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

Tukapa Weekly Newsletter Week 13

Kia ora Tukapa Whānau,

Week 13 is here, and with most of our teams on a well-deserved bye, all eyes turn to one big clash: our Men’s Premier Team take on Inglewood this Thursday night at 7:30pm – under lights and under pressure.
This is a massive game, and we’re calling on our loyal Tukapa supporters to make the trip, line the decks, fill the stands, and turn up the volume. Let’s make it feel like a home game for the boys in blue and white.

Where We Stand – The Finals Equation

The math is simple:

• We need 5 points from both the Inglewood and United games to guarantee our spot in the semi-finals.
• Drop even a single point, and we’ll be relying on other results to go our way.

So, it’s all in our hands. The mission is clear: win, and bag the bonus point by scoring 4 tries.

My Personal Take – How It Might Play Out

Here’s my (unofficial!) prediction on where I think the ladder will finish after the next two weeks:

Points Now	Team	Games Left	Predicted Points	Final Total
32	Clifton	Coastal, NPOB	5	37
32	Coastal	Clifton, Inglewood	5	37
31	NPOB	Southern, Clifton	5	36
29	Strat/Elth	United, Southern	10	39
28	Tukapa	Inglewood, United	10	38

Based on that, here’s how I see the semi-finals lining up:

• Semi 1: Stratford-Eltham vs NPOB
• Semi 2: Tukapa vs Clifton

Now don’t get me wrong — I’m not counting any chickens yet. But if the boys do their job, this is where we could land. And after doing all that math… I reckon it’s time for a cold beer to balance it out!

Special Project

We’ve got an idea to build a small custom trailer that can neatly store all the goalpost pads, flags, standards, and fence reels — making field setup and pack-down much easier. Like most grassroots rugby clubs, we’re running on a tight budget, so we’re looking for someone with welding skills and a bit of spare time to help bring this project to life. If that sounds like you, have a chat with Scotty.

Clubrooms Open – Come In for a Beer

Even though most of our teams have the weekend off, the club will be open Friday and Saturday from 3:30pm to 6:30pm. Whether you're celebrating the big win or just looking to catch up, pop in for a brew and a yarn.
I’ll be using this quieter weekend to recharge the batteries and gear up for a strong run into finals footy.

Save These Dates

Mark your calendars for some big moments ahead:

• Saturday 28 June – End of Regular Season Party (Live Band!)
• Saturday 5 July – Semi-Finals
• Saturday 12 July – Finals Weekend
• Saturday 26 July – Prize Giving Night

Let’s bring the heat Thursday night in Inglewood — the lads need your voices behind them. It’s going to be a great watch and hopefully the start of something big.

See you on the sidelines!.
Up the Chooks,
Scott Siffleet
Chairperson
Tukapa – One Club

Chairperson’s Weekly Newsletter

A Big Weekend Ahead

Before you know it, the season will be over — just three weeks to go until semi-finals!
This weekend is one of the biggest on the Tukapa calendar, as we host Collective First National Day. It’s our chance to say thank you to our incredible naming rights sponsor who continues to back both Junior Rugby and the club as a whole. They’ve been with us for 11 years, and their support remains as strong as ever.
To celebrate, we’ll be hosting them in the Ford Tent, and to keep the "One Club" vibe alive, we’ve got some fun for the whole family:

• Free face painting and candy floss from 2:00pm for the kids.
• A full afternoon of rugby — come down, support the teams, and enjoy the action.
  

Junior Curtain-Raiser

Our oldest junior rugby team will play the curtain-raiser to the Premier Men’s match on the main field at 1:00pm, taking on Stratford-Eltham in the Ferdie 7 Grade. I had the privilege of refereeing them last week — there’s some serious talent in that squad, and we hope to see many of them wearing the senior Tukapa blue in years to come. Make sure you’re there to cheer them on — this is the future of Tukapa.

Saturday Night: Crab Racing Fundraiser

From 6:30pm Saturday night, it’s one of the club’s best social events — the Annual Tukapa Crab Racing Fundraiser! Stick around after the games, have a laugh, and help raise funds for the club. It’s always a great night, and we want to see as many of you there as possible.

