Chairman’s Newsletter
Week 10 Update — One Club, One Whānau
Week 10 is here, and so is the rain. Like every winter in Taranaki, the weather has thrown a few curveballs our way — but that hasn't dampened the spirit of our teams. We’ve had to adapt, shift training sessions, and make the most of what we’ve got. And that, right there, is what being part of Tukapa is all about — grit, teamwork, and getting the job done together.
- Our TOA Wāhine missed their Wednesday field session but turned it into a powerful leadership workshop — a different kind of growth, but just as important.
- The Premiers are heading indoors tonight to squeeze every drop out of their training hour.
- Most Junior teams have missed training this week, but rest assured, they’ll be fired up for Friday night’s big event.
Thankfully, we’ve only got one game at Sanders Park this weekend, so our fields will get a bit of a breather too.
Let’s Talk: Pride, Pressure & Perspective
Now, before we dive into the week ahead, I want to speak openly about something I’ve noticed.
Over the weekend, I overheard some pretty tough comments in the clubrooms about a few of our team performances. And look, I get it. We're a proud club. We love winning. We love good footy. We expect high standards — and that’s what has built Tukapa into the powerhouse it is.
But let’s not forget the bigger picture.
Every week, players put in the mahi. Coaches give up their evenings. Managers, physios, and volunteers give their time to make sure you’ve got a team to cheer on. They do it for the love of the game. For the jersey. For you.
If a result doesn’t go our way or the team has a rough day, take a breath. Think about what it takes just to get a team on the field. And maybe instead of throwing a negative comment out there, offer some encouragement, or just say “thanks” for the effort.
We don’t just build rugby players at Tukapa — we build good people. And that takes all of us — players, coaches, supporters. Let’s all pull in the same direction and bring that One Club, One Whānau spirit to the fore.
Friday Night Lights: Tukapa Junior Takeover
This Friday night is going to be something special.
For the second year running, Tukapa will take over Stadium Taranaki, turning it blue and white with a full slate of junior rugby action under the lights.
17 of our 18 junior teams will play curtain-raisers before the main event — our Colts vs Stratford Eltham match. For many of these young players, it’ll be their first time playing at the stadium. Moments like this stick with you forever. It’s a proud night for families, players, coaches, and the entire club.
And for those attending, you’ll see the unveiling of our new Junior Rugby Mission Statement, which will light up the big screen:
“At Tukapa Rugby, we grow strong players, respectful teammates, and great kids — teaching them to win with pride, lose with grace, and always play with heart. As a family club, we build more than teams — we build character.”
This is who we are. It’s what we believe. And it doesn’t just apply to the kids — it’s for coaches, parents, supporters, and right through to senior rugby.
As Tim Stuck, a proud former Tukapa man and now Principal of FDMC, once said:
“We’re here to grow good men.”
At Tukapa, we’re here to grow good people — on and off the field.
So next time you feel that urge to shout at the ref, question a call, or fire a shot from the sideline — ask yourself: Is this helping us build better players? Better people? If not, maybe take a breath and back our boys and girls the right way.
Where: Stadium Taranaki
When: Kicks off from 5:00 PM with juniors playing
Perks: New stand open, coffee cart, hot food, and a buzzing club atmosphere
Saturday Fixtures: What’s On & Where to Be
We’ve got a stacked Saturday ahead, with important matches for nearly all our senior sides. Here’s what’s happening:
Home at Sanders Park
• TOA Women vs Pātea Women
Kickoff: 12:30 PM
Café open from noon with hot lunch and bar open for pregame socialising
The TOA will be hungry to bounce back and put on a dominant home performance.
On the Road
• Division 1 vs NPOB
Vogeltown Park
1:00 PM Kickoff
Must-win to stay in finals contention
• Premier Men vs NPOB
Vogeltown Park
2:45 PM Kickoff
This is a tough place to win — bring your voices and your colours!
• Senior 3rds vs Kaponga
Kaponga Domain
1:00 PM
Bus seats available (as long as you bring your boots!)
Chasing back-to-back wins and plenty of laughs along the way
Keep a eye out on Facebook and Instagram for team releases over the next 24 hours
After match at the Clubrooms
Wherever you are on Saturday — Sanders Park, Vogeltown, or Kaponga — the bar will be open Saturday afternoon and evening for all players, supporters, and families to regroup, share stories, and celebrate what it means to be part of the Tukapa legacy.
Win or lose — we back our club and our people. Always.
2026 Year of the Chicken Reunion
A couple of weeks ago we put out about our planned reunion for the year of the Chicken in 2026, the flyer below is now on facebook and can I ask you all to share this post with anyone that you think needs to be here in 2026 for this.
Final Word
Thanks again to every person who makes this club hum — from the coaches running muddy sessions in the rain to the parents who ferry kids around town, to the volunteers behind the counter and the supporters on the sideline.
Let’s make Week 10 count. Turn up, tune in, and give it everything — together.
See you on the sidelines,
Scotty Siffleet
Chairperson – Tukapa One Club
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