: Bryan Boulton
Vice President: Weston Newman
Chairperson: Scott Siffleet
Club Captain: Tom Fastier
Secretary: Jan Holdt
Treasurer: Tom O’Connor

Board Members:

1. Jack Deluca
2. Daniel Green
3. Reece Hannam
4. Liam Bernet

Coaching Staff for 2025

Premier Men

1. Head Coach: Scott Fuglistaller
2. Assistant Coach: Campbell Woodmass
3. Assistant Coach: Cole Brown
4. Manager: Jack Deluca, Brendan Blowers

Premier Women

1. Co-Coach: Greg Plimmer
2. Co-Coach: Jason Avery
3. Manager: Vicky McKenzie

Colts

1. Co-Coach: Jarrod Werder
2. Co-Coach: Zinny Sinclair
3. Co-Coach: Anthony Day
4. Manager: Trent Theodore

Division 1

1. Coach: Karl Hutching
2. (1 more coach needed)
3. Manager: Renee Emit

Division 2

1. Coach: Daniel Green
2. Coach: Reece Hannam
3. Manager: Lewis Green

As you can see, we’re looking really good with most roles filled. However, in our Division 1 team, we’re a little light and could use a bit more support for Karl. If you can’t fully commit but would still like to help out, please get in touch with me!

Recruitment for Players and Jobs

We’re looking strong in terms of players but are always on the lookout for more to ensure our teams stay well-stocked. If you know anyone who might be keen to pull on the boots and enjoy the Tukapa atmosphere, please let them know how to get in touch with us.
We’re also looking for a couple of jobs for our young players. I have a very keen lad who’s seeking an electrical apprenticeship, or any opportunity to work hard and gain an apprenticeship. Additionally, we have a UK player coming to Tukapa for a club exchange who’s keen to earn some pocket money while in New Zealand. If you or someone you know is able to offer work, please let me know!

Sponsorship

As we approach the 2025 season, we’ll be reaching out to our current sponsors for their continued support. With fewer grants available each year, we’re relying more on sponsorships to keep our club running. If you or anyone you know is interested in supporting Tukapa, please get in touch with

Rob Ridland: 027 753 0123 rob@riddlezinteractive.com

Scott Siffleet: 021 317 331 scott@lifestylebuilding.co.nz

In the coming weeks, we’ll be showcasing our sponsors and profiling our management team. If there’s anything else you’d like to see in future newsletters, feel free to let me know!

Tukapa to Host Hurricanes Open Training

We will be hosting a Hurricanes open training session on Friday 31 Jan 2025 - 3:30pm - 4:30pm. This is a great opportunity to get your season underway. All club facilities will be open so come on up and enjoy the hospitality while watching the pros go through their drills.

Blue and White for Life
Scotty Siffleet

Chairpersons Update

Subject: Finals Weekend Fever at the Chook House

Dear person dressed in Blue and white and bleeds the same colours

Get ready for an action-packed Finals Weekend at Yarrows Stadium! Here's what you need to know:

Senior 3rds Showdown: Our Senior 3rds are set to kick off the excitement on Field 4 at 10:30 AM against Southern. After a thrilling win last time, they're fired up to seize the title!

Colts Final Battle: Following them, our Colts secured a spot in the final with a golden point victory over Stratford Eltham. Catch them in action against Inglewood on Field 3 at 12:00 PM. It promises to be a thrilling match!

Pre-Match Fuel-Up: Join us for a pre-game breakfast at the Chook House starting at 9:00 AM. Enjoy bacon and eggs, espresso martinis, and bloody marys to kickstart the day in style, Then join the walking bus to the game, all Tukapa surpporters have been asked to go on the Clawton street side of the fields for both games so please wear our colours and line the sideline.

Post-Match Celebration: After the games, head to the bar which opens at 12:00 PM till late. We'll have live streams of the matches and the All Blacks on the big screen, ensuring non-stop rugby excitement!

Finals Tickets on sale at Tukapa: We have tickets for finals available for sale at Tukapa so you dont need to line up at Yarrows, $10 each and on sale Friday night 3.30 to 6.30pm and Saturday morning 8am to 3pm

Let's rally together to support our teams and make this Finals Weekend one to remember. See you all there!

