Chairpersons Update

A Thursday in the Life of Tukapa

Thursday afternoon is where our weekend starts. This week we are away to Spotswood United and Patea, with our Colts and Toa on the Bye, and it's our first weekend of Junior rugby.

I am at the club and have taken out the premade Chicken Bacon Fettuccine pasta for the team's feed. Now it's time to get the fry bread started for the feed. I start in the kitchen and hear the door open. Darryn Jones, our junior convener, has come up to mark out the smaller fields and put his info board together for the 220 kids who will be playing on Saturday morning. We have the savs and bread ordered. Next through the front door are Bryan Edlin and Kyle, who are here for the 2pm delivery to stock up the chiller with refreshments from Liquorland, Fitzroy, and Lion Brewery's. This is all hand-unloaded in the chiller. Delivery done, and Bryan and I catch up on a couple of new drinks that we will be stocking for ladies' day next week.

Next through the door is Gav, coming up to balance the tills and move the till to Ash's for tonight's opening. Also, while here, he stocks the top fridge with soft drinks and Lion Brown cans. While this is going on, in between jobs, the fry bread is now resting on the bench for its second raise. Next through the door is our superwoman, Carol Reid, dropping back all the washed tea towels and doing a bit of cleaning wherever needed. From here, Paul Hansen, our caterer, calls in to make sure the kitchen is all good for use today and that he is stocked up for Saturday.

It's now getting closer to 4pm, and Darryn Jones is back to give out a few jerseys to late-registering juniors, and I am setting up for our first two trainings of the night, being our Year 1 yellow and white teams. It is blowing a gale outside, but the show must go on. We get our training underway, which involves Nathan Lawrence's kids, and Simon Holdt is one of the coaches. They are now at the club from Thursday through to about 8pm tonight. Next through the door is JDL, our board member, Premier manager, and B's front-rower. He's here early to make sure everything is in line before running out to train with the B's.

While this is all going on, there are now about 10 junior teams out on the field training. Next through the door comes Bryan Bolton, here to help in the kitchen with the cooking, closely followed by Daniel Green to do the same. There is time for a quick beer and chat about who's playing for what team, and Reece Hannam joins the chat and beer. We are short of thirds to get on the bus to Patea, Zinny and Jarrod from the Colts join the chat because the Colt's have a bye, and we are looking for some Colts to join our thirds.

It's now 6.45 pm, and Vicky, our women's manager, is next through the door to help in the kitchen and serve our meals. The pasta is running behind time. Oh well. Next up is a dozen of our Toa players who have come up to join in on the team feeds. Now it's time to man the bar, and we have a line going all the way down the stairs of players coming off the field and keen to buy their $5 meal and a can to wash it down. 7.10pm and the pasta is ready. Our kitchen team dishes up 70 meals and then cleans the kitchen. All the players mix and mingle and catch up with each other. There's a game of darts going on with Drav and Hapuka, and myself, JDL, and Liam Bernet have a catch up about Ladies' day next Saturday to make sure everything is sorted, also the planning of our Tukapa Netball rugby do in the weeks to come. It's now 9 pm, as the last players leave, I check all the doors, turn the lights off, and that's another Thursday at the Chook House done, and all the planning in place for another great Saturday of rugby.

This Weeks Games

Be sure to get along to Yarrow Stadium and watch our Premiers and Div 1 boys try and retain the Dan O'Brien shield. They are charging at the gate so show them your pass. If you don’t have a pass, get up to the Clubrooms tonight between 3pm and 6.30pm and join as a social member. The only gate open tomorrow is the gate off the Spotswood Club rooms car park.

Social Member Sign Up

All memberships may include a partner for an extra $10 per annum which will entitle them to a member’s card and season passes.

Signup button below:

The Dan O'Brien

If you haven't seen The Dan O'Brien Shield Story, take a look at it here.

Nathaniel Peters 50th Game

Nathaniel Peters plays his 50^th game this Saturday, Nathaniel came to us from Francis Douglas and was a wirey loose forward, since his first season with Tukapa and learning off the likes of Mitch Crosswell and Adrian Wyrill he has become the new enforcer of the Tukapa pack.  His hard hitting defence and hard running ball handling has put him as one of the first names written down each week in the starting pack. He can play lock but is most at home as a loose forward. This year we hope so see him also running around as a Taranaki Bulls player.  Being the standout loose forward of Taranaki Club rugby I am sure that Barnsey will be watching Nat closely. Well done on the 50 games for the chooks mate, I am sure the rewards will come from all the hard work you put in.

We Are Tukapa

Check out this video - a reminder of who we are as a club.

Sponsorship Update

This week we profile Trident Electronics.
Like many of our dedicated sponsors, owner Dave McLay has supported our club for many years. Dave started coaching in the Junior grades when his son was old enough to start playing rugby and in 2012 Dave moved over to co-coaching the Colts with Warren Johns and Murray Sattler and continued to co-coach with Murray Sattler until the COVID era. During that time, the Colts claimed two Taranaki titles and were runners-up on quite a few occasions.

Check out the profile below or visit their website: tridentelectronics.co.nz

Sponsorship Profile: Trident Electronics - 'Where Past Meets Present'

Trident Electronics's ethos revolves around bridging the gap between the past and present. While embracing modern technology and innovation, the company remains grounded in its original passion for serving the community with unparalleled dedication. The team at Trident Electronics understands that one size does not fit all, which is why they strive to provide customized solutions that meet the unique needs of every client.

Trident Electronics has been a staple in the Taranaki community since its inception in 1974. Founded by the talented Electronics Engineer Howard Reid, the company initially specialized in a myriad of electronics repairs, designs, and servicing. However, it quickly became a market leader in the radio communications sector, providing cutting-edge solutions to businesses and individuals alike.

Fast forward nearly five decades and Trident Electronics has undergone significant growth and transformation. In 2022, the company was acquired by D.E.S Limited, marking a new era for the business. With a key focus on the communications arena, Trident Electronics emerged in 2023 as a renewed entity dedicated to providing top-notch radio communication solutions to the Greater Taranaki region and the lower North Island.

