Norris Woodbine

Jesse Wood

A youthful Maniapoto rugby side is the new custodian of the endearing Peace Cup after romping to a 38-20 win over Central Bay of Plenty.,

The one-off match for the historic trophy was arranged after holders Hamilton relinquished it.

The trophy – humorously referred to as the ugliest in the country – dates back to 1919 and spent much of its time as a symbol of rugby sub-union supremacy.

It was also treated with a minimum of respect - resulting in its battered form.

An Eady Manawaiti selected Maniapoto travelled to a cold and windswept Rotorua on Saturday and produced a rugby performance up with the best.

The former King Country rugby player named a squad after his Bush United club was unable to field a squad this season. As he wasn’t coaching during the club season, he travelled the North King Country region to watch other teams.

“I went out to view trainings and games at Te Kūiti. Piopio, Waitomo and Kio Kio. I also took an interest in some of our Bush players who decided to play in Hamilton in division 1A for Suburbs,” Manawaiti said.

His team finished a two-match campaign with two wins – having beaten Counties Manukau Māori in a friendly match for the re-opening of Centennial Park. In Te Kūiti.

“We were delighted to have a presentation by Ngāti Maniapoto iwi member Doug Ruki on the history of the Tupuna Maniapoto,” Manawaiti said.

Ruki also wrote a haka for the team’s short campaign. “The history lesson itself created an opportunity for the players to connect to that side of their whakapapa or genealogy, whether Māori or non-Māori,” Wanawaiti said.

Maniapoto’s pack took command from the kick off against Central Bay of plenty and had the home side pinned in their defensive zone for the opening 20 minutes.

As a result, a 14-nil scoreline had the visiting supporters in good heart after number 8 Jayden Pari had scored two fine tries capitalising on the dominance of his tight forwards and fullback Ben Hedley nailed two conversions from out wide.

CBOP converted a handy penalty goal before scoring a long range try against the run of play with an intercept and the scoreline was down to 14–10 as halftime approached but the action did not tail off.

Right winger Jake Laurent once again showed what a great talent he is scorching away from cover defence for another try in the corned and Hedley latched his radar onto the posts and banged over another great conversion.

CBOP completed the first half scoring a try from a botched Maniapoto lineout and at half time the 21–15 scoreline left an air of expectation for an interesting second half.

Again, from the restart it was the visitors who profited and Pari scored a third try which was arguably his best, bursting away from a midfield maul and dashing 40 metres to finish under the posts. It provided Hedley his easiest conversion.

Hedley was to the fore shortly after scoring his own try and another conversion before Maniapoto skipper Kauri Coffin franked the victory with a further try and Hedley had a rare miss with the kick.

CBOP completed the scoring with a late try but it was Maniapoto -nicknamed The Leftovers - who celebrated an historic victory returning the Peace Cup to their North King Country base.

“To complete our campaign unbeaten with unexpected victories against quality opposition demonstrates there is some real talented players in our Rohe,” campaign manager Paul Senior-Partridge said.

“Now with the Peace Cup residing here we can forge ahead with planning for our defence next season, and we have already fielded interest from potential challengers.”

One of the most pleasing aspects of the campaign was the promotion of some great younger local players such as Waitomo’s Brooklyn Pye, Freemin Te Whare and Tipene Perawiti.

Waitete’s Wiremu Harris and Riddick Rangitonga, Piopio’s Kyan Reymer, Jayden Pari, a real star in the making, and Brad Ostern who answered a call on the morning of the game and came in as a late replacement.

Bush United’s Isaac Wana was a standout player throughout and the young Te Kuiti pair Ben and Mitchell Hedley will continue the family dynasty - they are very clever players with youth on their side.

Skipper Kauri Coffin was outstanding in all aspects, and one astute observer credited his performance on Saturday as his best game ever, dictating field position with astute kicking, running at the right time and pulling off some punishing tackles.

“Few gave us much hope when we started out and hopefully these young men will get the respect they now deserve moving forward and to see the development under our experienced coaching panel puts them in my hero category,” Senior-Partridge said.