Best regards,

Scotty Siffleet
Walking support bus driver

Collective First National Tukapa prize giving 2024

Remember our tickets are also for sale for the Tukapa prize giving and are selling really well so jump on the link below to grab your tickets for a great night

Collective First National Tukapa prize giving 2024

Saturday 20th

5.30pm Please be seated

6 pm Meal served

6 .30pm Guest Speaker

7 pm Awards begin

8 pm Awards finished

8 .30pm Band starts downstairs

$25 a head

Dress code, A DAY AT THE RACES

https://www.eventbrite.co.nz/e/2024-collective-first-national-prize-giving-tickets-944744344767?aff=oddtdtcreator

Lets see you all at the Chook House tomorrow morning for Breakfast and walk over to Yarrows as a blue and white Army

Blue and White for Life
Scotty Siffleet

Chairpersons Update

Here we are, ready to kick off the business end of the season. Our teams have put in the hard work, and now it's time to book a ticket to the big dance. As far as I know, the last time we had four teams in the semifinals was in the Year of the Chicken, but I could be mistaken, being a young buck. Overall, it's a massive credit to all our players, management, and volunteers for their hard work this year. I attribute our success to what our teams do off the field, which makes us one of the strongest clubs in Taranaki. Our Thursday feeds and Saturday night team building exercises surely contribute to our on-field results.

This week's schedule is as follows:

• Colts and Division 1 play away with a 1pm kickoff. If you're savvy, you can catch one of these games and still make it back to Tukapa for the Premiers' 3pm kickoff.
• If you're not able to make the away games, join us at Tukapa at 1pm to watch our Thirds take on Okaiawa, with both Colts and Division 1 games streamed live in the clubhouse. This way, you'll have a prime spot for the Premier game at 3pm.

It promises to be a great day of rugby, followed by the live broadcast of the All Blacks test match on all screens at the club. The speakers will be warmed up after what we hope is an All Blacks victory. Why not spend the night at the club?

Below, I've requested each team to provide a paragraph about their plans for the weekend.

Glasscraft Premier TOA

The Tukapa Toa whanau would like to extend our wholehearted support to all four of our men’s teams for their semifinals. Under our banner of one club we have a real sense of gratitude to the entire club for the unwavering support you have provided our inaugural Tukapa Toa team. In return we have proudly thrown our mahi into our club and this continues on Saturday when every one of us is behind our four men’s teams. We are so proud of you and will be cheering you on with all our might - you’ve got this. Up The Chooks!!!

Lion Brown Senior 3rds

2024, has been a year of up's and downs, This week has been frustrations and frowns.
As playoff footy nears, It's time to think about more than just beers.
Also on the back burner is the karaoke, Cause the boys are coming in hot, watch out Oki.
With that being said, win or lose, The 3rds boys will enjoy the booze.
But make sure when you see Mack at the bar, You give him a hearty "He He Ha".
Up the Chooks!!

Motion Plumbing Colts

After a slow start to the season our Colts have gone on a run of four must win games in a row to force our way into the semi-finals in Stratford tomorrow. Whilst injuries have played a part the team culture has been great throughout, and we are looking forward to leaving it all on the park tomorrow. We have a solid group of lads who have stepped up in recent weeks and are looking forward to doing the Tukapa jersey proud tomorrow, up the chooks!

NZ Sparky Divison 1

The team has been preparing well this week ahead of what will know will be a big game for us. We ended the week with a great training last night and an excellent feed afterwards at the chookhouse. We are grateful for all the support we have received this year, we have the best supporters! Good luck to all other Tukapa teams this weekend. Go the chooks!

Hire it Hire Premiers

The premiers have been making sure they have enjoyed finals week and enjoying the moment, not everyone gets to play finals footy and we are very much looking forward to Saturday.  Just want to pass our congrats onto all the other teams in their finals, a great year for the club particularly with the addition of our womans team.  

We know Stratford Eltham will be a formidable opponent and will be a great game up at the chookhouse, we appreciate all the support and can promise the boys are ready to leave every last bit of themselves out on the field.

UpComing events

Follow the link to view or download this weekends Game Day Program

LivestreamTukapa Premier vs Stratford Eltham 2:45pm, Pre-game buildup 2:35pm

Those few who can't make to the game this weekend can watch the Livestream on our Tukapa Rugby Facebook page.

Sponsorship Update

This week we profile local Insurance Broker Donaldson Brown

Donaldson Brown is one of New Zealand’s most transparent risk and insurance Advisers. We provide full-service solutions to large multinationals, corporate entities, SME’s and individuals. As business owners ourselves, we understand how important it is to manage all forms of risk and tailor solutions and products to protect our client’s valuable assets.

We act entirely for and are paid by our clients to facilitate risk management and insurance solutions for their businesses or as individuals. We act completely independently from any third parties, eliminating all conflicts of interest as we rebate 100% of all commissions or incentives that are traditionally paid to brokers back to our clients. This is reflected in our ‘fee for service' business model, which allows total transparency in our approach to doing business. Consider our model likened to that of a professional services firm rather than that of a traditional insurance brokerage.

