Hi ,

Here we are in February, with January done and dusted, and February almost done. A little over 300 or so days to Christmas - just what we all need to know. However, before we break for that, we have a Club Rugby season that should be pretty much "back to normal". The Draw (see attached) is out with our first game away vs OBU at Rugby League Park on 1st April.  

An item of News you may have missed is that our Patron (pretty much forever), Paul McEnaney handed his mantle to long time Tawa Supporter and ex President, Tom King. Paul is having a few health issues, but in typical West Coast style, he will "give a bit of slipper", the odd "stiff arm" and a few other technical secrets best left on the Coast fields. No red cards in our day, Mac!                                                                                                                                     

Bit of my history here. Labour Weekend last year was the 125th year of my old Club - Wanganui Pirates. I was able to get to the dinner held at the Wanganui Racecourse on the Sunday night, and just like our 75th - a night of catching up, telling no lies and generally having a great time whilst reliving some moments. You just never know who you might see at these momentus occasions.

Arch Roebuck, Wanganui Icon - current Patron, Life Member and ex President of Wanganui Rugby Union, ex Patron, ex President and Life Member of Wanganui Pirates.  

Jeff Slight, President of Wanganui Rugby Union, President and Life Member Wanganui Pirates Rugby Club.

our own ex Pirate, Nigel Parata.  

In headline news the other week, was Campbell Johnstone fronting up to the Media about being Gay. What a Hero. We all know you are not alone, but I (and heaps of others) applaud you for speaking out. In this World of awakening to lots of personal issues and out-moded, old fashioned thinking, along with people talking of Mental Well Being, the timing from Campbell was quite appropriate. The Mental anguish and strain he and others have been through whilst working out societies understanding of these differences has been (I believe) very stressful for a lot of individuals just wanting to get on with and contribute to life like the rest of Society. My Cousin David and his Soul-Mate Tony are getting married in May (should have been in 2020, but Covid put paid to that) and I am bloody proud of them.

Last Friday I drove a bunch of Hurricane Supporters from the Porirua Club to Levin for the 'Canes pre-season game against the Crusaders. On the way up we decided to put in money to buy cans of food etc for our Brothers and Sisters in the disaster zones. A collection was underway at the venue and we gave $100 of goods to the cause.  An interesting game with the Canes down 21-7 at half time, only to come back for a 31-26 win. But as we all know, you can't take much away from this. It is a "hit out" with a lot of new Players on both sides.                                                                  

Porirua Club Supporters - photo taken by Wayne Smith from Petone while all but 2 people called out Norths and smiled. Clearly, I have some work to do.  

As this Newsletter is sent out, a hell of a lot of our Country is in turmoil. Our hearts go out to our fellow Kiwis as they courageously go about rebuilding their lives amidst the traumatic events over the last week, although for many it is nowhere near over.                                                                                                   

Kia kaha New Zealand.                                                                                 

BREAKING NEWS!! Tamati Ellison has been named Wellington Lions Coach. Here is a young man we have watched come through the ranks as a local Lad from Norths and aspire to the top, becoming an All Black, Gold Medal Winner and a myriad of other accolades. Congratulations Tamati

Allan G Davidson

President 

WORKING BEE | 25 MARCH 2023 

Keen for a BBQ, beer or two and some laughs? 

The committee has noticed a number of items that need a bit of attention, and thought it would be a great idea to round up everyone one for bit of Mahi before the season kicks off. 

Ideally we want a team leader for ever task with a few helpers to smash them out. 

Things that need to be done: 

• Clean out the Garage
• Fix the spouting
• Clean the gutters
• Fix the flag pole
• Trim the trees for live streaming
• Clean the all the windows
• Clean the Kitchen
• Clean the Weights Room
• Clean the Bathrooms
• Clean the Showers
• Prem 2 Changing Room | Re Gib and Paint, fix door
• Visitors Chaning Room | fix the holes
• Light fittings | make sure they are all working

If you are able to be a team leader or helper please let us know asap. 

You can contact: 

Amy | amyvnz@gmail.com | 021 236 1627 or

Kevy | 027 560 5882

UPCOMING EVENTS/GAMES 

11 March        Preseaon game vs ParaPlim                          Lyndhurst Park

18 March        Preseaon game vs Hutt Old Boys Marsit        Lyndhurst Park

25 March        Working Bee                                                  TRFC

1 April             Season Starts | OBU vs Tawa                        Rugby League Park