Tukapa Rugby Newsletter – Week Two

Well, here we go — Week Two is upon us, and it’s shaping up to be an absolute belter.
There’s always something special about a local derby, and this one’s no different. A clash with our neighbours from the Whitehouse — New Plymouth Old Boys — always brings a bit of extra edge. But what makes this one even better… it’s Good Friday, nothing else in town is open, and the forecast is looking like a beauty.
That’s a perfect recipe for a massive day at the Chookhouse.
So rally the crew, bring the family, and make a day of it — because this is exactly what club rugby is all about.

Game Day – Times & Fields
We’ve got a full afternoon of rugby lined up:
• 1:00pm Kick Off
Division 1 – Field 1
Colts – Field 2

• 2:45pm Kick Off
Premiers – Field 1 (Main Event)

Three games, plenty of action, and a proper build-up into the big one.

A Proper Day Out at the Club
The bar will be open from 12:30pm, and Paul will have the shop firing with great coffee, hot food, and all the essentials to keep you going right through the afternoon.
Good footy, cold drinks, a bit of sun, and the sideline chat — you won’t get a better spot to be in New Plymouth on Friday.

Building Momentum
Last weekend down in Hāwera couldn’t have gone much better — a clean sweep across all three teams is no easy feat, especially away from home.
But more importantly than the results was the way the teams went about it.
There was real intent, physicality, and connection in the way the boys played. You could see the work that’s gone in over preseason starting to come together — combinations building, communication improving, and a real willingness to work for each other.
That’s what wins games over a long season.
That said, no one’s getting ahead of themselves.
This week presents a whole new challenge. NPOB will come ready, as they always do, and with a few injuries picked up last week and a couple of lads unavailable, this round is going to test our depth and resilience right across the board.
Opportunities will open up — and it’s up to the next man to step in and take them.

Playing for the Jersey
One thing that stood out last week — and something that shouldn’t go unnoticed — was the pride in the jersey.
Watching our players go out there, rip in, and genuinely care about the result and the performance is what this club is built on.
As volunteers, coaches, supporters, and committee members, we put in a lot of hours behind the scenes — and seeing that effort repaid with performances full of heart makes it all worthwhile.
To all players — thank you. Keep playing for each other, and for the blue and white.

Club Notice – Social Memberships

A quick but important reminder — if you haven’t already, please head up to the top bar and sort your social membership.
It might seem like a small thing, but these memberships play a huge role in keeping the club ticking — from maintaining facilities to supporting all grades across the club.
From this week, there will be a list up on the wall of those who have paid — so make sure you’re on it.
If you’re enjoying what the club offers, this is a simple way to give back.

Going Digital – Match Day Programme

This year we’ve made the move to a digital match day programme.
It’s a practical step to help reduce costs and modernise how we deliver information, while still making sure everyone has access to team lists and updates.

We know not everyone’s keen on screens — so for those who prefer something in hand, we’ll still have a simple one-page version available on game day.

Save the Dates – What’s Ahead

There’s a heap happening around the club over the next couple of months, and it’s shaping up to be a big season both on and off the field:

• April 3rd (Good Friday)
NPOB at Home
Netball & Rugby Family Day

• April 11th
Coastal Away Trip
Dress-up theme across all teams

• April 18th
Stratford Eltham (Away)

• April 23rd (Anzac Round)
Inglewood
Sports Café Live (Thursday)

• May 2nd
Beer Pong Tournament
Band: King of the Mountain

• May 16th
Southern (Home)
Old Timers Day
DJ/Band – TBC

• May 30th (King’s Birthday Weekend)
Coastal Game
Crab Race Day – Theme + Day at the Races

• June 6th
Year of the Chook
Auction of Playing Cotton Jerseys

The Bigger Picture

What’s been really noticeable over the last few weeks is the energy around Tukapa.
From Thursday night feeds packed with players from all grades, to juniors coming through, to the connection between teams — it’s all building into something strong.
We’re not just turning up on Saturdays — we’re building a proper club environment again.
And that’s what makes this place special.

Final Word
Let’s get right in behind all our teams this Friday.
Fill the sidelines. Make some noise. Support the lads. Support each other.
Because at the end of the day, that’s what it’s all about:
Tukapa — One Club, One Family.