Donaldson Brown is disrupting a traditional market with new and innovative ways of doing business and managing risk. We are trusted by some of New Zealand’s largest listed multinationals, owner-operators, SMEs down to individuals. We are the exclusive Commercial and Corporate partner of New Zealand's second largest Bank, ASB.

Originating from a team of award-winning corporate insurance brokers from international broking houses and senior executives for multinational underwriters, we are passionate about disrupting a traditional market. We focus on delivering innovative risk solutions, advice and value to our clients.

Donaldson Brown adopts a holistic approach to risk management. We not only focus on lowering insurance costs but seek to mitigate risk and lower business costs in all areas of the insurance process. Eliminating any hidden incentives has forced the team at Donaldson Brown to deliver true value to clients. That is what we do.

Damian Leuthard, Risk Adviser at Donaldson Brown, has been involved with the club for 25 years in various capacities, including player, team management,  member of the club committee, treasurer, and these days true blue supporter. More recently his nephews have played across senior grade levels including colts, development and premiership. 

He can be found along with Founding Partner of central branch, Mike Melody, supporting all grades from the deck most weekends.

Mike says, “as a proud locally owned NZ advisory, we are deeply invested in giving back to the Taranaki community”. 

You can get hold of Donaldson Brown below

Mike mike@dbib.co.nz

Damian damian@dbib.co.nz

Be sure to come up the Chook house for a big day

Blue and White for Life
Scotty Siffleet

Chairpersons Update

Well, doesn’t time fly when you’re having fun! Here we are at the last week of rugby before Finals. This week is also family day, and as I keep saying, our Tukapa Family is pretty special. So be sure to come up to Tukapa and bring the whole family. We have the players running out with their kids and a bouncy castle set up. We will also have some junior rugby played at halftime.

Something else pretty special that I have been working on the last few weeks is Tukapa collector cards of our Premier Men, Legends of Tukapa, and Centurions (will be adding to these with TOA cards). These cards are for sale as a random pack of 10 at the upstairs bar for $5 a pack. Also, we have Tukapa Premier Posters both men’s and women’s, also $5 each at the top bar.

REMEMBER ALL TUKAPA SENIOR RUGBY IS ON FRIDAY AT SANDERS PARK

Follow the link to view or download this weekends Game Day Program

Livestream

This week our Live Stream team has come down with our friend Covid so we will be running a stream but it will be old school Scotty version, Cheers to Doug for stepping in on the camera and our Voices of Tukapa should still be all go Joe & Sam

Tukapa TOA vs Spotswood Utd 12.30 pm

Tukapa Premier vs Spotswood Utd 2:45pm, Pre-game buildup 2:35pm

Those few who can't make to the game this weekend can watch the Livestream on https://www.youtube.com/@taranakirugby1885

OUR TUKAPA FAMILY

So, as I said, this week is family day, and to celebrate all our Tukapa families, I asked a very well-known Tukapa Family member, Jan, to give me a write-up on the Holdt family. Known for their unwavering support and deep-rooted connection to our club, the Holdt family exemplifies the spirit of camaraderie and passion that defines our Tukapa community.

Every generation of New Zealand born Holdt’s have played for Tukapa with their association dating back to the pre-WW2 years.  Walter joined the Club in 1932 and Syd joined him two years later with Roy following his big brothers' footsteps joining in 1945.  Syd was honoured by the Tukapa Club in 1954 when he was made a Life Member and, after what can best be described as incredibly dedicated service to the Taranaki Rugby Union, was awarded life membership of the TRFU in 1987.

Since that time each family group has pulled on the blue and whites.  Walter’s three sons Brian, Dennis and Alan all played for the Club. Brian played through the grades gaining places in the Taranaki Colts and Taranaki B teams and in 1966 he added another string to his bow by joining the management committee before becoming Treasurer in 1971, serving in that role for nine years. His wife Colleen was an active member of the Ladies Committee.   

Roy's involvement started in the 6th Grade in 1945, attaining Taranaki rep honours in the 1st Juniors and having played through the grades. Being self-employed meant an enforced early retirement from the game for Roy but he continued in his support of the Club and his wife Lois was a constant member of the Ladies Committee. 

Roy’s children have continued the family's involvement with both Wayne and Kelvin joining as midgets. In 1969 Wayne, who at the time was being coached by Jack Gilbert, gained a place in the Taranaki Primary School team. Wayne played through a number of senior grades during his adult rugby playing years. Wayne then coached Tukapa teams from Under 17 level to the Senior Development team.  Wayne and Dianne were the Midget convenors for many years while their boys were playing in the midget grades.  Wayne’s wife Dianne was one of the group of girlfriends/wives to start making meals on a Saturday night for the Club.  She was also a member of the famous Tukapa Playgroup and these days is regularly on the sidelines watching the family play.