Maniapoto iterations have a history in the Peace Cup with a win in 1941 and then again in the early 90’s.

‘Leftovers’ pieced it together

Making a Waikato debut is a highlight - it’s even better when it comes in a 36-35 win over neighbours Auckland.

That was the story for Ōtorohanga born prop Taipari Quinnat the start of the month when he featured in Waikato’s NPC win at Eden Park.

Quinn, 22, is a fifth generation Ōtorohanga resident. He attended Ōtorohanga Primary School and college before starting an apprenticeship at Action Electrical Te Kūiti.

His workplace has been very supportive of his rugby journey.

Workmates echoed each other’s remarks, they missed seeing his bubbly face every morning but were proud of him progressing in his rugby career.

At rugby and at work, Taipari is a team player.

Rugby means a lot to him and he’s sure to add his bubbliness to the Waikato team that he brings to the Action Electrical team every day.

It’s been a whirlwind few weeks for Taipari.

He came off the bench, donning the number 17 jersey in the Stan Thomas Memorial Shield victory – celebrating 50 years of the trophy and 100 years after Thomas made his first appearance for Waikato.

After spending time at Ōtorohanga Sports and Te Awamutu Sports rugby clubs, Taipari made the move into the big smoke of Hamilton this season, joining Fraser Tech.

There he has been mentored by the likes of former Waikato, Chiefs and Fiji front-rower Greg Smith.

Fraser Tech were defeated 21-20 by Hamilton Marist in the semi-finals, but that didn’t put a dampener on Taipari’s year. He was selected in the New Zealand Harlequins team (Waikato B).

Waikato head coach Ross Fillipo then called him saying, “can you come up to Hamilton for training tomorrow? We want to see how you go.”

Taipari impressed at training and was asked to stay on in the NPC environment.

He played a pre-season fixture in the red, yellow and black jersey against Hawke’s Bay in Taupō on July 25.

The following Wednesday, he was named for the round one clash in Auckland.

Taipari became the 1266th Waikato representative, debuting alongside 34-year-old former All Black Lima Sopoaga as well as fellow Fraser Tech clubmate Liam Anderson and Hautapu’s Rui Farrant.

“It meant the world to make my family, my fiancée and my friends proud,” Taipari said. “It was a feeling like no other running out onto that field, especially on debut.

“The nerves were high but I’m just super grateful that I got a crack.”

Mum Katrina Prescott Quinn said they were extremely proud to see Taipari wear the Waikato colours.

Dad Lukas Quinn had played for Ōtorohanga, Waikato Māori and North Island Māori teams back in his day.

“It’s been Taipari’s dream since he was little to get up to NPC level or higher. We’re proud,” Katrina said.

“He played rugby at primary school and then had a break. Then he started playing again for the Ōtorohanga club after college. His grandfather Robert Prescott played rugby and played the same position too.

“Taipari has done most of the hard work himself and made some good friends along the way that keep him grounded and help him with his training.

“The whole family is rapt that he’s starting to be able to achieve his dreams.”

Ōtorohanga’s Quinn makes Waikato debut

Staff Reporter

The King Country Development Big Horns have a home match in Te Kuiti on Saturday against a Counties-Manukau Selection.

Waitete will have a solid representation with Phayzen Marshall, Liam Knight, Finn Hahn, Ryan Joyes and Athol Sneddon amongst others.

Firebrand flanker Kees Muller will represent the Waitomo Club while Jackson Hurley will fly the Piopio flag after Isaac Griffin’s call up to the Rams.

The Big Horns suffered a shock loss to Whanganui Development in their only build up and will be looking to put that behind them against a professional union side.

The match at Rugby Park Te Kuiti will kick off at 2pm.

Big Horns in Te Kūiti

Jon Rawlinson

Maihiihi will host the Hoddle Road rally sprint on Sunday.

The event comes ahead of September’s Waitomo Rally, part of the North Island Rally Series and is a round of the Northern Rallysprint Series.