See you at the Chookhouse.
Scotty Siffleet

Tukapa Rugby Newsletter – Week 1

Rugby is here, and Week 1 is upon us.

Our Hire It Hire Premiers, NZ Sparky Division 1, and Motion Plumbing Colts all head to Hawera this weekend to take on Southern, with the Werder Trophy on the line. All teams have trained well through pre-season and are ready for the year ahead.

On Thursday night, across our five senior teams, we had 78 players come in for the can and meal deal, which really set the scene for what one club is all about. Thursday meals are not about making money — they are about building bonds between our teams, creating connection across the club, and strengthening the culture that sets Tukapa apart from others.

Our Women’s Toa do not kick off their season until 11 April, when they play a pre-season match against Te Kuiti. Our Division 2 lads also begin their season on 11 April.

We can now officially announce our Division 2 coaches for 2026 as Henry and George Miles. With Henry sitting this season out after a knee operation, he was eager to stay involved at the club and jumped at the opportunity to help lead our thirds. We’re thrilled to have both Henry and George on board.

Junior Muster this Saturday

This Saturday morning at 10.30am also sees our Junior Muster, so be sure to get your kids along. Please also spread the word to anyone else with children keen to play junior rugby. Numbers are down this year, so we are looking for players across all grades. For more information, message the Tukapa Junior Rugby Facebook page.

2001 Year of the Chicken Reunion - Kings Birthday Weekend

2001 Year of the Chicken Reunion – Friday 29 & Saturday 30 May 2026 – King’s Birthday weekend

It is now only 2 months till the 2001 Year of the Chicken reunion to be held at Kings Birthday weekend. This reunion celebrates 3 Taranaki titles won by Tukapa in 2001. This included the Senior A team, coached by Dale Atkins, the Senior 4ths coached by the late Wayne Penn, and the Colts, coached by Bryan Boulton.

While the focus is on these teams, the reunion is open to all past Tukapa players, coaches, managers, committee members, and supporters. There is no cost to attend, just bring good stories, memories, a wish to rekindle past friendships, and the chance to hear a rousing rendition of the Cast Iron Chicken.

As some contact details for players from these teams are unknown, make sure you invite anyone you know who was associated with these champion teams. A great weekend is guaranteed starting from 4.00pm on Friday 29 May 2026.

Online Programme

Also new this year is our online programme. If you’re clever with your phone, you should be able to save the link straight to your home screen so you can easily click on it each week to see all the starting teams.

Normally this will only be available for Home Games but the boys at Riddlez have loaded up this weeks game so check it out. Click on the link above. Once in there click on the Tab to bring up each grade.

Let's start the season off with a bang and head to Southern on Saturday to support our teams.
One club. One family. Bring on the season
Scotty Siffleet

A Big 10 Days for Tukapa

It has been a massive 10 days for the club. Not much of it has been rugby related, but it has all been very much Tukapa related — pushing the boat out and having a great time with great people.
That’s what builds a great club, a great family, and ultimately great rugby teams supported by great people.
Over the last couple of weeks the club has been buzzing with activity and it really shows the strength of our Tukapa community.

Inglewood Rugby Bowls Day

Things kicked off last Saturday when we entered a team in the Inglewood Rugby Bowls Day.
The Tukapa team of myself, Pete, Jollands and Greenie managed to win Second Division and take home the prize money.
When I went up to receive the prize I was keen to lead a song, but the Inglewood club didn’t seem too keen on hearing it — so we decided we’ll save that one for another time.
It was a great day out and always good to see rugby clubs coming together for a bit of friendly competition.

Lion Breweries Tukapa Golf Day

Next up was the first annual Lion Breweries Tukapa Golf Day.
With 18 teams teeing off, the BBQ tent firing and golf carts loaded with liquid gold, it was an absolutely awesome event and everyone involved had a great time.
The winners on the day were Jan Holdt’s team, although on countback I suspect the result may have come down to a lack of drinks — and that’s coming from a team that may have pushed the boat out slightly.
A huge thank you to everyone who entered a team, helped run the BBQ or supported the day.
This will definitely become a regular Tukapa event moving forward.