Roy’s daughter, Jan, is currently on the Executive Committee and is Club Administrator of the Tukapa Rugby Club and served two years as Chairperson in 2017-2018.  Jan spent many years playing for the Tukapa Netball Club and foolishly took to the rugby field when a visiting San Diego women’s rugby side toured NZ many years ago – an experience never repeated!

Then yet another generation joined the club – Syd’s grandchildren Grant and Campbell, Walter’s grandchildren Mark and Nicky, and son in law Dean Spicer (husband of Nicky) and Roy’s grandchildren Jason, Simon, Chris and Vaughan proudly sported the blue and white colours as the Holdt tradition continued.

Grant played for the club from 1989 – 1993 playing under 21 and Senior 3rds.  Grant met Paula in 1990 when Paula was playing for the Tukapa Netball Club.  Paula went on to become a member of the netball committee, holding the roles of secretary and then president for several years as well as playing and coaching.  Grant and Paula remain strong club supporters to this day.  They have three sons, Daniel, Blair and Callum who all played midget rugby for Tukapa.  Blair played until 12th grade and was part of the unbeaten Taranaki champion team coached by Grant in 2007. Blair went on to play in the Ross Brown tournament and then be selected in the Taranaki Under 13 team the same year.  Blair and Callum continue their involvement today as part of the Senior 3rds team.

Mark played his rugby for Tukapa starting off with junior rugby, then onto the colts before progressing through to the senior A’s and B’s in the late 90’s. 

Nicky played netball for Tukapa for a number of years later standing on the sidelines supporting Dean, then their children Jack and Olly.

Dean joined the Tukapa senior ranks in 1997 after shifting from Wairarapa.  Dean played for, and then managed, the seniors over the next few seasons as well as coaching a number of the Tukapa schoolboy teams, and later managing the senior B’s.

Jason left NPBHS and played in the Senior A team before heading to Wellington for three years.  He also played in Taranaki 20’s and Taranaki 7’s. On his return he played for Senior A’s and Senior B’s and was part of the 2011 Championship team.  When Jason started his own heat pump business he took up the role of Assistant coach for the Senior B’s.  He’s taken the field from time to time since then with the Senior 3rds but has now decided his boots are retired.

Simon played for the Under 20’s upon leaving NPBHS and then progressed to the Senior B team which he captained for a few years and was often called onto the Senior A reserve bench.  Simon was part of the 2011 Senior A Championship team.  He continues to play Senior 3rds today and is this year’s team captain.

And now a new generation are proudly wearing their blue and whites with Blair and wife Kendra’s children Harry and Noah playing junior rugby and Simon’s son Wilde also playing his first year of junior rugby (with Dad Simon coaching).  Jason’s son Hudson will be next!

Jan Holdt 

So Next time you are up at Tukapa having a drink there is a high chance you are either talking to a Holdt or only two degrees of separation from a Holdt!

OUR CHARITY OF THE WEEK

This week we have decided to give back to a charity and have picked Alzheimer’s Taranaki, Dyno and I have talked about ways we can support this charity and this is only a small step towards what we have planned going forward, so please put some lose change in your pocket then drop it in to our collection buckets which will be coming around the field.

Let us see you all at the Chook House tomorrow it's going to be a cracker day.

Blue and White for Life
Scotty Siffleet

Chairpersons Update

This week I will hand over to Dan to give us a update with his Club captains report, Tukapa is in a great space and we are heading where we want to go both on the field and off the field. So a massive thank you goes out to everyone that has jumped on my dream and made this happen, the list of people is massive but thank you all.

Club Captains Report:

Well another week of code is done & dusted at the Chookhouse, and it’s getting closer to the end of a season which is feeling like it has only just begun, now the real excitement and hard work comes into play for our squads and I know talking to their coaches/managers/players they are all putting in the hard yards right until the end.

Whilst the weather wasn’t that favourable on Saturday at Sanders Park there were some tough fought battles on the grounds with good solid supporters both sideline, on the deck and inside keeping warm and toasty with a cold ale or two. All our squads need all the support they can get leading into the final weeks so be sure to pull on your supporter’s gear and get to the games or if you can’t make it stop by and see Gav in the bar who will have the Premier live stream going along with cold beer and good yarns

Round 11 will see lots of excitement I am sure with 3 of our men’s teams heading out to Tikorangi to face Clifton along with our Toa hitting the road to face Inglewood at TET Stadium, and we cannot forget our Speights Ultra Senior 3rds who will hold down the fort at Sanders Park when they face Patea.