As it offers an exciting, although challenging run, the race attracts a solid crowd and number of entrants, round organiser Lukas Ramsay said.

“Hoddle Road used to be a WRC (World Rally Championship) test road, so it is high profile. It has lots of camber, but it’s fast and requires technical skill to drive as well – it has a bit of everything for every driver.”

The road is, effectively, Hamilton Car Club’s home ground.

“We use the sports ground as well as Maihiihi School to service the vehicles,” Ramsay said. “The community has been really supportive ever since we started racing there in 2022.”

Beginning in northern Waikato in March, the rallysprint series is now tight at the top.

“There are three drivers that have a real chance to win but anything can happen on the day,” Ramsay said.

Carlin Leong (Thames Valley Car Club) and Northland’s Ben Huband are locked on level pegging at the top of the overall standings. Sam Broadbent, also Thames Valley, is just a few points behind.

Auckland’s Hibiscus Coast Motorsport Club isn’t too far in front in the club categories and, as it’s a veritable traffic jam in various class contests.

The course is shorter than an average rally stage.

“The road’s nine kilometres long and we race it four times. After each time, you come back to the sports ground, service your car, check it over, maybe change the tyres and you go and do it all again.”

Ramsay has competed in a few races in this year’s series but he’ll be side-lined at Hoddle Road.

“I can’t race this round because I’m organising it, but I’ve raced there three years in a row so I know the road pretty well. That is an advantage, to a point, because drivers don’t get to travel the road before the event.

“Every year, we have a little competition for Rallysprint of the Year and Hoddle Road won it in ‘23,” Ramsay said. “I think it’s one of the best in the series and there’s a fair few people who would agree with me on that.”

Rally eyes on Maihiihi

Twelve Special Olympics swimmers have their sights set on the Christchurch-based 2025 National Summer Games in December.

There will be 42 teams, 1205 athletes and 479 team management members involved across more than 10 sports at the event.

Cambridge’s Keziah Clark and Jarrod Gilbert will join nine Te Awamutu athletes and Hamilton’s Deshan Walallavita on the journey south.

Longtime Ōtorohanga resident Jennifer Clark, Peter Crawford, Sarah Griffin, Sarah-Jane Hudson, David Smith, Matthew Smith, Caitlin Thomas, Robert van der Wee and Ella Yarndley make up the rest of the cohort.

Head coach Shelley Blair and support coaches Cherie Thompson and Bruce Blair will accompany the squad.

“The support from the families is awesome. We train on Sunday mornings. Jennifer’s mother was bringing her from Ōtorohanga for training but now she lives in Te Awamutu,” Blair said.

“Both Keziah and Jarrod’s families bring them over too and the same with Deshan coming from Hamilton.

“They’ve all been involved for several years and the whole team have competed at nationals before.”

Nationals are held every four years , though the last was held in Hamilton three years ago following a Covid delay.

“Christchurch is a different kettle of fish. There’s a new state of the art venue being built – the Parakiore Recreation and Sport Centre,” Blair said.

“We’re hopeful, fingers crossed that it’s finished by the time we get there. Otherwise, there’s a plan B venue.”

Since founding Special Olympics Te Awamutu in 2008, this will be Shelley’s fifth nationals’ attendance.

“It will also be Deshan and Robert’s fifth – it’s a journey that all three of us have been on together. Bruce was also there at the first event in 2009,” Shelley said.

“I get a big kick out of watching the athletes. If you come and watch them at training, you’d think that they were at nationals anyway. They train like that all the time.

“I enjoy seeing them develop as athletes and making friends. Socially, it’s a big event for them all.

“Self-esteem and confidence, anything that’s related to those two words, they learn about how to handle themselves at these big events.

Some of the experienced competitors had great advice and encouragement to pass on to first timers.

“Buckle up, you’re in for a wild and awesome ride! Nationals is basically a mix of adrenaline, snacks, sweat and the occasional singalong on the bus,” Jarrod Gilbert said.

• Go to teawamutunews.nz for an extended version of this story.