A Final Word

As we get ready for a huge Saturday — with over 350 juniors playing in the morning, five games in the afternoon, and crab racing into the night — I’ll leave you with two stories that reflect what this club is really all about. Thanks for being part of the Tukapa family.
Cheers for being Tukapa — One Club.

Tukapa Playgroup: A Lasting Legacy

In the mid-1980s, a group of Tukapa players’ wives and partners came together to form the Tukapa Playgroup, meeting weekly at Sutherland Park. The friendships formed back then have stood the test of time. Just last week, some of the original members caught up — including a few from the netball team days!
Many of the boys who were part of that playgroup grew up to play for various Tukapa teams, and now their grandchildren are proudly wearing the Tukapa colours. That’s a legacy we’re incredibly proud of.

Farewell Daisy Lean

It’s with sadness and respect that we share the passing of Daisy Lean — a true New Plymouth legend.
A proud Old Boys man through and through (and he’d tell you that with a grin), Daisy still found his own way to support Tukapa — with a wink, a bit of sideline banter, and the odd backhanded compliment buried in friendly rivalry.
Many will remember his part in the unforgettable mission to carry the New Plymouth Mayor on a stretcher from the surf at East End Beach to the summit of Mt. Taranaki and back — all in a single day. That challenge, pulled off by 200 Tukapa members, raised over $10,000 and captured the imagination of the community.
Rest easy, Daisy. You gave Old Boys the pride, but you earned Tukapa’s respect.

See you on the sidelines!
Scotty Siffleet
Chairperson – Tukapa One Club

Chairperson’s Newsletter

Week 11 Update - Here we go again for another big week of rugby!

Last Friday night was one for the books. We took over Stadium Taranaki in true Blue & White style with 17 of our 18 junior teams playing under the lights from 5pm. To cap it off, our Colts faced Stratford-Eltham at 7:30pm — and I’m proud to say Tukapa won every game!
But more importantly, rugby was the real winner. The smiles on those kids' faces as they ran around the stadium made my night. The feedback from parents was overwhelmingly positive — thanks to everyone who made it such a special evening.
Our Colts also had the honour of being the first team to use the new changing rooms at the stadium — a great experience all around, topped off with a solid win.

Building Good People, Not Just Good Players

You may have seen the launch of our new campaign on social media — focused on building good people at Tukapa.
This goes beyond winning and losing. It’s about how we behave on and off the field, how we support one another, and how we represent our club. Whether you're playing, coaching, or cheering from the sideline — the way we act matters.
These kids won’t be picked as All Blacks at 7 years old. What matters now is teaching them the values of sportsmanship, respect, and fair play. Coaches and parents — we need your help reinforcing this. If our kids see you yelling at referees or opposing players, they’ll think it’s okay to do the same.
We talk to our senior players about this too. At Tukapa, we’re growing our ONE CLUB culture — and that includes leaving the referee's job to the ref. Let’s keep being great supporters who back our players and respect the game.
“It takes a family to raise a son or daughter, and I reckon our Tukapa family is a pretty good one.”

This Week’s Games

We’ve got a big Saturday ahead — here's the rundown:

• Senior 3rds (Home) vs Clifton 3rds – A great clash expected!
• TOA (Away) vs Inglewood – 12:30pm kickoff, top-of-the-table battle.
• Colts (Away) vs Southern – A key match as they push for a home semi-final.
• B’s (Away) vs Clifton – Must-win game to stay in the hunt.
• Premiers (Away) vs Clifton – A strong opponent who are looking like finals contenders.

This week we’ve dug deep, promoting a couple of B’s lads to the Premiers to put our strongest side out.
Most of our players are returning from injury and are eager to get back into it.

Unavailable this week:

• Scott Mellow – Shoulder (3–4 weeks)
• Sam Clark – Foot (week-to-week)
• Thomas Stokes – Away (1 week)
• Campbell Woodmass – Away (1 week)

We’re backing all our teams to get the job done — and we’ll see you out there backing them too!

Bar Open Saturday from 12pm
The clubrooms will be open from midday with both Premier games showing on the TV. Come down, grab a drink, and enjoy some great rugby with the Tukapa whānau.

See you on the sidelines!
Scotty Siffleet
Chairperson – Tukapa One Club

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

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