With so many great volunteers across our club in many different roles who make things tick along, I thought I’d fire some questions at Renee Emett who some of you will know and some of you may not know, so it’s a great chance to shine the spotlight on someone in our club that is doing a great job in her role as NZ Sparky Bs Team Manager, Renee first and foremost is a proud supporter of Tukapa along with supporting her partner Premier front rower Brendon Dent.

Are you enjoying your role as Manager for Tukapa Bs –

“100% definitely, it is definitely challenging and there is more involved to the role than what people imagine. I enjoy giving back to the club and being involved. The team is a great bunch of lads, who are very respectful and welcoming to a female manager”

Why Tukapa & what does Tukapa mean to you –

“Tukapa has been a big part of the last 6 years for me, you could say I didn’t really choose Tukapa it chose me as Brendon was playing here when I met him. I did play netball for a few years before though so the blue and white hoops have always been a draw card for me Tukapa to me is more than just a ‘sports club’ it’s a place that anyone can go and feel like someone has got you. It’s a place and environment that provokes a feeling of great pride to be apart of, creates a sense of fulfilment and happiness”

If you were to play rugby what position would you play & why –

”I feel like I’d be a hooker, I’m short and have a lot of passion”

If you could sum up Tukapa in 3 words what would they be

“Family, Spirit, Respect”

We have many great volunteers in our club that do many things to keep us ticking along and its always great to see everyone pitching in where they feel they need to or just do it for the love of the club, if you are reading this and feel like you want to chip in helping at the club, getting involved on the committee, or just being a general hand come and have a yarn with myself or Scott as we are always on the look out for help any way it comes as many hands make light work, our club as we all know is a family, that’s how we roll

Just on that note and I know that we all know what a huge role Scott plays in the steering of the club and just making shit happen, I wanted to share with you the work that Scott has put in over the last few weeks for the squad after training feeds, we have always had a roster in place for the squads to cook a feed over the season however there’s been a few times the last few weeks where Scott has thrown the roster to the wind and cooked something special for the lads & ladies himself with a few pair of extra helpers,  I know many of them look forward to dinners when they know Scott has cooked a feed.  Whilst we all know Scott as very humble and would give the club his blood which I am dam sure is Blue & White at any time it’s good to shout out to our leader from time to time, many see the big things however there is a heap of things that just happen behind the scenes so from the players, coaches & managers Cheers Scotty.

This Saturday sees our Tukapa Netball ladies are hosting their 90s party so if you are in the mood for a good ole night at the chook house swing by sounds like the netballers have a great night planned.

Well that’s a wrap from me for now as always the club is always there don’t be shy drop by for a cold one a Friday avro with the old fellas, join darts on a Monday night, drop in for a after training feed on a Thursday or just come hang out on game day at the Chook House, where everyone knows your name the beer is always cold.

Forever Blue & White 

Dan J – Club Captain

LivestreamTukapa Premier vs Clifton 2:45pm, Pre-game buildup 2:35pm

Those few who can't make to the game this weekend can watch the Livestream on our Tukapa Rugby Facebook page.

If you want a say in the TRFU Club rugby set up fill in the below

Please find below the links to our 2024 CMK Club Rugby Season Survey. We would appreciate you taking 2 minutes out of your day to provide us with feedback on the 2024 season. Whether you’re a player, scorer, volunteer, coach or referee we want to hear from you. The more feedback we receive the more insight we get into what you want moving forward. 

Please fill out the survey that most relates to the competition that you followed in 2024. If you feel like you were involved in both the male and female club competitions feel free to fill out both forms. 

Male - https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/WHR923M

Female - https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/9HH27KF

Blue and White for Life
Scotty Siffleet

Chairpersons Update

What is the number one reason you are involved in Rugby? That is the question I put to all players, supporters, and friends of Tukapa. I reckon that 95% of you will answer with "to be with Friends and Family." This is why we base everything we do at Tukapa around Friends and Family.

I quite often get asked why Tukapa has so many teams and is such a good club. The answer has nothing to do with what happens on the field on a Saturday; it is deeper than that. The reason we can field 4 afternoon-grade men's teams is these guys just love to hang out with each other during Tuesday and Thursday practices and on the field on a Saturday. But just as important is they love to hang out in the club rooms with each other as well. It doesn't matter what team they are with or play for; all our players enjoy the club together.