Summer games for swimmers

A large crowd descended on the Centennial Park Oval last Saturday to see Maniapoto take on Counties-Manukau Māori and few left disappointed.

In scoring four tries with one converted Maniapoto were the victors 22-21 as the visitors managed three converted tries in a game where both sides played with flair and skill.

After the northern side of Te Kuiti was rocked with rousing haka where the Maniapoto side were supported by the champion Waitete Under 11 and 13 players laying down the challenge, the game kicked off on a superb playing surface.

It was immediately apparent the visitors, who fielded a huge forward pack, were a cohesive unit and set about their task with the benefit of combinations and an effective game plan.

After the early exchanges Maniapoto lost young lock Tipene Perawiti who broke his arm making a crunching tackle and his youthful team mates appeared to be caught in the headlights and shell shocked.

Counties/Manukau swooped and within the first 10 minutes raced to a 14-point half time lead. It was a different story after the break with Kyan Reymer receiving great service from his pack his outside men Kauri Coffin and Diego Rangi.

Fullback Maanaki Rhind sliced through after 10 minutes, scoring a great try, and soon after was across in the opposite corner as his side moved the ball deep in their own half and he kicked ahead before out pacing defenders with ease.

Time and again during this period of play only desperate cover defence kept the now rampant Maniapoto back line at bay but the dam had to break and Ben Hedley showed great agility and speed as he raced in a try from 40 metres out and Rhind kicked the vital conversion.

This spurred the visitors into action and their big pack again set about domination and were rewarded when crossing under the bar from an unstoppable maul to set up a 21–17 scoreline with eight minutes to go.

Maniapoto reverted to their back line moves and swept onto attack and appeared to have been held out before right winger Freemin Te Whare latched onto a superb passing move and produced a stunning side step before sprinting clear to dot down nonchalantly in the corner for the winning score.

Maniapoto in nail-biting win

The Maniapoto rugby squad selected to celebrate the refurbishment of Centennial Park in Te Kūiti now has chance to lift the 105 year old Peace Cup.

The team beat Counties Manukau Māori in a friendly match to mark the re-opening of Centennial Park last weekend.

Eady Manawaiti selected the group after his Bush United club was unable to field a squad this season.

The former King Country rugby player, who coached Bush for five years, said the lack of numbers had been a struggle for almost two decades.

As he wasn’t coaching during the club season, he had the chance to travel the North King Country region and watch other teams’ matches.

“This short two-game campaign has been really encouraging and uplifting for local players in Te Kūiti as well.

“Centennial Park has a long and proud history. Over the years, there’s been an under investment in the council ground and facilities. But this term we were determined to reinvest back into it,” Manawaiti said.

“The grandstand facilities were upgraded, new changing rooms, showers, disabled toilets, the field was upgraded, rugby posts were added and getting the rugby field marked was an exciting time for the community. Now they can get involved and participate with sport there.

“We’ve got King Country Touch relocating back to Centennial Park and we have a league tournament booked in September.”

On Saturday, the Maniapoto team have a unique opportunity in Rotorua.

“The current Peace Cup holders, Hamilton Rugby Union, pulled their team from the competition this year as there weren’t enough teams for a Peace Cup competition,” Manawaiti said.

Hamilton relinquished the cup, so Central Bay of Plenty and Maniapoto rugby will play a winner takes all challenge at Marist St. Michael’s rugby ground on Saturday.

Manawaiti said the community support for the side has been overwhelming.

“We were delighted to have a presentation by Ngāti Maniapoto iwi member Doug Ruki on the history of the Tupuna Maniapoto,” he said.

Ruki has also written a haka for the team.

“The history lesson itself created an opportunity for the players to connect to that side of their whakapapa or genealogy, whether Māori or non-Māori.”

About 25 players have put their names forward including former Waikato player Murray Iti.

The coach said the energy brought by the Waitomo club players in particular has been contagious.

“The energy they’ve brought after what could be described as a very challenging season, is amazing,” Manawaiti said. “These guys have brought all the energy and enjoyment. They’re very engaged in playing for this team.