Jersey Auction

Following the golf day we held our Jersey Auction, which raised some great money for the club.
The support shown during the auction was fantastic and it will go a long way towards helping keep all of our teams running smoothly throughout the season.
Fundraising like this is hugely important for the club and we really appreciate everyone who gets behind these initiatives.

Hirepool Backyard Cricket Tournament

After packing up the golf day, everything moved back to Tukapa for our Hirepool Backyard Cricket Tournament.
With 12 teams entered, it turned into another fantastic event.
Our MCs Clouty and Joey kept the crowd entertained throughout the day, keeping everyone updated on the cricket and the all-important challenge of how many Weet-Bix can actually be eaten.
Congratulations to Matt Stone’s team, who took out the win — although to be honest cricket was the real winner on the day.
This event will definitely grow next year and now that people have seen what it’s all about I’m sure we will see even more teams entering.

Sportscafe Live Coming to Tukapa

Some more exciting news for the club and the wider rugby community.
As part of Taranaki Like No Other Presents – The ANZAC Day Classic, we will be hosting Sportscafe Live with The Classics right here at Tukapa Rugby Club.
Tukapa Clubrooms
Thursday 23 April
8:00pm Start
This will be a very special evening celebrating the era when rugby characters were larger than life and Sportscafe ruled late-night television.
Expect::

• Big rugby stories
• Questionable memories
• A few famous rugby faces
• Plenty of laughs

…and there is every chance we’ll party like it’s 1999.
This is part of the ANZAC Day Classic weekend (23–26 April) where The Classics will take on Classic Australia at Stadium Taranaki.
Our members will receive early access to ticket links before they go on general sale, so keep an eye out and grab your tickets early.
It should be a fantastic night at the club.

A quick update on Sportscafe Live Tickets. Click on the image below to get early access to tickets.

Tukapa Boots Drive & Kit Collection

We are running our Tukapa Boots Drive again this season.
With the current cost of living, there must be plenty of pairs of boots lying around under beds or tucked away in dark cupboards that are no longer being used.
So dig them out and drop them into the bin at the front door of the clubrooms. We will make sure they get into the hands of one of our up and coming Tukapa players who can put them to good use.
We are also collecting old Tukapa gear that you may no longer need.
If you have items such as:

• Old Tukapa jerseys
• Warm-up tops
• Kids supporter shirts
• Club ties
• Dress shirts

Please drop these into the same bin at the clubrooms. We’re sure they can be reused where needed around the club.
Juniors
Junior players and parents should also keep an eye out for more information about our Junior Muster Day, where players will be able to bring their boots along and swap for a bigger size if needed.

Player Registrations & Club Membership

With the season fast approaching, all players now need to be registered for the 2026 season.
Please jump on your team chats and grab the registration link and make sure you are signed up as soon as possible.
At the same time, Social and Junior memberships are now open for 2026.
If Tukapa has backed you over the years, now is the time to back the club. Becoming a member helps support everything we do — from running teams and events to maintaining the club facilities.
We encourage everyone involved with Tukapa to sign up and become a 2026 club member.

A Huge Thanks to the Board

I want to take a moment to thank our board, who really stepped up over the last couple of weeks to help deliver these events.
It takes a lot of work behind the scenes to organise days like this and the board really pulled together to make sure everything ran smoothly.
With the board we have, Tukapa continues to be the club that thinks outside the box and puts on events that other clubs are envious of.
So here’s my small dig — if you’ve got an issue with something, whether it’s the price of your beer or something you think we could do better, you can always find me at the club and I’m happy to have a chat.
That’s always better than hearing things third-hand.
And don’t worry — I’m not as scary as I look.

Rugby Board vs Netball Team

To finish things off, the Rugby Board took on the Netball team last night and managed to come away with a 15–10 win.
A big thank you to the fill-ins and Premier players who helped make the game happen.

Rugby Is Nearly Here

The rugby season is just around the corner and things are starting to ramp up.
We are now only one week away from our game against Pōneke, kicking off at:
Tukapa Rugby Grounds
1:00pm Kickoff
Our Colts are also lining up a game against FDMC, so it should be a great afternoon of rugby.
Dust off your supporter gear and get along next Saturday to support the teams.