Trident Electronics takes pride in its rich history and deep-rooted connections within the industry. Leveraging partnerships cultivated over decades, the company offers a comprehensive range of products and services sourced from industry leaders such as Motorola, Kenwood, and GME. Whether it's walkie-talkies for basic communication needs or state-of-the-art digital trunked solutions, Trident Electronics delivers bespoke solutions tailored to each client's requirements.

The core services offered by Trident Electronics encompass sales, service, system design, and integration across various communication domains. The company ensures seamless connectivity even in remote areas, from wireless communication solutions to connected dispatch systems. Trident Electronics has established itself as a trusted partner for businesses and industries across Taranaki with a focus on reliability, cost-effectiveness, and customer satisfaction.

Beyond radio communication, Trident Electronics continues to offer a wide range of services, including appliance repairs, video projector installations, mobility equipment repairs, fitness equipment servicing, and more. With a team of experienced technicians and a commitment to quality, Trident Electronics remains at the forefront of electronic repairs and servicing in the region.

In addition to its extensive service offerings, Trident Electronics serves as a one-stop shop for radio equipment sales and installation. From standard vertex radios to advanced Motorola and Kenwood systems, the company caters to diverse communication needs with precision and expertise.
As Trident Electronics embarks on this new chapter, the company remains dedicated to its founding principles of excellence, integrity, and community service. With a legacy spanning nearly five decades, Trident Electronics looks forward to continuing its journey of connecting people and industries through innovative communication solutions.

Phone: 06 758 5259
Email: service@tridentelectronics.co.nz

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

Blue and White for Life
Scotty Siffleet

Chairpersons Update

Afternoon team, I hope everyone is getting excited about a full house at Tukapa this Saturday. It’s great to have all five of our teams at home and we welcome Clifton, Ōkaiawa and Coastal/Ōkaiawa Women to the Chook House. After some narrow loses last Saturday down in Stratford, we have full teams named for this week’s games.  The teams have been working hard and we will be trying for 4 out of 4 wins for our men’s teams, while our female team is battling sickness and ladies away but will be putting their best 15 out on the paddock with their own goals in mind. These ladies get better and better each week.

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

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.

Upcoming Social Events

We are running a little behind with our social calendar for this year but dates to save are:

4^th May                 Beer Pong Tournament

18^th May               Sponsors Day and Ladies day

8^th June                First National Day

15^th June              Round the world darts Tournament

22^nd June             Netball Party

Be sure to make an effort to come along to your club whenever you can and support the teams.  Our bar is open every week and, even on away games, the bar is open with the live stream on the TV’s.

Thursday             5-8pm

Friday                   3.30 – 6.30pm

Saturday             12pm to late  

Tukapa Darts Club

The Darts Club has been in full force for the last 10 weeks with Luke Dravitzki taking the win on Monday night.  Each week we have had over 30 players from all corners of the world, not just Tukapa rugby followers.  We now take a 4 week break and then we will start back with Business House Darts so start getting your teams sorted.

Tukapa Beer Pong Tournament

Be sure to stick around on Saturday night and watch or play the 1^st ever Tukapa Beer Pong Tournament starting at 6pm. I will see you there!

Sponsorship Update

This week we profile Glasscraft Glass & Aluminium.
Owners Greg and Kara Plimmer have supported the club for many years.

Greg played back in the 90's and will be remembered by many in that 1997 Tukapa Premier Team Coached by Jack Kirifi

Greg's playing stats show he played 84 games for Tukapa Prems, 18 games for Tawa Prems,
115 games for West Scarborough Prems (WA) and two games for the Western Force.(WA)

In the early 2000's Greg and Kara moved to Western Australia but returned to New Plymouth in 2015 and set up Glasscraft Glass & Aluminium but carried on coaching for his beloved Tukapa and is currently co-coach of the Tukapa Premier Women.

Check out the profile below or visit their website: https://www.glasscraftglazing.co.nz/

Sponsorship Profile: Glasscraft Glass & Aluminium

Glasscraft Ltd, a locally owned and operated glass,glazing and aluminium company in Taranaki, has been providing exceptional services for over two decades. Established in 2015 to serve the Taranaki area after successful operations in Australia, Glasscraft has garnered a solid reputation for excellence in aluminum and glass craftsmanship. With a team of dedicated professionals boasting extensive industry experience, Glasscraft has become synonymous with quality and reliability in the glazing industry.
The range of glazing services offered by Glasscraft is comprehensive and tailored to meet the diverse needs of residential and commercial clients. From design consultation to installation and after-sales maintenance, Glasscraft ensures a seamless and satisfying experience for every customer. Their services include:

Balustrades: Glasscraft specializes in aluminum and glass balustrades, offering various designs including Clearview Semi-frameless, Pureview Channel glass, Pureview Discglass, Clearspan Classic, Pureview spigot, Open Vertical Fin, Vertical Fin, Clearspan Settler, and Clearspan Heritage. These balustrades not only enhance safety but also add aesthetic appeal to any space.

Mirrors: Glasscraft provides top-quality mirrors for bathrooms, bedrooms, and other areas, catering to both residential and commercial clients. Whether it's Polished Edge Mirrors for a modern look or Bevelled-Edge Mirrors for a classic touch, Glasscraft ensures a perfect fit and finish.

Shower Screens: Offering luxury custom-made glass shower screens, Glasscraft ensures a professional installation tailored to individual bathroom requirements. Their expertise in accommodating various architectural nuances results in a neat and polished finish for every project.

Double Glazing & Retrofit: Glasscraft specializes in retrofitting existing joinery with double glazed units, providing enhanced insulation, reduced condensation, and improved energy efficiency. Their comprehensive range of double glazing options, including Low E glass technology, caters to diverse needs and preferences.

Splashbacks: Glasscraft offers a wide range of options for glass splashbacks, including colors, prints, textures, and mirror finishes. Their custom-cut glass splashbacks add vibrancy, color, and light to any space, with meticulous attention to detail in measurement and installation.

Glasscraft's commitment to quality, innovation, and customer satisfaction sets them apart as the premier choice for glass and glazing services in Taranaki. Whether it's a residential renovation or a commercial project, clients can rely on Glasscraft for expert craftsmanship and superior results. Contact Glasscraft today to experience the difference in glass, glazing and aluminium excellence.