After the Women's Premier game on Saturday, there were a few keyboard warriors on the TRFU page arguing about what the score was in our game. To us and the Toa, we really don’t care what the score was. Our girls are just loving getting out there and learning the game we all love. It brings me that bubbly feeling inside every time I see our Toa help each other out and cheer each other on. Again, these girls are just like the guys; they love each other's company and have also now become a massive part of our club. On Saturday night, the girls decided they would run the cornhole competition and did a great job getting everyone in the club involved. Next time when someone asks me or you why Tukapa wanted a women's team, be sure to look them in the eye and tell them that it's about growing our Tukapa family. There is only one other club in Taranaki that can still run out 5 afternoon-grade teams, and I really think this comes back to the family we have built off the field.

We all know that rugby is in trouble at the moment, and we are losing players left, right, and center. I really think we need to start selling the family life at Tukapa that you are missing out on when you decide not to play rugby.

Our Juniors is one place where we are still running 220 players, and every Saturday the smiles you see on these players faces are awesome. I am lucky enough this year to drop back down to square one and coach one of our Ferdie 1 teams who are mostly 4-year-old players. The thrill these kids get each Saturday pulling on the blue and white hoops and lacing up is what we all need to remember Rugby is all about. It's about the oranges at halftime and the bread & savs at full time. These are the things that make rugby great. If all our teenage players and senior players looked at rugby the same way our 4 & 5-year-olds do, I am sure we can build our senior numbers back up.

We are in trouble with the way our game is going, and if we don’t do something and try new ideas, we will lose our game. Before we know it, each club will only have one team, and we will be playing in a central North Island competition. So let's work hard as a family that loves rugby and turn this around.

Some of you may read this and think, "What does he know?" Well, you are right. It's only my thoughts, and you each have your own opinions, and that's fine.

This Week's Games

Now that I have that off my chest, this week at the Chook House is going to be great. We have Stratford Eltham heading our way for three hard games.

Startford Eltham Div 1’s sit in 4th, their Colts in 1st, and their Prems in 1st equal, so our fellas are really going to have to work as a team to get the jobs done. Be sure to come up to the Chook House to see the action.

Our thirds head to Kaponga to play the 4th placed Kaponga, one ahead of us on the table, and our Toa are on the bus to Okaiawa to have a crack against Coastal Okaiawa women.

After all the games, we will see all teams back at Tukapa for the first-ever round-the-world darts competition, and the teams won't be in number ones with the dress-up theme being the New Zealand hit TV program Westside.

So don’t be a stranger, have a think about the above, and we will see you all here at Sanders Park this Saturday.

TRFU Volunteer of the month , Vicky Mckenzie

When we decided to try and get a woman's team under the Tukapa name there was only one name on my list for manager, I knew straight away Vicky was the person i wanted. Without Vicky I am sure the TOA wouldn’t be what it is today, well done Vicky on all the work you have put in. 💙🤍💙 up the TOA

"TRFU post from Social Media"

Each month the Taranaki Rugby Football Union (TRFU) will be highlighting an amazing volunteer within our region. The aim of this is to focus on the amazing mahi that our volunteers do and provide them with the recognition they deserve. We are so lucky to have such dedicated and supportive volunteers right through our region that go the extra mile every week to ensure memorable experiences, opportunities and rugby is accessible to all.

The TRFU Community Volunteer of the month is Vicky McKenzie. Vicky has devoted countless hours to volunteering and is currently the Tukapa Rugby & Sports Club Toa Manager. Vicky's ensures people feel comfortable and welcomed to the club. A lot of women don't do much for themselves being mums and working full-time, Vicky makes it an experience the ladies love and they couldn't be more grateful for. Ka pai Vicky!

Vicky will receive a $100 New World New Plymouth voucher. A massive thanks to New World New Plymouth for the ongoing support of the Taranaki Community Rugby.

If you have a nomination for the TRFU Community Volunteer of the month then please email a short description as to why this volunteer should be recognised to emma@trfu.co.nz

Follow the link to view or download this weekends Game Day Program

Livestream Tukapa Premier vs Stratford/Eltham 2:45pm, Pre-game buildup 2:35pm

Those few who can't make to the game this weekend can watch the Livestream on our Tukapa Rugby Facebook page.

Sponsorship Profile: "Baker Tilly Staples Rodway"

Community drives our sponsorship         

Baker Tilly Staples Rodway are long-time supporters of rugby in the region; from our long-term relationship with the TRFU to our investment in grass roots rugby (both the Ross Brown Tournament, and the Kendra Cocksedge Tournament). It is important to our team that Taranaki kids have the opportunity to play sport – as we all know play and teamwork, winning and losing, falling and getting up again builds resilience and can improve communication skills and develop strong leaders… and we think those skills are really important.

As well as our broader sponsorship values, we are all about providing great accounting and business advisory services, and we’re proud to support Tukapa with Tom O’Connor sitting as the Treasurer on the board and offering his accounting and software knowledge to support the club to make sound financial decisions.