“Players are coming home from Hamilton and from all over the North King Country area to represent their roots. The response has been quite fabulous.”

Peace Cup chance calls

A haka before the final Wools of New Zealand Shearing Test may have spurred the Kiwis on to a dominant performance in Wales.

Although their win could not salvage the series, won 2-1 by Wales, King Country’s Jack Fagan and Northland’s Toa Henderson ended their tour in style.

They pair finished 4.05 points clear of Llyr Jones and Gwion Lloyd Evans at the Corwen Shears at the weekend. In the Open All-Nations final, Henderson was second and Fagan fifth.

“We had a good win,” NZ team manager, Neil Fagan (Jack’s cousin), said. “We go into each test hoping for a win, so the last test made for a positive end to the tour.”

In the test, Fagan posted the fastest time, secured best points in the pens and overall quality points, shearing 20 lambs in 11.23 minutes. Henderson, who was six seconds behind, had the best points in judging.

The Kiwis finished with a 3-3 record for their Northern Hemisphere tour, which also included a loss to Scotland and wins against England and France.

Fagan and Henderson secured numerous individual honours on tour.

Henderson won Open finals in France and at the Royal Welsh Show, was third at the Great Yorkshire Show and fourth at Lochearnhead in Scotland.

Fagan finished second in Yorkshire and France, third at the Royal Welsh Show, fourth at Cothi and Corwen. He also won four speedshear titles on tour.

“I’m very proud of them, they have shorn their best. It just goes to show they are both competitive over here,” Neil Fagan said.

Shearers finish  on winning note

After a somewhat intensive build up for administrators, players and supporters behind the scenes, the Maniapoto Representative Rugby side will join forces with Waitomo District Council to officially open the new improved facilities on the oval at Centennial Park on Saturday.

The day will feature a clash between Maniapoto and Counties-Manukau Māori.

In some ways the event will be back to the future for many rugby followers as the Maniapoto side will feature descendants of local rugby legends from by gone eras and a swathe of instantly recognisable names.

One such name is that of the Coffin family and the mantle of leadership for this group has fallen on the shoulders of Kauri Coffin who was presented with the captain’s arm band in an emotional ceremony by coach Tanirau Manawaiti on Sunday during a cultural presentation.

Many will remember the legendary exploits of Hutana Coffin Snr for both Maniapoto and King Country along with Uncle Phillip Coffin who became an All Black after representing Maniapoto.

Kauri will be joined by his cousin Josh Coffin who has recently experienced Heartland Rugby with both King Country and Ngāti Porou East Coast and will be passing his experiences onto the younger brigade of players in the squad.

Murray Iti has represented The Mighty Mooloo colours at NPC level and will be following in the footsteps of his legendary father Clarry Iti when he suits up.

Campaign Manager Paul Senior-Partridge said it was “entirely fitting we are creating a little bit of history here at Centennial Park... many of our boys attended the Centennial Park School and over the years the focus for our community centred on the park”.

“There has been some negativity thrown toward our players that they are not really “local” players because they now play for clubs outside our region however this is just a natural progression for young men hoping to improve themselves”.

“The fact that they have put their hands up to represent our rohe and support their mates means they have my utmost respect and what a great chance for locals to get down to the park and enjoy the rugby entertainment they will provide”, he added.

Counties-Manukau Māori will arrive in Te Kuiti sure to be primed for a big performance having enjoyed a comfortable victory over Central Bay of Plenty in Te Kauwhata last Saturday.

The mere fact a representative team from a professional union will be gracing a little country town with their presence is a great boost and a great opportunity for local players to test themselves at a higher level, Senior-Partridge said.

Kick off will be at 2.30pm and the venue is Centennial Park Te Kuiti and will be preceded by a Waitomo District Council ceremony to officially acknowledge the improvements at the grand stand.

Rugby feast for new look oval

With the King Country Premiership Club Rugby season now behind us with Tongariro United crowned champions with a hectic 17–10 victory over Taupo Marist it is time for local rugby supporters to turn their attention to the representative season.