True Blue Supporters Luncheon

On Friday the 21st of March we are hosting a True Blue Supporters Luncheon at the Tukapa Clubrooms.
Happy hour kicks off from 12.00pm, with lunch served at 12.30pm.
We’ll have a guest speaker along with Scotty giving an update on how our teams are shaping up for the season ahead.
To help us make sure we have enough beers in the fridge and food in the oven, please RSVP by Wednesday the 19th of March to Kevin Curd on 027 201 2921 or email scott@lifestylebuilding.co.nz.
We look forward to seeing plenty of our loyal supporters there.

Club Notice – Bar Prices

Unfortunately, due to supplier increases across some Lion products, we have had to pass on a small price increase on a few items stocked in the Tukapa fridge.
You may notice an extra dollar on some Lion products at the bar.
Like many clubs and businesses, we are facing the same rising costs and we appreciate your understanding and ongoing support.

What Makes Tukapa Special
What the last couple of weeks have really shown is what makes Tukapa such a special club.
It’s not just about the rugby.
It’s about the people, the community, and the culture.
Events like these bring everyone together — players, supporters, families, sponsors and volunteers and that’s what helps build the environment where our rugby teams can thrive.

See you all at the club soon.
Tukapa One Club

Scotty Siffleet

Tukapa Rugby Club Newsletter – Building Momentum Together

Kia ora Tukapa whānau,
Momentum is building across the whole club as we edge closer to the season. The energy at trainings, the turnout at events, and the engagement from players and whānau has been strong — now it’s about taking the next step.
Here’s your full club update from Tukapa Rugby Football Club.

Pre-Season Update – Time to Commit

Next week we officially split into our different senior teams.
So if you’ve been sitting on the fence, now’s the time to dust those boots off and get along to training.
We are:

• Short on Senior 3rds players
• Always on the hunt for strong B’s players
• Building depth right across the club

There’s no better time to jump in, meet the group and be part of something bigger than just 80 minutes on a Saturday.
Senior Contacts
Premier Men
Coach – Matt Stone | 027 257 5515
Manager – JDL | 027 320 6141

B’s
Coach – Karl Hutching | 022 345 2503
Manager – Trent | 021 134 3043

Colts
Coach – Daniel Sinclair | 021 887 127
Manager – Glen | 020 4191 7507

Premier Women
Coach – Leasha Brider | 020 402 91794
Manager – Vicky | 027 440 5909

Senior 3rds
Coach – To be announced (once contract signed)
Manager – Daniel Green | 021 336 929

For any other information:
Scotty – 021 317 331
If you’re keen, curious, or just need a push — make the call.

Komene Cup 2026 – One Club in Action

The Komene Cup was a brilliant reminder of what makes Tukapa special — teams from across every wing of the club coming together for a proper social hit-out.
Best dressed honours were shared between:

• The Grandmothers (3rds WAGS)
• Look At Moi (Tukapa Netball 1)

The final saw M&M (3rds lads) take on the Middle Aged Starwards, with the Starwards claiming the win.
More importantly, it strengthened our “One Club” culture.

Junior Rugby – Registrations Now Open

Junior rugby registrations are now officially open.
We encourage all returning players and new whānau to register early so we can confirm teams, coaches and planning for the season ahead.
Junior rugby remains the heartbeat of our club, focused on:

• Fun
• Skill development
• Respect
• Pride in the jersey
• Whānau involvement

Junior enquiries: juniors@tukapa.co.nz
Or message the Junior Tukapa Facebook page
If you know a youngster keen to give rugby a go, now’s the time to get them signed up.

Tukapa Golf Day – Enter Now

It’s not too late to enter a team in the Tukapa Golf Day.
These days are always:

• Social
• Competitive in the right way
• Full of banter
• Great for club connection

Lock your team in and support the club.

Hirepool Backyard Cricket – Big Club Day

The Hirepool Backyard Cricket Day is shaping up as a cracker.
Even if you’re not playing, come down and be part of it.
Bar open
Food truck on Field 1
Music and proper club atmosphere
Enter a team now or come down and support — this is what builds culture.

