Tukapa Rugby & Sports Club – Christmas Newsletter 2025

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

Chooks on the Big Stage - Finals Footy Time!

Well, here we are – the biggest day of the club season – and how good does it feel to say we have two Tukapa teams lining up on Field 1 at Stadium Taranaki this Saturday?
11:00am – Motion Plumbing Colts vs Coastal
1:45pm – Glasscraft TOA vs Inglewood
To have not one but two teams representing the Chooks at the stadium is a huge achievement and something the entire club should be proud of. These moments are earned through hard mahi, belief, and the kind of club culture that builds success over time — and this week, it’s our turn to show that to the province.

Here's the Plan - Come be Part of History

Weather might be wet – but we’ve got your back.

There’s a FREE supporters bus leaving Tukapa at 10:40am, dropping you at the main gate so you stay dry and arrive in full voice.
Breakfast at the Club (8am–10am): Start your day right with kai and good company.
Tickets on Sale at the Club: Avoid the stadium lines.
Old Jerseys for Sale – just $5! Adult and kid sizes. Let’s turn Field 1 into a sea of blue and white.
We’re calling on EVERY Chook — Premiers, Div 1, Div 2, juniors, partners, parents, old boys, lifelong supporters — to stand united. We want that stadium bouncing with noise and colour. We want every player to hear our support. Let’s walk in together and walk out proud.

A Word from Vicky – Manager, Glasscraft TOA

Tukapa’s journey in women’s rugby has been nothing short of remarkable. Just two years ago, we launched our first women’s team — starting from absolute scratch. Many of the players had never played the game before, and in that first year, we suffered some heavy defeats, often by 50 points or more. But what we built was far more important than the scoreboard: we created a culture, laid foundations, and grew depth. That effort is now bearing fruit in 2025.
A big part of our progress this season has been the inclusion of several young Sacred Heart Girls’ College players who began training with us in 2024 — Rosie Moffitt being one of them. Rosie, however, is not new to Tukapa. She played all of her junior rugby here, right through to Under 13s, and has proudly worn the blue and white hoops again this season — this time as a key member of our Tukapa Women’s Premier team.
After a tough season last year filled with losses and a big focus on learning and development, the TOA women’s team has come back stronger than ever. What started as a rebuilding phase — getting used to new systems, welcoming fresh faces, and learning from every challenge — turned into something way bigger than just winning games.
Through grit, support, and a strong club culture, the team found their groove, built solid connections, and came together as one. Making it to the grand final is more than just a result — it’s proof of what belief, teamwork, and sticking together can achieve.

A Word from Trent – Manager, Motion Plumbing Colts

2025 has been a real year of change! I’ve just looked over the team sheet that the three wise men — Zinny, Jarrod, and Anthony — have pulled together, and 16 of the players were not part of the team last year. That just shows how well the new Chooks have blended in with our 12 returners to get us back to the pointy end for another shot at the title.
We’ve ridden the momentum wave, even after a shaky start where we struggled to field a full team each week. As the season went on, our numbers grew — helped by lads returning from uni — and the group kept building. Co-captains Fletcher and Harry have led from the front, and it’s been awesome to see so many individuals improve week after week.
Our gritty 12–10 semi-final win away at Inglewood showed how far we’ve come — the tank was emptied, and the relief was real!
A special mention to James Day, who’s brought up 100 points for the season — an outstanding effort that’s helped put us in this position. Well done, Jimmy!
Now, we get one more crack at Coastal Colts. We’re 0–2 against them this year, but as they say — “anything can happen in a one-off game.” The boys are pumped for one last go to try and flip the script.
On behalf of the whole Colts group, thank you to the wider Tukapa whānau — the club, the sponsors, the supporters. Your backing has meant everything. Our success is your success, and we’ll give it our all to make you proud.
Cheers!

After the Games - Back to the Chook House

Once the full-time whistle blows, win or lose, we head back to the Chook House to watch the Men’s Premier Final live on the big screen – then roll into the All Blacks Test for the perfect finish to an epic club day.
It doesn’t matter what the scoreboard says — what matters is the club comes back together as one. A warm, dry clubhouse. Good food, cold drinks. Great people. That’s what Tukapa is all about.

Save the Date - Prize Giving Night

Saturday, 26th July – lock it in now!
We’re celebrating the 2025 season in style with a sit-down meal, followed by our club awards, and then we’ll dance the night away with a DJ.
Theme and more info to come — but you won’t want to miss this one. Bring your teammates, your partners, and your best moves. It’s going to be a massive night.

Final Message From Me

These moments don’t come around often. Let’s make it count.
Wear Blue & White . Bring your voice. Support your people.
Let’s show the province how proud we are to be Tukapa through and through.
This Saturday is for every player who wore the jersey, every kid who dreams of doing so, every volunteer who gives their time, and every person who’s ever stood on the sideline at Sanders Park.
This Saturday – we walk together. As one club. One family. One Chook.

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

Tukapa Newsletter – Semi-Final Week!

Well, here we are—knockout rugby this Saturday! Not bad at all to have four Tukapa teams still alive and all with a real shot at making the big dance.
It's a wet Thursday morning, and I'm parked up in Joe’s Garage writing this. The buzz around club rugby this year has been awesome—you can feel it everywhere. Every time you bump into someone, there’s a quick rugby chat. Just walking to my table, I had a yarn with Kevin Murphy and Kevin Blundell (yes, an Old Boys lad!) about this weekend. As much as I bleed blue and white, I love the banter with passionate people from other clubs. That’s what club rugby is all about.