Disappointedly there will only be one Heartland fixture at Rugby Park Te Kuiti when old foes Horowhenua Kapiti come to town on September 6. The Rams’ other home games are at Taupo (twice) and Taumarunui. There are only eight games in the overall round robin programme.

As expected, there is a sparse number of players named in the Rams squad from the North King Country Clubs with three from Waitete and one from Piopio in the 27-man line up.

New Zealand Heartland 15 number eight Caleb Foote would have been one of the first names out of the hat after an outstanding club season and he will be joined by New Zealand Māori Under 20 rep Rico Bell from Waitete in the loose forward mix as he continues to develop.

Waitete’s star Baven Brown Jnr was another certainty. His try scoring exploits earned him a cult following and he will be joined by first five Callum Hedley who gained in confidence over the season and is a fine goal kicker.

Interestingly brother Patrick Hedley has been named as a loan player from Hawke’s Bay and these two will be battling for a starting spot which will spark local interest.

With the Rams looking to improve on their fifth placing last season hopes are high that natural improvement will see them push into the top four this year.

There is a better northern representation in The Big Horns (KC Development) with seven North King Country players featuring - four from Waitete, two from Piopio and one from Waitomo.

Slim picking for Rams

Hawkes Bay won the Division Four North Patterson Trophy at Te Kūiti’s Gallagher Recreation Centre by just half a point from King Country at the Interprovincial Championships at the weekend.

Nationwide, four clubs claimed a Patterson Trophy for topping their divisions and Hutt Valley secured the Welch Trophy, winning Division 1 for the first time in decades.

Hawke’s Bay has a shot at promotion while King Country will compete in an amalgamated Division 4 next year, against teams from the North and South Islands.

King Country’s Paul Walker said the team did not expect to finish as high as second.

“We started off well and three of our players were in the top four after the first round. We managed to maintain that position for, pretty much, the whole weekend and the result wasn’t decided until the last bowl of the event.”

Next up, King Country will take part in an inter-division contest at Waihi Beach which includes teams of 16 from divisions one, three and four from the Auckland, Waikato and Bay of Plenty regions.

“It will give us a chance to compete against some of the best players in the country,” Walker said.

Bowlers finish second

By Jesse WoodŌtorohanga basketballers Khloe Christison, Pianika Emery and Tiana Hill-Brown were part of the national championships bronze medal winning Waikato under-16 girls team at the Akau Tangi Sports Centre, Wellington this month.

The three teenagers attend Hamilton Girls’ High School and were previously Ōtorohanga South School students.

Competing with the best of the best, Waikato were pipped by eventual champions Canterbury A by just six points in the semi-finals.

There were 20 teams competing - four pools of five – and Waikato finished top of Pool A.

Taumarunui born head coach Celine Selwyn led them to victory in every pool match, beating Counties Manukau, Otago A, Taranaki and Gisborne. In that quartet of games, Waikato scored 392 points and conceded 155.

“The girls had a fantastic campaign. We knew we could go all the way and get on the podium if we stuck to our game plan and did all the small things well throughout the week,” Selwyn said.

After defeating Tauranga 103-62 in the quarterfinals, they fell short in a tight semi-final against Canterbury A, 70-64. Waikato then faced North Harbour A in the third and fourth playoff, taking an 87-79 win.

Bronze for Ōtorohanga trio

Welsh duo Gethin Lewis and Llyr Jones won the first shearing test against New Zealand with a clear lead of 6.1 points at the Cothi Shears last weekend.

Jack Fagan (Te Kūiti) and Toa Henderson (Northland) set a blistering pace – Fagan shore 20 lambs in 13m 1s in the Open final and Henderson claimed the best time points in the test in just 11m 48s. However Welsh quality trumped Kiwi speed in both the Open final and the test.

As this issue of The News went to print, Fagan and Henderson were aiming to level the three-match Wools of New Zealand series at the Royal Welsh Show. The final test is at the Corwen Shears this weekend.

The first test loss against Wales follows a strong performance by the New Zealand team over the course of their European tour to date. Fagan and Henderson shook off a first-up loss to Scotland with wins over England and France prior to their showdown against Wales.