Phone: 06-757 9768
Email: glasscraftglazing@gmail.com

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

Well it’s never great when we have to default a team, but this week sees us having to default our NZ Sparky Div 1’s due to having 44 players away or injured from our senior teams. Even our other teams are looking skinny, some of our Div 1 fellas will be helping out where they can to fill gaps. This week I am also away and are sitting at a BBQ competition in Matakana . I must admit the view is outstanding but I will still miss watching live club rugby this weekend.

This Weeks Games

For any players that are reading this newsletter and are away, be sure to turn up at Training on Tuesday and put your best foot forward. We all know our game is in trouble and we need to work hard to make an effort and keep Tukapa with 5 senior teams.

Hopefully we get to see some running rugby this weekend with some dry tracks, but as I look at the weather forecast this may not happen.

Anyway sorry about the short newsletter this week, I have to start prepping for the weekend of competition. Good luck to all players and I will be watching the score updates closely.

Supporters Bus

If any supporters want to hop on a bus to Stratford you are more than welcome $5

Bus time table 

Snr 3rds /Colts 

Leave Tukapa club 11.15am

Leave Stratford 7pm

 Premiers

Leave Tukapa club 12.15pm

Leave Stratford 8pm

Blue and White for Life
Scotty Siffleet

Chairpersons Update

Well what a weekend Old Timers Day was, with the day starting with a great speech by Scott Fuglistaller  on how he has got to where he is today. I was told by a lot of people afterwards how much they enjoyed it. This led us to the rugby which was not on our side, we only picked up the one win to our NZ Sparky Div 1 fellas in the last play of the game. The results didn’t go our way but we always enjoy going head to head with our mates from down the coast.

Following this we presented Luke Taplin with his 50^th blazer which now sees him with over 100 Premier games with him also playing over 50 for Southern.

Luke Taplin 50 Games

After numerous years of Tukapa and college boys pestering Tappy about coming to play for the chooks, Tappy finally decided to ditch Southern and move up to the big smoke in 2020.

In his inaugural season at Tukapa, Tappy's relentless work ethic and lightning-fast pace made the right wing his domain. His superior speed made him stand out from the rest.

Shit, sorry, that must have been ChatGPT

Nah, I think Sean Wainui nailed it best when he described Tappy as "the hearty white winger".

He happily slipped into the Tukapa culture, and in his first Premier season, he won the Premier club rugby title, starting on the wing against Inglewood.

I still remember him coming up to me after the game saying, "shit, that was easy. I should’ve come to the Chooks earlier."

Since his time at Tukapa, he has also received some other accolades:

• He claimed his second Premier Title in 2022, beating NPOB in the Semi. Sorry Fay and the Ford family. And going on to beat Clifton in the final.
• He was also influential in the U85 Tukapa Bantams, getting second place in the New Zealand knockout competition.
• He has been a massive advocate of Ash's Bar, where he's always the last to leave on a Thursday night with Lukey Drav and Scotty Mellow in toe. Classic farmers.

A massive thank you from the entire Tukapa community goes to Lesh, P, and the boys for letting Tukapa have such a great club man.

Over the years, Tappy has been an excellent club man on and off the paddock. As mentioned earlier, Tappy has already ticked up 50 games for Southern, meaning he has now played 100 premier club rugby games - a massive achievement.

Crab Racing Winner

From here we moved to the crab racing with a massive buy in by both Tukapa and Coastal players. We thank Dan Cowley for stepping in and auctioning off the crabs for us.

Tukapa Toa

This Friday we have our last preseason game for our Tukapa Toa team against Inglewood Women at Sanders Park with kick off at 6.30pm. Bar open for the game from 3.30pm. The girls are really working hard and, for a lot of them, are still learning the game. It was also great to see our Ladies adopting the Tukapa family and hanging around for crab racing and coming up for a Thursday feed.

Your Starting Toa team

This Weekend's Games

Our men’s Premier team didn’t get the start we all hoped for, but I know they have put some hard work in during the week to make sure they put their best foot forward against a very tough Old Boys team.  Be sure to get over to the Whitehouse to watch our Div 1, Colts and Men’s premiers do battle with whitehouse boys.

Game Day Images

As most of you know you will see me around the grounds with my camera. If you want to check these photos out be sure to have a look at www.siffleet.co.nz

Pink Ribbon Breakfast

Every year Tukapa looks at ways we can give back to our community and this year we are going to cook breakfast to raise money for breast cancer awareness. We all know someone that has been affected, or you have been affected, so please help Tukapa help these people. Save the date for our breakfast. You can also donate by clicking here.

https://fundraise.bcf.org.nz/fundraisers/Tukapapink/pinkribbonbreakfast

We are also on the hunt for items we can add to our raffle - so if you can help out, let Scotty know.

Sponsorship Update

This week we profile Lifestyle Building & Construction.

Lifestyle Building is a local construction company, founded just over 15 years ago by Tukapa Chairman Scott Siffleet (a builder with almost 25 years under his belt), who without question, lives, breathes and bleeds Tukapa blue and white.

He and the extended Siffleet family have a long history of playing for, coaching, managing, sponsoring, and supporting Tukapa, and are set to continue for years to come with the next generation moving their way up through the junior grades.

Scott and the Lifestyle Building team can often be found working on various jobs around the club, helping maintain the great facilities we have available and keeping projects moving, allowing players and coaches etc. to focus on their game. They have also been known to employ a Tukapa player or two.

Check out the profile below or visit their website: https://lifestylebuilding.co.nz

Sponsorship Profile: Lifestyle Building & Construction

If ever there was a company dedicated to supporting Tukapa Rugby Club and its family community daily, Lifestyle Building & Construction is it.

Lifestyle Building & Construction specialize in ‘Lifestyle Homes’ – unique builds designed for the people and families living in them.

But this is only one aspect of building that this award-winning highly experienced team undertake.

• Residential       
  • New Builds
  • In-house Design and Build
  • Renovations and Alterations
  • Home Extensions
  • Bathroom & Kitchen installations
• Commercial & Industrial
  • Fitouts
  • New Builds
• Pre-Cast Panel specialists

They work with a skilled and trusted network of local sub-contractors where required, many of whom are sponsors or associated with Tukapa also.