Logistics

We’ve got games stretching from Inglewood to Hāwera, which has meant crafting a very creative bus timetable! The aim is to get all teams back to Stratford to finish the day supporting our Premiers. There are supporters' buses heading to both Colts and TOA games—we’ll make the final call on the Hāwera one by 7:00pm tonight.

Motion Plumbing Colts – 1:00pm @ Inglewood

This is a rematch of last year’s final, and with one win each in the regular season, this one will be tight. It’s on the back field, so maybe pack a snorkel—but mud builds character! Zinny, Werder, and Ants will no doubt have something special planned. With 7 players moving up next year, these young chooks are fired up to go back-to-back. Get there and cheer them on!

Speight’s Division 2 – 1:00pm @ Kaponga

The results might not have always gone our way this season, but to go from nearly folding the team to a tight, committed group is a win in itself. A huge shoutout to Rae for rallying the troops—at this point, we reckon half of Tree Machine staff now wear blue and white!
This week, we’re off to Kaponga, who are flying high after snatching the Crowley Cup off Okaiawa. But with a bus packed full of Birds of the Thirds, good chat, and a few cold ones on board, I like our chances. These are the games where legends are made, and I’m backing our lads to bring it home.

Glasscraft Tukapa TOA – 12:30pm @ TSB Hub, Hāwera

Where do I start? What began as a young, developing side is now a genuine finals contender. With additions from other clubs and a great mix of youth and experience, this team has built something special. Last week’s 15-all draw at Southern sets the scene for a belter of a rematch. Women’s rugby brings so much encouragement and energy—it’s inspiring to see. Expect Plims and Jase to have a few tricks up their sleeves!

Hire It Hire Tukapa Premiers – 2:45pm @ Stratford

Our boys put in the hard work every Tuesday and Thursday—and it shows. There's a real edge at training this year: accountability, intensity, and pride. That’s what will make the difference come Saturday. This semi is 1–1 on the season, and yes, Stratford-Eltham knocked us out last year—but we’ve got the tools, toughness, and ticker to turn the tables.
If we can contain their pace and spark at 9 and 10, I back our forward pack to take charge. Our blazer lads will lead from the front—we know how special this group is. Let’s fill Victoria Park with blue and white and get them over the line.

Post-Match at Tukapa!

To all our Tukapa players—we’re proud of you. Every supporter, coach, and clubbie will be doing everything we can to help you get to finals day at Stadium Taranaki.
The bar at Tukapa will be open Saturday night—come back to the Chook House after the games, grab a fizzy, and share some stories.

See you on the sidelines—rain, hail, or (hopefully) shine—we’ll bring the blue and white noise!
Up the Chooks,
Your Chairperson
Scott Siffleet
Tukapa - One club

Tukapa Weekly Newsletter Week 14

Kia Ora Tukapa Whānau,

A quick note from Club Captain Tom Fastier as Scotty is under the pump this week.

The final week of the regular season is upon us, and all of our senior teams deserve our respect and recognition for the commitment they’ve shown to the jersey.

Here’s a quick summary of where things stand this weekend:

B’s & Thirds

It’s been a long season for both teams, digging deep every week despite low numbers. A special nod to the B’s playing and coaching group who’ve fronted up with 16 most weekends, an outstanding effort. They’ll look to finish strong at home against United and put their feet up until next year.
The Thirds have also battled hard in what is at best described as an unbalanced competition. They take on table-topping Bell Block Gladiators at home this weekend. Regardless of the result, they’ll be on the road next weekend for a cup ‘semi’ — and they’ll back themselves against any of the other teams.

Toa (Women’s Premier)

Our Toa have made huge strides this season and are consistent and a formidable team. With 4 wins from 7, they currently sit third on the table and head south to face second-placed Southern. Theres a lot of the line in this game, which will determine who will get the home semi in the same fixture again next week.

Colts

The Colts are away to Coastal, one of the joint top teams. It’s a tight three-way battle at the top, and a win would lock in a home semi-final. They’ve had a few narrow losses to Coastal this season, we’re due one to go our way and the boys are ready to roll up their sleeves in the wet.

Premier Men

All eyes turn to our Premier Men this weekend as they host United at home. In what many are calling the closest season in memory, five teams remain in the hunt for the top four — but our fate is in our hands.
It’s simple:
Win with 5 points (4 tries or more, regardless of score), and we lock in a spot in the top 4.
We’ll also be watching the Old Boys v Clifton clash closely. Odd as it sounds, we’ll be cheering on Old Boys — if both they and Tukapa win (and we secure 5 points), we’ll be back at the Chook House next week for the semi.

King of the Mountain

Get along to the chook house this Saturday from 7:00pm till late for King of the Mountain live and help Scott Mellow celebrate 100 games.

If that’s not enough to get the blood pumping, please get your doctor to check your pulse.
As always, the beers will be cold, the chat marginal, and regardless of the weather — come down and cheer on our teams on.

See you at the club for a beer and a boogie.
Up the Chooks,
Tom Fastier
Club Captain
Tukapa – One Club