Welsh take test lead

With the club rugby season winding down and just an all Taupō premiership final to be played this weekend, local rugby supporters can turn their attention to the Maniapoto rep side.

This side will represent the five North King Country clubs and have received an added bonus of a direct challenge for the revered Peace Cup and Stan Meads Shield against Central Bay of Plenty in Rotorua on August 9.

To mark the opening of the new oval facility and improved Centennial Park Grandstand, Maniapoto will play Counties/Manukau Māori representatives on August 2 as a final tune up.

Over the past six weeks the Maniapoto selectors have left no stone unturned observing all the local rugby, engaging with players and coaches at their trainings and liaising with club officials for support.

“Our group has a focus upon providing our local players and rugby supporters with a level of community rugby which is a step up from club level and at the same time resurrect some pride in representing the time-honoured history of Maniapoto Rugby,” campaign manager Paul Senior-Partridge explained.

“With an outstanding coaching group featuring the vastly experienced Tanirau Manawaiti joined by Craig Bell and Sheldon Coffin this provides our young squad with some great learning experiences,” he added.

He said there had been “great buy in” from the playing group and to have a direct challenge for the Peace Cup was a real bonus.

His fellow New Zealand Māori Under 20 rep Rico Bell will be joined by brother Delane who was a star of the campaign in 2024.

Peace Cup competition rules allow “Players of Origin” and the inclusion of the experienced Murray Iti and Josh Coffin and cousin Kauri Coffin will bolster the ranks considerably.

Players are expected to confirm their availability over the coming days and the team will meet up on July 27 for an iwi presentation and to perfect their haka before launching into training on three days later.

“ I believe the quality in this team is there for all to see and hopefully local rugby folk will get behind us and a big crowd will turn out to Centennial Park for our game against Counties/Manukau Māori”, Senior-Partridge added.

The initial squad is.

Props: R Joyes (Waitete), R Mulligan-Green (Waitomo), L Taitoka (Bush), P Astle (Piopio). Hookers W Harris (Waitete), N Crook (Piopio). Locks: J Coffin (Player of Origin), I Griffin (Piopio), S Wilson (Waitete), F. Hahn (Waitete), B Pye (Waitomo). Loose Forwards: I Wana (Waitete), M Iti (Player of Origin) K Muller (Waitomo), J Crosland (Waitete), R Bell (Waitete) T Proffit (Piopio). Halfbacks: K Reymer (Piopio), A Sneddon (Waitete). Five Eights: C Hedley (Waitete), K Coffin (Player of Origin). M Cumpstone (Kiokio Utd) Midfield: C Karaitiana (Waitete), S Daniels (Bush) D Tutaki (Bush) K Hodgson (Bush) D Bell Piopio): Outside backs M Reilly (Piopio), P Marshall (Waitete) J Jolly (Kiokio Utd). Fullbacks B Hedley (Te Kuiti)

Peace Cup bid

New Zealand shearers have secured wins against England and France in the latest legs of the Wools of New Zealand test series.

Te Kūiti clipper Jack Fagan and Northland’s Toa Henderson defeated a French pair at the French Shears in Boussac on Sunday.

Henderson and Fagan also finished first and second in the Open final and their positions were reversed in the speed shear.

Victory in France follows a test win for the Kiwis across the channel at the Great Yorkshire Show four days earlier. Fagan and Henderson defeated England’s Nick Greaves and Dean Nelmes by 4.3 points in Harrogate.

“It was good to have a win with Toa,” Fagan said soon after the July 9 test. “Both of us shore really well and we’re looking forward to the three tests in Wales.”

In the show’s Yorkshire Open final, defending champion Fagan was second to Welsh shearer Gethin Lewis with Henderson in third.

The duo is now set to compete against Wales at Cothi on Saturday, the Royal Welsh Show on July 23 and the Corwen Shears on July 26.