With attention to detail, experience in complex designs, various materials and challenging sites, their quality workmanship will achieve impeccable results for any project, along with a 10-year Master Builder Guarantee.

Feel free to give Scott a call to discuss your next building project.

Well that’s enough from me for this week. Be sure to come up to Tukapa for a beer and watch our Womens team at 6.30pm Friday night then over to NPOB on Saturday, See you there.

Blue and White for Life
Scotty Siffleet

Chairpersons Update

Well on a wet morning I sit in the club house writing this newsletter looking out the window at our temporary changing room setup.

I never thought we would need extra changing rooms on a Saturday. Today I want to give a massive thank you to everyone that has got behind our dream of a woman’s team. Firstly to Kevin Curd, he kept pushing to have this happen then he took to his bike and delivered business cards to any woman he saw as a rugby player. Secondly to my Tukapa board for letting me run with this dream and green light any crazy ideas that I came up with to make it happen.  Then to Greg Plimmer and Jason Avery for being the first coaches I asked and not saying No.  The passion these guys have put into making this team happen is second to none. And to a good friend of mine and an ex Tukapa mum for putting her hand up as Manager, Vicky Mckenzie is doing an outstanding job as manager and all good womans support.  Then lastly to all our New Tukapa Toa players, you girls are awesome and I can’t wait to watch you all develop into rugby players.  The way you work together to make the dream work is outstanding and we look forward to having you all as a valued part of our Tukapa family. Up the TOA!

This Saturday we are doing things a little differently.  It’s the first time we have rolled out all the stops in the first round. With being able to pick our first round opposition we went with our friends from the Coast, and the main reason for this was to make sure we got to play for the Eaton Cup on home soil.  This is one of the newer cups we play for but has a lot of passion behind it, which is why we also have Old Timers Day this Saturday.  A lot of our old timers played alongside Twiggy (Craig) and I am sure you are all keen to come along to Old Timers Day to honour the great man.

Craig Eaton Remembrance Cup

The Craig Eaton Remembrance Cup is named in honour of Craig Eaton who died in 2018 aged 52. The Cup was donated by Craig’s widow Lianne and their three daughters Rebecca, Courtenay and Olivia.

Craig played 27 consecutive seasons of afternoon grade rugby for Tukapa before he retired from the game in 2010. He began straight out of school in the Under 17 grade, then moved up through Under 19’s, Colts and Senior B’s to become the Senior A pivot in the late 1980s/ early 1990s. From about 1996 onwards, Craig played first five eighth for the highly successful Tukapa Senior Thirds team which won eight Taranaki championship titles between 1998 and 2010.

During his time as Tukapa’s Senior A first five Craig was also a regular in that position for the Taranaki B team.

One of Craig’s last wishes was a trophy in his name be played for at Premier level between his beloved Tukapa club and Coastal, firstly because there was no existing trophy between the two clubs but mainly because Craig’s family, including his dad Kelvin, were originally Coastal people.

The Bar will open at 12pm with a happy hour running from 12 to 1pm to thank the old timers for their service to the club. Don’t forget that our women’s team kicks off at 11:30am so be sure to come along early for their pre season game. 

At 12.30pm we have our new co coach Scott Fuglistaller joining us to tell us a little about his career and answer any questions you may have. Scott was born in Hawera and is an FDMC old boy.  He played professional rugby for Wellington, Hurricanes, Melbourne and finished his time in Japan and was a hard running openside flanker. I have known Scotty for a while and his passion for our grassroots game is right up there. He is also a father of two boys and along with his wife Kahuia, I can see the passion of grassroots sport has already been in-grained in his boys. We welcome the Fuglistaller family into our Tukapa family - be sure to come along at 12.30pm to have a listen to Scotty.

Click on the link to download tomorrows programme: Tukapa vs Coastal

Following the games and after match speeches we will have our Crab racing starting around 6.45pm so be sure to hang around the clubhouse for a fun night.

Sponsorship Update

This week we profile Newton Gordge Joinery.

Owner Scott Dudley has Coastal origins, however, he has seen the light, his daughter Tinta plays in our junior grade, and his son Connor has joined our live-streaming team as a technician/cameraman.

Although the chimney on his house in Tukapa Street is painted green and white, he is only in his second year sponsoring the club and we expect the green to become blue once he is into his fifth year.

Check out the profile below or visit their website: https://www.newtongordge.co.nz/

Sponsorship Profile: Newton Gordge Joinery

Newton Gordge Joinery Limited was established in 1981, taking the name of its owner-operator Newton Gordge who has over 40 years experience in the trade serving both domestic and commercial clients with kitchens and a large variety of projects in Taranaki and nationwide.

Since Newtons retirement in 2016, former apprentice and foreman Scott Dudley with 18 years service to Newton Gordge Joinery took ownership of the business, moving forward as Newton Gordge Joinery 2016 Ltd.

10% Locally Owned and Operated

Scott is a born and bred local who prides himself in providing friendly and professional services and ensuring each client receives the end result they desire. No job is too big and no job is too small as NGJ are able to provide a wide range of services to meet the needs of its diverse client base.

Feel free to call us on: 06 751 5065 or visit our Kitchen Showroom at, 67B Breakwater Road, New Plymouth 4310.

Club Merchandise

Club Membership

Along with the increase in living costs, we have also had to put our season memberships up to keep our club ticking, these are now due and can be paid through the links below or over the bar on a Thursday, Friday, or Saturday.

Premier:	$160
Division 1:	$120
Division 2:	$3,000 team fee
Colts:	$120 (or $60 if first year in Colts Grade)
Juniors:	$40 1 child in the family/$70 for 2/$90 for 3 or more in the family
Non-Playing Members (Social Membership):	$50

All memberships may include a partner for an extra $10 per annum which will entitle them to a member’s card and season passes.

Signup buttons below:

Junior Rugby 2024

Junior rugby registrations are now open. If you are keen to sign your kids up, click the link below.

The season kicks off Saturday 4th May and runs to middle of term 3.

If you have any questions, the best place to ask them is on the Tukapa Junior Rugby Facebook page.

Well with all this being said, I still have a day’s worth of jobs to get our great club ready for our big day and the start of the 2024 season which should be a great year of rugby. See you all Saturday!