Tom is a bit of a rugby nut (watching rugby that is, he admits he doesn’t have the frame to get on the field). He always leads the Super Rugby sweepstakes and online comps in the office and will always be the first in line if there’s any rugby event tickets on offer.

While we don’t have any staff currently playing for Tukapa there’s been a few social teams in the past, and many Tukapa based social events over the years… most years we have our staff ‘last day Christmas drinks’ up on the deck, we’ve had Santa (on his motorbike) and the Easter bunny turn up for our family day events at the clubrooms, and we’ve used the clubrooms for staff trainings and workshops. Given we’re 105 employees it’s a great space and the Tukapa bar staff always look after us.

Tom enjoys supporting the club in his role as Treasurer and we’re pleased to be able to donate our time and expertise to Tukapa in this way. If your business could use an extra pair of hands or game day strategy to help you win your game (anything from HR to IT, Marketing, Payroll, Audit or Tax advisory), then we would love to hear from you. Drop us an email at taranaki@bakertillysr.nz or call 06 7573155 for a chat with any of our team.

Go the Chooks!

Let us see you all at the Chook House tomorrow it's maybe wet but the beer is cold the game is on in the club House and your friends are here.

Blue and White for Life
Scotty Siffleet

Chairpersons Update

Not bad results last week. I can't remember the last time we picked up a clean sweep in Rahotu. It was great to see the amount of support down in Rahotu. Even our under-13 team stopped in on their way back from playing in Opunake. 

This week is another big weekend for the club with all teams at home against NPOB, Kaitake, and Clifton. We always love a chance to come up against our across-town rivals from the White House. We have a lot of respect for each other, but we also love to get a win over them. For our senior thirds, it is the first time we have Kaitake visiting us since they came back into the comp, and I know our fellas are really looking forward to going head-to-head with the boys from the river. Our Toa take on the top-of-the-table Clifton Ladies, who are a classy outfit with talent to burn. But our ladies have been putting in the hard work, and the coaches tell me they had the best training ever on Wednesday. Well done, ladies on all the hard work. Let's get a meat pie this week.

Follow the link to view or download this weekends Game Day Program

LivestreamTukapa Premier vs NPOB 2:45pm, Pre-game buildup 2:35pm

Those few who can't make it to the game this weekend can watch the Livestream on our Tukapa Rugby Facebook page.

Collective First National Day

This week sees our Collective First National day to give thanks for our long-serving sponsorship agreement with them. Shawn and the team will be hosted in the Ford marquee on the dead-ball line by our life members and board members. This relationship goes back 10 years and they are massive supporters of our Junior program and Senior program. The backing they give us in both shirts for our juniors and financial gain to the club is massive. Please ensure we make them feel welcome at our club.

Nathan Lawrence Brings up 50

This week sees Nathan Lawrence bring up 50 caps as Coach of the Premiers. Nathan came to us from Auckland four years ago and has fit into Tukapa really well. Nathan played for Ponies in Auckland and also coached Auckland under-85s. He got to know Jack Kirifi through the Ponies. Jack gave me a heads up that Nathan was looking to move to New Plymouth, so I front-footed it and thought, how do you win over an Aucklander and get him to come to our club? You take them out for a flat white. Nathan also had a meeting with another New Plymouth club, and I guess our coffee was better. Since Nathan has been here, he has coached three years with Beast and now Scott. He is a very detailed coach who is also very good with the IT side of rugby and video. The amount of hours Nathan puts in each week, not just on the field coaching but sitting at his laptop, is second to none. He is also our head player recruitment officer as well. It's great to see Nathan's whole family fitting in well, with all three of his kids playing for Tukapa and his wife Nat has become a great Tukapa wife, letting Nathan spend a lot of time at Tukapa. Thank you for all your volunteer hours at Tukapa, and we hope it is still just the beginning.

Tukapa Corn Hole comp

After the speeches this week, we will have a Tukapa Cornhole comp, so be sure to stay around and take part. See you all Saturday!

Sponsorship Update

This week we take a break from our Sponsorship update, But if you are a sponsor and keen to feature please send me a email scott@lifestylebuilding.co.nz

Let us see you all at the Chook House tomorrow it's going to be a cracker day.

Blue and White for Life
Scotty Siffleet

Chairpersons Update

As the cold weather starts to roll in and the niggles are around, as a club, we are not too bad with player numbers. The players are all working hard at training and putting in the time in the seat to put our club in the best position heading into the last 5 rounds before we hit semi-finals. This week we see our Toa with the bye, and our Division 2 team heading to Hawera to take on Southern. Our Colts, Division 1, and Premiers are all in Rahotu coming up against strong Coastal sides. As always, I am sure the beer will be cold, the clubhouse will be warm, and the code will be outstanding. Be sure to make your way down to Rahotu to cheer our guys on, and on a side note, I am sure Coastal will try their best, but they are not always able to get a live stream out of Rahotu.