A Tough One to Share

Now for the harder bit of news to break to our loyal supporters and regular throat-wetters.
With our suppliers putting their prices up — particularly across parts of the Lion range that we stock in our fridges — we’ve unfortunately had to pass on some of that increase.
From today, you’ll need to put an extra $1 in your pocket for some of the Lion products behind the bar.
We genuinely hate doing this. No club enjoys raising prices, especially when we know how much you all support us week in, week out.
But like everything at the moment, costs are rising across the board. We need to ensure we can continue to:

• Support our teams
• Maintain our facilities
• Invest in juniors
• Keep the club strong and sustainable

Every dollar spent at the bar goes straight back into Tukapa.
We appreciate your understanding and, more importantly, your continued support.

One Club. One Whānau. One Standard.

Blue and White for Life
Scotty Siffleet

Welcome to 2026 – Let’s Get This Year Rolling

Happy New Year and welcome to 2026 to all Tukapa members, supporters, sponsors, families, and friends of the club.
As we turn the page into a new year, there’s a real buzz building around Tukapa. Before the rugby boots go back on, the bruises start appearing, and the competition heats up, we’re doing what Tukapa does best — bringing good people together.
2026 is shaping up to be a massive year both on and off the field, and we’ve lined up a run of quality summer and winter events that are all about connection, fun, and building momentum into the rugby season ahead. These events aren’t just for Tukapa — they’re for friends of the club, other clubs, supporters, and like-minded people who enjoy sport, banter, and a good day out.
So get your calendars out, get a team together, and get involved.

Komene Cup – Saturday 14 February

Vogeltown Bowling Club
26 Norman Street

The Komene Cup returns in 2026 and once again promises to be a bloody good day out.
This event is about remembering Rangi the right way. Everyone knew him as a good bugger who loved people and always loved a social occasion. The Komene Cup reflects exactly that spirit — relaxed, inclusive, and built around mates getting together.
Event Details:
• Teams must be entered by Thursday 12 February
• Be there by 10:40am – bowls start at 11:00am
• $60 per team (pay on the day – cash, EFTPOS or Visa)
• 4 players per team (only one bowls club member allowed per team)
• 3 games, with semi-final and final for winners
• Spot prizes, best dressed team, cheap bar
• BBQ on the day
• Flat shoes or jandals only – dress up encouraged
Enter a full team or register as someone looking for a team
Text Scotty on 021 317 331
The winning team takes home the Komene Cup, but the real win is the day itself.

Tukapa Golf Day – Friday 6 March

Fitzroy Golf Club
Proudly sponsored by Lion Breweries

This is a first-ever Tukapa Golf Day, and it’s shaping up to be a standout on the 2026 calendar.
• Registration from 10:30am
• Mass start at 11:00am
• Teams of 4–6 players
• $240 per team
• Hole sponsor + team entry available
Enjoy a great day on the course with a BBQ running all day, beverages available for purchase, and prizes for closest to the pin and longest drive.
Following prizegiving there will be an auction with some amazing items on offer, including jerseys donated by Tukapa’s professional players — definitely something you won’t want to miss.
To enter a team, contact Reece on 027 592 2360

Tukapa Backyard Cricket (BYC) – Sunday 8 March

Sponsored by Hirepool
Another brand-new event for Tukapa and guaranteed to be a ripper.
Tukapa BYC is all about summer vibes — food trucks, a bar on the field, backyard rules, and plenty of banter.
• Teams of 5 players
• $1,000 winner takes all
• Matching team shirts encouraged (prizes for best dressed)
Registrations open Saturday via tukapa.co.nz

This event will sell fast, so be ready.

Year of the Chook – King’s Birthday Weekend

25 Years Since the Championship
One of the biggest highlights of 2026 will be Year of the Chook reunion, celebrating 25 years since the famous Year of the Chook teams won their respective championship.
This is shaping up to be a huge weekend, kicking off Friday night 29 May with a meet and greet, followed by a special match where the Premiers will wear a commemorative jersey. These jerseys will be auctioned after the game and are sure to be a great collector’s item.
It’ll be a weekend of catching up, old stories, new memories, and celebrating Tukapa history. All former Chooks are welcome, so please spread the word!
Click the link below and become a social member so you don’t miss updates
For more information contact Lindsay Thomson – 027 226 3699
If you know someone involved in the Year of the Chook teams, please make sure they’re added to the database