Blue and White for Life
Scotty Siffleet

Chairpersons Update

Well, we are almost there and now the season seems to be coming at us like a freight train.  Still a lot of boxes to tick before we hit next Saturday but we are in a pretty good space.

All teams are training well and even though our numbers are down slightly we will still field five afternoon grade teams and 215 junior players which makes us the biggest club in Taranaki. With this being said, that means we also need the most volunteers in club rugby to make Tukapa what it is today.

I would firstly like to thank all our supporters that put their hands up each week and help out with running bars, stocking fridges, cleaning spaces and setting up fields. There is one supporter that again I am going to give special mention to, which is our Carole Reid.  Yesterday I was up at the club and walked into Carole sitting on the floor sewing some lose threads in the carpet back together. This lady surely does bleed blue and white and next time you see Carole give her a big hug and say you are awesome.  Also to Rob and Che Ridland, you guys are bloody great and really help me a lot.

From here we move to all our Coaches and Managers - these guys and girls have been working hard since the 1^st of February to make sure we have five afternoon teams ready for the season and now our Junior coaches are about to start as well, thank you guys.  

Then to our 360 odd players we will have in blue and white this year, a massive thank you to you and your families, without you we would not have a club. A special mention to two players that I have noticed going the extra mile over the last couple of weeks.  Firstly Jono Glennie, he came up to the working bee and it didn’t matter what job he got he did it well and just got stuck in.  He also took one of our goal posts away, got it re-welded and then without being asked re drilled the holes and installed it on field three before training.  And the second fella is new to our club, but Jack Gilmour showed the Tukapa attitude out at Inglewood last Thursday night after the game helping pack up the flags for Inglewood without being asked. Jack wouldn’t have known I was watching but I thought that was pretty cool as a new Tukapa man, well done Jack.

Lastly to Darryn Jones and his newly formed Junior helpers, the work you are doing for Junior rugby is second to none and I can’t wait for our junior muster tomorrow at 10am.

To my Tukapa Board, thank you for digging in wherever needed and helping to form this club to what my vision is. I feel we really are the club we all want it to be now.

It has been said before but this year I feel will be the best yet. Can’t wait for old timers day next Saturday.

Old Timers Day and Season Opener

True Blue and White lunch

Scott will give us a rundown of the upcoming season and how our Womens Team is progressing.

Supporters luncheon on Thurs 11th April at Good Home

Meet at 11-45am Eat 12-30pm.

R.S.V.P on or before Wednesday 10^th April

Kev Curd 027 201 2921

Club Merchandise

This weekends Preseason Schedule

Unfortunately the Div 2 clash with Toko has been cancelled but you can still come along and watch the Colts play Southern. All club facilities will be operating.

April Fool

Not sure if you saw our April Fool’s Day post on our facebook page?  It sure got some attention! 😊

Chance to Win

You would have seen in the newsletter a couple of times our sponsor HTL with an offer to help out the club for every person that signs them up as their Broker for their kiwi saver. This is one of the best ways you can give back to our club, every person who signs up, Tukapa gets $100. So be sure to click the link or scan the QR code and get in the draw for a bar tab.

Sponsorship Update

This week we profile Cleggs, Furniture, Beds & Outdoor.

Owners Pam and Gavin Clegg started sponsoring Tukapa, supplying sausages for the morning grades when their kids were still playing footy, probably 10 years ago. Their valued player sponsorship has continued every year since then.

Although Gavin played for Star over his rugby career you will often see him in the clubrooms during home games and his heart will always be for the Blue and Whites.

You will be amazed at the selection of quality Designer Furniture, Beds & Outdoor Furniture, so get down there, take a look, and tell the staff you are from Tukapa. Check out the profile below or visit their website: https://www.cleggs.co.nz/

Sponsorship Profile: Cleggs - Funiture, Beds & Outdoor

Quality Designer Home Furniture, Beds and Outdoors: New Plymouth

Welcome to Cleggs Furniture, for over 50 years our family-owned business has been filling homes with quality furniture sourced from New Zealand and abroad. We have traveled extensively to present a curated range of furniture and accessories that fulfills Clegg’s aesthetic of casual, quality living.

We are the exclusive representatives in the Taranaki region for quality NZ-made furniture brands such as Danske Mobler, Stressless, Sorenmobler, Sealy, and others. We carry a wide range of stylish and contemporary furniture collections from a range of renowned international furniture brands and designers including Halo, Ethnicraft, Stressless, and Rossini. Because of our substantial relationship with these suppliers, we can build on your existing furnishings by sourcing additional items to match your interior, or alternatively, if you are building a new home, we will come out to your home and begin the process of custom designing to meet your needs. We can source almost anything, so the chances are that if you’ve seen something you must have, we can get it for you.

Our range of quality home furnishings includes stylish home and living collections including sofas, armchairs, recliners, bookcases, dining tables & chairs, entertainment units, outdoor furniture, and much more. Our extensive outdoor furniture range includes outdoor dining sets, armchairs, outdoor tables, beanbags and sun loungers. Visit our retail furniture showroom at 181 Devon Street East, New Plymouth to see our extensive range of Furniture, Beds, and Outdoor.

Please browse our furniture and furnishing ranges online https://www.cleggs.co.nz or drop into our New Plymouth furniture showroom or call us today to discuss your requirements on 06 7595690.
We look forward to meeting you.
Regards
Gavin & Pam Clegg

Looking forward to catching up with you all tomorrow at the Chook House. If you can't make it tomorrow, start organising baby sitters or a late pass for next weekend because it's going to be a ripper.

Blue and White for Life
Scotty Siffleet

Chairpersons Update

We are taking a bit of a break from the news this week as we run into Easter. However we do have a couple of preseason games tonight at Inglewood 7:00pm so get along there to support the Hire It Hire Tukapa Premiers and Colts/Div 1. Then on Sat April 6 get along to Sanders Park to watch our mighty Div 2 take on Toko. This is always a great game and all facilities will be open.

Keep an eye out for a full Newsletter next week.

Preseason Schedule

Hire It Hire Tukapa Premiers

You would have seen in the newsletter a couple of times our sponsor HTL with an offer to help out the club for every person that signs them up as their Broker for their kiwi saver. This is one of the best ways you can give back to our club, every person who signs up, Tukapa gets $100. So be sure to click the link or scan the QR code and get in the draw for a bar tab.