Tukapa Pink Breakfast

Last Saturday saw our first-ever pink breakfast with all proceeds donated going to the Pink Ribbon Appeal. We had a great turnout with a lot of families coming up and having breakfast together. Even some of the neighbors from around Sanders Park came along. It was awesome to see the clubhouse packed on a Saturday morning for a great cause. I would like to thank my board for all rolling up their sleeves and making it happen. It's not too late to donate, just follow the link: https://fundraise.bcf.org.nz/fundraisers/Tukapapink/pinkribbonbreakfast

Kitchen Clean

As most people are aware, the Tukapa kitchen has become the hub for our club and building our One Club. Our Toa Women's team decided after using our Kitchen when it was their turn to cook on a Thursday that it could do with a spring clean. So on a Tuesday night, they did just that. In all my years at Tukapa, I have never seen our kitchen so clean. The girls worked hard for 4 hours and nothing in the kitchen was left untouched. No one asked them to do this, but they just proved how much our Toa have become part of our family. It is so good to see all our teams treating our clubhouse as home.

Thank you, ladies, you ROCK!

A word from our Premiers Co-Coach Nathan Lawrence

"After a bit of a slow start to the year, the team is building nicely as we head into the next three weeks against the three clubs who beat us in the first round. The boys are working hard to improve week by week as we chase that full 80-minute performance. With some consistency in selection, we are excited to go down to Coastal this weekend. They are a strong team with some young flair in their backline that will challenge us all over the park, so we will require a full performance from our boys.
We have been fortunate this year with a couple of our older players, Corbin and Henry, returning. Their impact on the group has been significant, not only for their experience and numerous caps but also for the mana they bring each week with their performances. Some of our younger players have been stepping up as well. What I have always enjoyed about Tukapa is their willingness to put faith in the younger guys to be in the hot seat. Patrick Howlett, in his second year out of school, has been locking down the scrum all year, and his work around the field is noticeable every week. By the same token, Jack Gilmour, in his first year out of Francis Douglas, has staked a claim to the 13 jersey. Frank Corlett told me last year he was like a young Henry Miles, and I don’t think he is far off the mark. Both boys are doing building apprenticeships and are in the Taranaki Academy, so they have massive workloads but make massive contributions to our premier team.
Thanks for all the support from the club, sponsors, and other teams. We are well aware that any injuries we have can significantly affect our colts and B’s and appreciate the understanding from their management teams, Keegan Boon being the latest to front up after 80 minutes of colts and then sit on our bench. We wish everyone the best over the next five weeks as we all push for finals footy."

Sponsorship Update

This week we profile AOS (Australian Offshore Solutions)
AOS Managing Director Dan Sweetman said "With quite a few local Kiwis employed over both the vessels, AOS were only too happy to re-invest back into the local community."

John Spurway heads the New Zealand AOS office having had many years in the offshore manning industry in another life. He’s a true blue Chook, bleeding blue & white and has been involved with Tukapa for many years.

Check out the profile below or visit their website: https://www.aosau.com/

Sponsorship Profile: AOS

AOS (Australian Offshore Solutions) is a specialist marine and offshore service provider delivering a range of services from vessel chartering and ship management to the provision of drilling, marine manning and onboard catering services. AOS Head Office is based in Perth with the New Zealand office operating out of New Plymouth.

AOS provided crewing and catering to the Q7000 for Helix Energy Solutions for their campaign in New Zealand and Australia. The Q7000 is a DP3 semi-submersible Well Intervention Unit, with capacity for deep water through-riser well intervention and decommissioning. She was contracted to MBIE for the decommissioning of the Tui field off the Taranaki coast.

AOS commenced providing New Zealand marine & catering personnel on the Q7000 from February 2023 in Malaysia. The vessel arrived in New Zealand in mid May, finally sailing in November 2023 for Australia where she continues to work for a number of clients until later this year.

In early February, the 117m construction support vessel the Sapura Constructor arrived in New Zealand to complete the final stage of the Tui decommissioning. AOS again provided both marine and catering personnel for the short campaign.

John can be contacted at:

Phone: +64 274 438 405
Email: john.spurway@aosau.com

It's always a great day out down at Coastal so we would love to see as many of you as possible supporting our teams as a club. Naturally there are those who can't make it, but rest assured the Chook House will be warm and the beer cold, so tomorrow it's going to be a cracker day.

Blue and White for Life
Scotty Siffleet