Building Momentum into the 2026 Rugby Season

These events are about more than just having a good time — they’re about connection, community, and momentum.
Junior & Senior Registrations Now Open
All junior and senior registrations for the 2026 season are now open.
Use the links below to register your kids or yourself early and help us plan for a big season.
Junior Coaches Wanted
We’re also on the lookout for junior coaches. We are very keen to try and have two coaches and a manager per team, so if your keen to help out please also register on Rx and let Josh know
If you’ve coached before or are keen to give it a go, we’d love to hear from you.
juniors@tukapa.co.nz
Josh Bollen – Junior Convenor: 022 101 9048

No matter what club you’re from, if you’re a friend of Tukapa or just enjoy being around good people, you’re welcome here.
Get involved. Enter a team. Register early. Spread the word.

Let’s kick off 2026 the Tukapa way.
See you out there
Up the Chooks.

Tukapa Rugby & Sports Club – Christmas Newsletter 2025

“One Club, One Family, One Future”

As we wrap up another big year at Tukapa, it’s the perfect time to pause and reflect on how far we’ve come.

Over the past few years, Tukapa has continued to grow in both size and ambition. We’ve built something special — a true “One Club” environment that connects rugby, netball, darts, and our wider community.

From big wins on the field to packed clubrooms, new events, new faces, and old mates coming back — it’s been another year that proves what makes the Chooks different: our people.

Building the Future – Our 2026 Board

With that growth comes responsibility, and we’re taking steps to make sure our club continues to lead the way in community sport.
This new board structure for the 2026 season is designed to share the load, reduce burnout, and make sure every area of the club runs smoothly.

Role	Name
Chairperson	Scott Siffleet
Membership & Recruitment	Jack DeLuca
Social Committee Lead	Liam Bernet
Players’ Needs & Recruitment Lead	Leighton Price
Junior Players & Family Lead	Kendra Holdt
Old Timers & “Year of the Chicken” Lead	Lindsay Thomson
Field Setup, Pack Down & Golf Day Lead	Reece Hannam
Changing Room & Match Day Lead	Daniel Green
Club Captain	Tom Fastier
Club Administrator	Jan Holdt
Treasurer	Tom O’Connor

A massive thanks to everyone who has put their hand up to lead. Your time and effort make this club what it is.

Highlights of 2025

• Our Toa Women’s team continued to shine, with young stars like Rosie Moffitt showing what the future of Tukapa looks like.
• The Premiers and Colts fought hard all season — proud to wear the blue and white every weekend.
• Our social and community events—from Club of Origin to Ladies Day—were bigger than ever, proving that Tukapa is as strong off the field as it is on it.
• The darts and netball crews kept the Tukapa spirit alive year-round, showing the power of our “One Club” vision.
• And of course, none of it happens without our incredible volunteers, sponsors, and supporters. You’re the heartbeat of Tukapa.

The Chooks’ Way Forward

2026 is shaping up to be another huge year — and we’re ready for it.
With clear roles, fresh energy, and the same Tukapa attitude, we’ll keep growing the club we’re all proud to call home.

We’re also excited to announce our 2026 Coaching Lineup:

• Premier Men – Matt Stone (Head Coach), with Hayden Chamberlain and Josh Angell as Assistant Coaches.
• Tukapa Toa – led by Alisha Brider, with additional coaching support to be confirmed.
• Division 1 – Karl Hutchings at the helm, and we’re looking for someone to work alongside him.
• Colts – Daniel Sinclair, Jarrod Werder, and Anthony Day returning to guide our young Chooks.
• Senior Thirds – we’re on the hunt for a skills coach for Thursday nights, and if you’re available on Saturdays too, even better!

We’ve got strong management teams backing these coaches, but as always, we’re keen to bring more people into the fold.
If you’d like to jump in and help your club out — whether on the field, behind the bar, or around the grounds — get in touch with me directly. Every bit of help makes a difference.