Let's get out to Inglewood and support our boys, see you there.

Blue and White for Life
Scotty Siffleet

Chairpersons Update

Here we are, finally, we get to see some rugby at the Chook House for the start of the 2024 season. The boys have been training well and are ready to take on a strong Poneke team. Be sure to come and check it out and sign up as a social member while you are here.

Last weekend we had an awesome turn out for our working bee, with a guess of around 40 people helping out. We managed to get rid of 12 cubic meters of S#*t and now the club looks a lot better without piles in every corner, so a big thank you to all the players and supporters who turned up to help out.

Pre Season

As most long serving members would know, the Poneke game is a long standing tradition that has been played for many years, and the Zemba cup is a very sought after cup that both clubs always want to hold.

Zemba Cup

The Zemba Cup, is contested between Tukapa and the Poneke Club (from Wellington) at Senior A level, and its origins go back to 1939 when Mick Zemba, a Wellington-based former Taranaki resident donated the trophy as a prize for what was then the new pre-season fixture between the two clubs. The interruption caused by WW2 meant it was only played for twice before resuming after the war on an annual basis. The Zemba Cup match was then played pretty much every season on an alternating home and away basis until 1992, usually at Easter Weekend before club rugby competitions got underway.

After the 1992 Centenary match (won at home by Tukapa 19-7), the match was played on only a handful of other occasions in the mid to late 1990’s before the fixture lapsed. It has been revived as a fixture spasmodically in recent decades. Until revived again recently, the final Zemba Cup match for many years was played at the Rugby Academy in Palmerston North on 17 March 2009. The discontinuation after 2009 was largely due to changes in the club rugby structure which saw club competition matches beginning in late March rather than late April, with the result that the pre-season window for traditional fixtures became a lot more constricted. Weekend work requirements as well as cost factors also played a part in pre-season away trips becoming a thing of the past.

As a result of Tukapa deciding to cease attending the Spillane Cup tournament, the Zemba Cup fixture was reinstated in 2019 when Tukapa once more hosted Poneke at Sanders Park, with Poneke running out the winners in a very close match. Last season Tukapa travelled to Wellington for the match but again Poneke prevailed in what was another close encounter.

For the record, the Zemba Cup has been contested on a total of 51 occasions, with Tukapa winning 21 matches and Poneke 30.

Tukapa Premier

You would have seen in the newsletter a couple of times our sponsor HTL with an offer to help out the club for every person that signs them up as their Broker for their kiwi saver. This is one of the best ways you can give back to our club, every person who signs up, Tukapa gets $100. So be sure to click the link or scan the QR code and get in the draw for a bar tab.

Sponsorship Update

Our next sponsors are new to the role but have been around our club for a few years with both of them pulling on the blue and white hoops to help our mighty b’s out, this year they are the naming rights sponsors of our Tukapa colts, I will let Dylan and Rayno tell you more about themselves and the services they offer.

Sponsor Profile: Motion Plumbing & Gas

Both of us have had the privilege to either manage or coach one of the teams at this amazing club. This year will be equally as rewarding for us to  sponsor the Colts team that will ultimately become the feeding engine for senior teams in years to come. Being a part of the “Chooks” culture has even set the tone on how we run our business till today. Tukapa is all about family and the community and so are we.  This is our turn to pay back to our Tukapa Whanau as we have enjoyed some serious support from you guys since starting our Motion venture together.

At Motion Plumbing and Gas we aim to leave every customer satisfied be it that you need some plumbing works, drain laying or gas works – we do them all.  All our work will be certified and we would gladly pop over for an obligation free quote or advice.

Follow us on Facebook or enquire online, we’d be happy to help.

https://www.facebook.com/motionplumbingandgasnz

https://www.motionplumbing.co.nz/

Here’s to a very successful season to all our Tukapa teams!

Cheers

Rayno & Dylan

Club Membership

Along with the increase in living costs, we have also had to put our season memberships up to keep our club ticking, these are now due and can be paid through the links below or over the bar on a Thursday, Friday, or Saturday.

Premier:	$160
Division 1:	$120
Division 2:	$3,000 team fee
Colts:	$120 (or $60 if first year in Colts Grade)
Juniors:	$40 1 child in the family/$70 for 2/$90 for 3 or more in the family
Non-Playing Members (Social Membership):	$50

All memberships may include a partner for an extra $10 per annum which will entitle them to a member’s card and season passes.

Signup buttons below:

Junior Rugby 2024

Junior rugby registrations are now open. If you are keen to sign your kids up, click the link below.

The season kicks off Saturday 4th May and runs to middle of term 3.

If you have any questions, the best place to ask them is on the Tukapa Junior Rugby Facebook page.

Looking forward to catching up with you all tomorrow at the Chook House.

Blue and White for Life
Scotty Siffleet

Chairpersons Update

Well on a wet Friday morning the countdown is now on for the 1^st hit out of the 2024 season. This time next week Poneke will roll into town. This game has been very close in the last few years, with Poneke getting up over Tukapa last year in the last 20 minutes. In 2021 Tukapa got the win at Sanders Park. As most of you know, this is a tradition that goes a long way back and there are a couple of off field games that go with it. I can say last year we went down and hope to redeem ourselves here.

Also next Saturday, as the curtain raiser, our Tukapa Toa will take the field for the first time ever.  This will be what our Female Premier team will be known as. These girls have been working very hard and are bonding well as one team. They will be a real asset to the Tukapa Family. At this stage this game will kick off at 12.30pm against TBA. We will let you know next week.

Long Time Sponsor Signs for Another 5 Years

We have fully stocked the bar and will have both the top and bottom bars open next week so be sure to come up and support the teams then stay for a few afterwards and watch the great Boat race. We thank Lion for coming back on for another 5 years as our brewery sponsor.

Remember our bar is open every week during the following times and all members are more than welcome:

Monday               4pm to 9pm                       Darts

Thursday             7pm to 8pm                       Training

Friday                   3.30pm to 6.30pm         General Meeting

Saturday             3.30pm to 6.30pm         Super rugby review group

Times altered during rugby season.

