Chairman’s Newsletter
Week 9 – Celebrating Our Club Wāhine
Kia ora Tukapa family,
Week 9 is here, and fingers crossed the weather gods smile on us again! Before we get into what’s coming, a huge thank you to the sponsors who joined us in the Ford Tent last weekend. Your presence makes a real difference and helps us create the community-focused environment we value so much. We hope you enjoyed great conversation, good company, and top-notch rugby.
Ladies Day Returns – Bigger, Brighter, and More Fun
This Saturday, we proudly celebrate Ladies Day - a tradition that means more than just a social event at Tukapa. It’s a chance to acknowledge and honour all the women who make our club what it is.
We’re stepping it up in 2025 with:
- Live DJ in the Ford Tent – bringing the vibe all afternoon
- Two feature cocktails – created just for the day
- Major prize giveaways – every drink you purchase gets you an entry
- New decorations and upgraded hospitality – expect great company, laughs, and a few surprises
But Ladies Day is more than perks. It's about acknowledging the unsung heroes of our club:
- Jan from our board who’s a key part of our leadership
- Renee and Vicky from the management team - always behind the scenes making it all work
- Kendra, Janelle, and Hannah from the Junior Committee, shaping our future players
- Carrol, our Club Mum, always looking out for everyone
- Our amazing mums, aunties, sisters, and nanas who bring the juniors every week
- Our wives, partners, and girlfriends who support us every training night and game day
- Our loyal female supporters, rain, hail, or shine
- The mighty Tukapa Toa, representing us with pride and heart
- Our Netball ladies in the blue and white every weekend
- And the partners of our Board and volunteers - thank you for the sacrifices you make to help us do what we do
Six years ago, we started building a culture of "ONE CLUB" - a club where families, especially women and girls, feel welcome, valued, and empowered. Today, that vision is thriving. Every time I plan a Tukapa event or write a message like this, that’s the first thing I think of.
This Saturday, come join us in the Ford Tent at the far end of the field. Mix, mingle, have a drink, enjoy the tunes—and let us say thank you.
Player Spotlight – Nat Haupapa’s 50th Cap
This week, we celebrate a special milestone for one of our standout Toa players: Natale-Ann Haupapa - or as we all know her, Nat.
Nat came to us this year from Clifton and immediately became part of our leadership group. Her experience, passion, and work ethic have made her a cornerstone of our women’s squad. On Saturday, Nat will:
- Earn her first official cap for Tukapa Toa
- Celebrate her 50th career cap in women’s rugby
This is a massive milestone—not many players reach 50 caps, especially in the women's game. We’re proud she chose Tukapa as her club and her family. Nat, thank you for everything you bring—on and off the field.
This Week’s Games – All Eyes on Sanders Park
We’re back home this weekend, and it’s a full card with huge matchups across the grades
Tukapa Toa vs Southern Ladies – 11:30 AM Kickoff (Home)
Fresh off their bye, the Toa are recharged and ready. With a top-two finish and a home semi-final in sight, this game is key.
Southern are an experienced outfit and always bring physicality — so we’ll need to bring our A-game.
Players to watch:
- Dee – only in her second year but already a front-row powerhouse
- Roise, Rocky, and Aaliyah – deadly in attack and always a scoring threat
Honestly, the whole squad has been outstanding this season.
Division 2 vs Okaiawa – 1:00 PM (Field 1, Home)
Our Div 2 boys are starting to find their groove! With a consistent core of 23 lads, they’re gaining momentum each week.
This week, they earn a spot on Field 1, and if they click, a win over Okaiawa is very much on the cards. Let’s get behind them—they’re building something special.
Colts vs Inglewood – 1:00 PM (Away)
Our Colts suffered their first loss of the season against Coastal, but they’ll be hungry to bounce back.
This week is a rematch of last year’s final against Inglewood, and it won’t be easy. To stay top of the table, they need a 5-point win.
Cut out the errors and play our natural game, and there’s no reason they can’t do it.
Division 1 & Premiers vs Southern – 1:00 PM & 2:45 PM (Home)
In Round 1, both sides played some great footy against Southern.
On a dry track and with the home crowd behind them, we expect more of the same this weekend—fast, entertaining rugby.
Come down and make some noise for the boys in blue and white.
Lads make Shield defence Squad
A massive well done to our premier players you made the Taranaki Bulls shield defence squad for the King country game, these fellas are all the corner stone of our Hire it Hire Premiers
- Waata Wharawhara
- Larenz Tupaea-Thomsen
- Sam Clarke
- Nathaniel Peters
- Thomas Edwards
- Laim Bernet
- Zebby Uini-Faiva
See You at the Chook House
After the final whistles, we’ll be heading back to the Chook House for a debrief, a few cold ones, and plenty of stories to share.
Stay tuned to Facebook and Instagram tomorrow for full team lists and updates. Let’s keep the momentum going, on and off the field.
WE ARE TUKAPA – WE ARE ONE CLUB
With pride
Blue and White for Life
Chairperson
Scotty Siffleet
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