2026 Pre-Season Dates

Date	Event
Monday 12th Jan	Start of Tukapa Spartan Challenge
Sunday 25th Jan	Rugby vs Netball at Netball Courts
Friday 6th Feb	1st Annual Backyard Cricket Comp at Tukapa
Monday / Thursday 9th / 12th Feb	Pre-Season Training Begins
Saturday 14th Feb	Komene Cup Bowls Day
Friday 6th March	Tukapa Golf Day
Monday 9th March	Taranaki Anniversary Day
Saturday 14th March	Pre-Season Away Game
Saturday 21st March	Pre-Season vs Poneke (Home)
Saturday 28th March	Round 1 – Home to Clifton

So from all of us on the Board — thank you for being part of the journey. Whether you’ve played, coached, pulled a pint, or just cheered from the sidelines, you’re part of what makes Tukapa great.

Have a safe and happy Christmas, enjoy the break, and we’ll see you all back mid-January — recharged and ready to go again.

Up the Chooks
Chairperson - Scott Siffleet
Tukapa Rugby & Sports Club

Chairperson’s Message

Over the last couple of months, I’m not going to lie — what our Tukapa family has been through is something I would never wish on any club or family. I’m sorry this is the first newsletter I’ve written since the tragic death of our mate Dan outside the club on prizegiving night. This loss has hit so many of us deeply, myself included, and the hurt is still very raw.
We are standing alongside the Nganeko whānau to ensure justice is served and will continue to back them in their fight to see the law changed. Many of you know I was closely involved on the night this happened, and I want to sincerely thank those who reached out to check in on me and make sure I wasn’t bottling it up. That support meant a lot.
On the other side of this tragedy, the wave of support for Tukapa from across Taranaki and rugby clubs around the country has been humbling. It shows that while rugby in New Zealand may be struggling at grassroots level, what we have built here at Tukapa is very special. With clubs standing together, hand in hand, we can get through tough times like these and keep our sport alive.
To Cam, Pete, Christine, and all of Dan’s close friends and family — I give you my word that Dan will always be a part of Tukapa and forever in our hearts.

Prize-giving Recognition

The night Dan passed was also our senior prizegiving, and I want to acknowledge those who received awards. I am sorry it has taken until now to put this out to our members, but please know how valued you are. To every award winner — players, coaches, managers, volunteers, and board members — thank you. You are what makes Tukapa strong.

Junior Rugby 2025

This year we had a fantastic lift in our junior numbers with 230 kids playing rugby in Blue & White. A massive thank you to our newly formed Tukapa Junior Committee — you guys are awesome, and the work you put in has made a real difference to how our junior programme runs.
We also introduced a brand-new award: the Tukapa Junior Chook of the Year. One award was presented in every team.
The Junior Chook of the Year is not necessarily the best player on the paddock. Instead, it recognises the kid who best lives out Tukapa’s values — respect for teammates and opposition, giving 100% effort, and being a great club person. It’s about the player who may not score the most tries, but who embodies the true Tukapa spirit.
Congratulations to all our first-ever Chook of the Year winners — you’ve set the standard for what it means to be a proud young Chook.

Club Projects

You may have noticed scaffolding around the club. We’ve kicked off our re-roof project, and weather permitting, we’ll have a brand-new roof and a fresh coat of paint by the end of the month. This is an important step in keeping our facilities in top condition for the years ahead.

One Club – Netball & Rugby

On Saturday, Tom Fastier and I attended the Tukapa Netball prizegiving. A huge thanks to their board for putting on such a great night and for the invite. The more we can strengthen the “One Club” connection between rugby and netball, the better it is for everyone. We look forward to working even closer together heading into the 2026 season.

Touch Rugby 2025/26

Starting Wednesday, 1 October, our Touch Rugby competition kicks off. This is the last week to get your entries in.
This year we’ll also be running meals from the club kitchen on Wednesday nights, so even if you’re not playing, come up for a feed and a drink. Keep an eye on Facebook each week for the menu.

AGM & Upcoming Events

Tukapa AGM – Thursday, 13 November @ 7:00pm
All voting members, please make the effort to attend. Your voice and vote matter in shaping the future of our club.

Club of Origin Tournament – Saturday, 4 October @ NPOB Fields
A brilliant opportunity for our high school players linked to Tukapa to pull on the Blue & White jersey. Tukapa will have a team in each grade — come along and support our future stars.

Return of Club 7s – Saturday, 1 November @ Sanders Park
Sevens rugby is coming back to Taranaki, and Tukapa is proud to host! We’re planning a carnival-style day on the field, followed by live music at night. Keep an eye out for details — this will be a cracker.