Club Working Bee

This Saturday sees our annual Working Bee.  Please, if you are available, come up to the club house Saturday and lend a hand.  This is a call out to all supporters, players and friends of Tukapa - many hands make light work and then we can open the bar afterwards and throw some sausages on the bbq.

Chook House Workday

Saturday 16Th March - 9:30 AM Start

Job	Lead
Halfway Containers, Clean & Tidy, Paint Inside Top Container, Lay Rubber Flooring, Seats end of field & Posts up	Scott S
All Sheds Cleanout & tidy up	Player or Management from a squad to do their room if available
Refs Room Clean-up & Tidy	DJ
Empty out the old office & lift the carpet	DJ
Front Entrance & Ash’s Stairwell	DJ
Clean up the back stairwell
Run Weed eater around cricket pitch edges & machine blow/brush vacuum around outskirts of the club (glass & rubbish etc)
Clean out behind all 3 bars	Gav
Showers Steam Clean/Water Blast & clean outside room in showers where water heaters are
Screw floor plate down in Main bar walk-in chiller
Clean out gear container and pack in a tidy organised way
Lights field 3 & Tidy up wiring to all TVs/projectors	Daryn Jones
Stain Deck & paint errors on deck that need attention	Curly
Repairs to the main deck, end panel by the scoreboard, repair runner shelves around inside plus any other building work required inside the club	Kernel
Check all Bar leaner feet downstairs to be used on the dance floor and set up all furniture in the club 2022 Sign to come down above the main downstairs bar
Clear out all hallways/storage cupboards by the strapping room and remove the compressor tidy up that corner push the freezer back

Tukapa Bowls Day

The first ever Tukapa Bowls day was held last Sunday and was played for the Komene Cup.  It was an awesome day with 16 teams entered and the weather turned it on for us.  The winners on the day were the Bishops with a couple of ring-ins throughout the day - well done guys.

Junior Rugby about to hit the mark

Our Junior rugby registrations are going really well and we are just about to hit the “200 kids registered” mark.  Below is from our junior team:

Please get your kids registered for the 2024 season (link below). We are getting team lists together. Some grades are filling fast.

We are looking for more Year 7 players. If you know of any that haven't signed up yet please let them know to do so ASAP. We have coaches that are keen to start training.

Sponsorship Update

This week we look into Riddlez Interactive. Owners Che and Victoria Ridland have been sponsoring Tukapa since 2019 when Grant Paterson was the Chairman of Tukapa and reconnected his link with Rob Ridland from helping out with the Premier Team in the late 90's and 2000's. You will still see Rob doing alot of work for Riddlez but he's not as quick as he used to be. For those of you who are wondering what Riddlez does, you only have to take a look around the Chook House, they are our Graphic and Video content provider. Check out the profile below or visit their website: riddlezinteractive.com

Sponsor Profile: Riddlez

This is a story about a New Plymouth company like no other. Riddlez Interactive is a small New Plymouth company doing things you might struggle to believe. There are just three people involved in the company and they are all Ridlands. There’s Rob Ridland, who is the Asia-Pacific Operations Manager; then there’s his son Ché Ridland, who is the Creative Director and finally there’s Victoria Ridland, the Mutilmedia Manager who is Ché’s wife, which also makes her Rob’s daughter-in-law.
Their office could be described as modest, basically being a converted garage at the front of the Ridland family home in Dartmoor Avenue, but the reality is all they really need are computers to work their magic. And when you become a client of Riddlez Interactive you’ll appreciate the savings they can pass on because they keep their overheads so low. So by now, you’re wondering, just what is it they actually do? And more importantly, what can they do for your business?
Let’s start at the beginning. Ché Ridland is just 36, but he started designing Flight Simulation
products when he was barely 15. “New Plymouth Airport simulation wasn’t that great and I wanted to make it more accurate. I added a lot more detail to it to make it more realistic. ’’
The Boy Wonder certainly did that. He’d indulged his flair for creating design graphics
and animations of a high quality and soon some of the world’s acknowledged experts in the field were taking notice. Ché was on his way. For many of us more mature citizens, 15 seems to be the average age of computer geeks, but now at the ripe old age of 36, Ché and Victoria want to spend more time in New Plymouth and that is good news for the Taranaki business community. Ché and his Canadian wife Victoria have been splitting their time between Vancouver and New Plymouth, but are opting more and more to spread their wings, so to speak, and Taranaki is where they are doing much of their work from.
While Ché is the creative genius behind Riddlez, he is well backed up by Victoria, who manages clients’ online and social media presence and Rob, who ensures the work is done in a timely manner and clients get what was promised – and then some.
He has the ability to think outside the square, the oblong, the circle . . . the list goes on. And
he loves it.
“We’re passionate about developing good quality work, always done in a fun working atmosphere - producing exceptional results on every product and service.’’

The Riddlez team also puts together the Home Game program and more importantly, if you can't make it to the game they produce the clubs Live Stream package for Home Games. Riddlez also puts together our club weekly Newsletter and also designed and manages the club website.

Well time to find my hammer and load the tools for our working bee tomorrow, I will see you there.

Blue and White for Life
Scotty Siffleet

Chairpersons Update

This week was the last week of training before our teams split into their squads for the year. Our premiers will train with a larger squad leading into the Poneke game with the intent of giving some players the chance to push for a permanent spot in the Premiers. I am looking forward to seeing our other squads out there training and we now expect all players to dust their boots off and start coming to training.

Our Woman Premiers have started to get into some contact training, and all look good in their new Blue and White mouthguards. These girls are really impressing me with their want to learn and be a part of a special team. They help each other wherever they can and are really working hard. Wednesday the 13th March we have sorted out a small skills day with coaches coming in to help Plims and Jason so they can split their team into smaller groups to teach the skills needed. So far on the list we have Laurence Corlett, Lisa Appert, Tangi Takie, and our Premier men’s coaches Nathan and Scotty. It is awesome to see all these coaches keen to help out. It's not too late to join the team - turn up on Wednesday at 6:00pm and you will be welcomed with open arms.

Tukapa Lawn Bowls Day

This long weekend sees the second Tukapa Bowls Day being run at Vogeltown Bowls Club on Sunday. If you’re floating around and feel like a beer, come up from 11:00am onwards.

TUKAPA BOWLS DAY DRAW

VOGELTOWN BOWLING CLUB - 10TH MARCH 2024 - 11AM SHARP START

TEAM NAME		Rink	Game 1	Rink	Game 2	Rink	Game 3
	Grace	1		3		5
	Liam Brown	2		4		6
	Wags	3		5		7
	Chook Peters	4		6		8
	Nathan Laurence	5		7		1
	Dan Johanson	6		8		2
	Dan O'Keeffe	7		1		3
	Cam Clout	8		2		4
	Fletcher Smith	1		7		4
	Drew Whitehead	2		8		5
	Jeff Bishop	3		1		6
	Henry Miles	4		2		7
	Josh Hopkins	5		3		8
	Lagen Kumeroa	6		4		1
	Pete Siffleet	7		5		2
	Chris Jollands	8		6		3

Team Training

From Tuesday onwards our Men's teams will be splitting into squads and training as teams. So, if you’ve been waiting to get those boots on, we will see you on Tuesday for Premiers, B’s, and Colts and our Snr 3rds will go for a trot on Thursday all starting at 6:00pm.

Club Working Bee

Next weekend we are running a Chookhouse working bee and have made a list of the jobs we are keen to get done. The idea is that you have a look at the list and put your hand up to help out. The other job we are trying to do this day is to put posts up and also the new lights on field 3 so we are looking for someone who can portable weld and some Sparkies to help Darryn. If you can help out or are keen to do something else that you have seen at the club, get in contact with Dan so we have the right materials on the day to get the jobs done.
Dan Johanson, Club Captain 021 454 685

Chook House Workday

Saturday 16Th March - 9:30 AM Start

JOB	LEAD
Halfway Containers, Clean & Tidy, Paint Inside Top Container, Lay Rubber Flooring, Seats end of field & Posts up	Scott S
All Sheds Cleanout & tidy up	Player or Management from a squad to do their room if available
Refs Room Clean-up & Tidy	DJ
Empty out the old office & lift the carpet	DJ
Front Entrance & Ash’s Stairwell	DJ
Clean up the back stairwell
Run Weed eater around cricket pitch edges & machine blow/brush vacuum around outskirts of the club (glass & rubbish etc)
Clean out behind all 3 bars	Gav
Showers Steam Clean/Water Blast & clean outside room in showers where water heaters are
Screw floor plate down in Main bar walk-in chiller
Clean out gear container and pack in a tidy organised way
Lights field 3 & Tidy up wiring to all TVs/projectors	Daryn Jones
Stain Deck & paint errors on deck that need attention	Curly
Repairs to the main deck, end panel by the scoreboard, repair runner shelves around inside plus any other building work required inside the club	Kernel
Check all Bar leaner feet downstairs to be used on the dance floor and set up all furniture in the club 2022 Sign to come down above the main downstairs bar
Clear out all hallways/storage cupboards by the strapping room and remove the compressor tidy up that corner push the freezer back

Boots Swap

If you are following Tukapa on Facebook or Instagram, you would have seen that we are on the hunt for secondhand rugby boots to give out to our players and help take the cost out of rugby. Outside the club, there is now a blue bin where you can drop off your boots so we can give them out.

Keep an eye out for our boot swap nights as well, where you can bring your old boots in and swap for a bigger size.

Sponsorship Update

This year we have had a massive uptake of sponsors coming on board and can’t thank these people enough for putting their hands up for the first time or for many years. Each week I will try and profile a different sponsor and tell you a little about what they do and how you can support them in their businesses which in turn helps our Club. A couple of weeks ago we featured Lindsay with HTL and I hope some of you have contacted him, which in turn will give our club $100 per person who signs up.

This week we look into NZ Sparky and Dave & Rolley. These lads have been around Tukapa for more years than I have, with them both working for Cast Iron back in the day and doing the maintenance on the club, to now running NZ Sparky which has a lot of strings to their bow.

Sponsor Profile: NZSparky

It has always been a pleasure for Shaun Rohloff and myself to be associated with the Tukapa Rugby Club.
From our first days of playing here, recruited by the master himself Wayne Penn, to the present day where we enjoy being able to give back to the club that gave us so much by being a sponsor for the Senior B's.

At NZSparky, we pride ourselves on excellent service at a reasonable price.
We operate 4 entities under the NZSparky banner which provide the following services:

NZSparky - www.nzsparky.kiwi

• Solar Design and installation.
• New Home, Renovation and Maintenance electrical work.
• Commercial Installations.
• Industrial services.
• Data and Communications.
• TV and Audio Visual.

Taranaki HVAC Supplies - www.taranakihvac.kiwi

HVAC Heating and Cooling Wholesale, Repair and Installation.

Taranaki Appliance Services - www.tasl.kiwi

Appliance Sales and Repairs.

Foundit - www.foundit.kiwi

• Utility Scanning including:
• Underground Cable
• Pipe Locating
• Ground Penetrating Radar
• Liquefaction Reports
• 3D Scanning Reverse Engineering

Please feel free to contact us at any time for an obligation-free quote.

David de Villiers
067534492
david@nzsparky.kiwi
www.nzsparky.kiwi

Club Membership

Along with the increase in living costs, we have also had to put our season memberships up to keep our club ticking, these are now due and can be paid through the links below or over the bar on a Thursday, Friday, or Saturday.

Premier:	$160
Division 1:	$120
Division 2:	$3,000 team fee
Colts:	$120 (or $60 if first year in Colts Grade)
Juniors:	$40 1 child in the family/$70 for 2/$90 for 3 or more in the family
Non-Playing Members (Social Membership):	$50

All memberships may include a partner for an extra $10 per annum which will entitle them to a member’s card and season passes.

Signup buttons below:

Junior Rugby 2024

Junior rugby registrations are now open. If you are keen to sign your kids up, click the link below.

The season kicks off Saturday 4th May and runs to middle of term 3.

If you have any questions, the best place to ask them is on the Tukapa Junior Rugby Facebook page.

Well enjoy your long weekend and remember over the weekend dig those boots out and either drop them at the club or put them on and I will see you this week at training.

Blue and White for Life
Scotty Siffleet