End of Year Darts & Christmas Party – Saturday, 6 December
We’re revamping our darts night into a full-blown Christmas party. Theme: Come dressed as Santa! Save the date — it’s going to be one for the books.
And if you’re keen to throw some darts in the meantime, Monday night darts is underway again. Be at the club by 5:30pm or check the Tukapa Darts Facebook page for updates. Everyone is welcome.

Closing
This has been a season of highs and heartbreaking lows. But through it all, Tukapa’s heart has shone through — in our people, our support for one another, and our determination to keep building something truly special.
One Club. One Family. One Community.
Your Chairperson
Scott Siffleet
Tukapa Rugby & Sports Club

Finals and Prizegiving Special

Finals Day – What a Day it Was

The 2025 Finals Day will go down as one to remember. It kicked off with a breakfast at the club that was incredibly well supported — players, supporters, parents, and even grandparents all came together. It was a special way to unite as one big Tukapa whānau before heading over to Yarrow Stadium.
First up were our Motion Plumbing Colts, facing a very strong Coastal side. The nerves were definitely there, but our boys stepped up and started strong. James Day’s boot proved crucial, slotting a couple of long-range penalties that helped keep the opposition at bay.
The way our Colts played was simply outstanding. You could tell they'd been on the big stage before — calm under pressure and clinical when it counted. As Chairman, I honestly couldn’t ask for more than seeing this young group go back-to-back. For two years now, it’s been their heart and never-say-die attitude that’s carried them through the business end of the season.
A massive thank you to Zinny, Werder, and Ants for guiding these young athletes and teaching them the importance of hard work and backing each other.
It was also fantastic to see the club packed on Saturday night, full of supporters celebrating another special moment in Tukapa history.
Well done, Colts — back-to-back titles will be remembered forever. Now let’s set our sights on 2026… and the three-peat!

The Rise of the TOA

The second Tukapa final of the day featured our Glasscraft Tukapa TOA — a true success story for the club. From finishing last in 2024 to making the final in 2025, this has been a turnaround to be proud of. When I had a dream two years ago, egged on by Curdy, I never imagined we’d be playing in a final so soon.
This is a massive thank you to Plims, Jason, and Vicky for believing in the plan and making sure we did it the right way — as one, both on and off the field.
The next thank you goes to all the wāhine who call Tukapa home and treat each other with respect and care like a true family.
And a special thank you must go to our wider Tukapa community — the supporters who never looked down their noses at a women’s team joining the club. You trusted the vision and not only embraced the idea but fully backed it. You’ve shown our TOA the same welcome, support, and mana you would give any male team, and that means everything. I know some clubs have struggled with this, but at Tukapa, the one-club vision truly shines — from our seniors all the way through to our junior teams and coaches.
While our TOA fell short on finals day to a very strong Inglewood side — a team who also deserves major credit as a newer side themselves — this moment is far bigger than a trophy. Our women’s team has laid solid foundations that will support the future of women’s rugby at Tukapa for years to come.

One Club. One Night. One Celebration.

The final chapter of our senior rugby season — and the clearest showcase of our One Club vision — is coming up on
Saturday, July 26th at the Chookhouse: the Tukapa Senior Prizegiving.
Over the past few years, we’ve slowly rebuilt this night into something special. Last year, we had over 140 people attend — a great number, but I still believe we can do better.
This night isn’t just about the players. It’s about everyone who makes Tukapa what it is — partners, supporters, life members, and retired players. You guys laid the foundation for this club long before I ever had a say, and I’d love nothing more than to see you back in the room celebrating not only what our teams achieved in 2025, but what you helped create across your own years of involvement.
Everyone is welcome. No invite needed — just grab a ticket and join us for a special night. Whether you dress up or not, whether you hit the dancefloor or just stay for the meal and awards, it’s about being there to support the next generation of Tukapa legends. Because one day, they’ll be standing on that stage, looking out and saying,
“I remember being at my first prizegiving, in front of the greats of this club.”
I know I say it a lot, but I’ll keep saying it:
WE ARE ONE CLUB — and I’m bloody proud of it.

Tickets available now at:

See you there,
Up the Chooks!
Your Chairperson
Scott Siffleet
Tukapa - One club