Test win in the shears

Surrounded by family and friends, June Fagan celebrated her 100th birthday at the Panorama Motor Inn restaurant, Te Kūiti, late last month. The following day she celebrated with fellow residents and staff at Hillview Home.

The Fagan family includes numerous champion shearers and June said she was equally proud of all of her children – Robin, John, Kenneth, Geoffrey, Helen and David – and her grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

Matriarch’s milestone

Black Ferns legends Portia Woodman-Wickliffe and Ruahei Demant were on hand to present Ōtorohanga players their grand-final jerseys ahead of the premier women’s final clash with Old Boys Huskiez.

“They told the ladies, regardless of what happens, you’ve made it. Just have fun,” Jodi Whitiora-Te Uira, said.

“Those little messages kept our ladies playing good rugby.”

The well-attended muddy finale was a culmination of a great season for Ōtorohanga.

Leading 7-5 at halftime, courtesy of a Libby Kearins-Te Whare try and conversion, the visitors were more than holding their their own.

Old Boys then kicked two penalties through Keira Russell and were up 11-7.

Ōtorohanga pressed and scored through former Black Ferns front-rower Grace Houpapa-Barrett.

But Old Boys, down 12-11 fought back as several penalties went their way and the visitors barely saw the ball again. The Huskiez then scored another try and sealed the deal on full-time with a third, for a 21-12 win.

Although Old Boys were crowned champions, rugby and family were the winners on the day.

Whitiora-Te Uira said the rugby community has been incredible.

“Every year we get higher and higher [on the table]. It was a huge achievement.”

“Hautapu’s physio volunteered to help with us in the final because we hadn’t had a physio all year. To have a volunteer put her hand up was huge. It was a big, warm heart feeling to have someone like her reach out to my ladies.

“The players said they felt the sideline support during the final. They definitely felt the presence of our community and they couldn’t be more grateful.

“Win or lose, that was something that they took away, to be proud. They played their hearts out because of that.”

The tale of the women’s final

With the King Country premiership club rugby season having completed the round robin format last Saturday we now have the prospect of semi-final action taking centre stage this weekend while the first division final will be played out at Piopio.

Over the past few seasons Piopio and Taumarunui Eels have fought out some torrid battles in what has become something of a traditional match up and the prospect of a continuation of their rivalry on Saturday offers rugby fans a mouthwatering contest.

Piopio have a 2-0 record over the course of the season but finals footy is another beast and the Eels have made steady improvement and are sure to arrive at Rukuhia Domain primed and ready for action.

With New Zealand Heartland number eight Caleb Foote leading the way and in superb form over the past few weeks the Piopio pack is a solid outfit and features former Ram Isaac Griffin who is a powerhouse.

Halfback Kyan Reymer has caught the eye of many good judges and can celebrate a call-up to the Maniapoto Representative side where he will be joined by Nathan Crooks, Josh Black, Matt Reilly, Griffin, and Jackson Hurley.

In the final week both these sides were defeated by Tongariro United and Taupo Marist respectively and these two sides have earned the right to host the premiership semi’s by completing the season in first and second place.

Taupo Marist will host Taumarunui Districts in a replay of last season’s final and in their last meeting only one try separated the teams at the final whistle.

Despite that Marist will start warm favourites as they are proving to be something of a juggernaut after posting some large scorelines over the season.

Waitete courtesy of a third placed finish will also have to perform on the road as Tongariro United wound up in second place by a narrow margin and did inflict the only defeat on Marist all season.

Both these sides have tasted success over the season having both won their home encounters and for Waitete the season has proved to be a marked improvement from their 2024 campaign.

The Waitete pack has been a formidable unit all season and will be looking to dominate up front before unleashing their exciting young backs.

Of concern is what appeared to be a serious injury to the strike weapon that is Baven Brown Jnr against District last week and the coaches will be sweating on his availability as he will be hard to replace.

Locals have the possibility of an exciting match at Piopio while we can be assured the Blue Army will descend upon Turangi to battle Tongariro United in force with an air of confidence a finals berth will be booked and on the horizon.

All games kick off at 2.30pm

Time for semis action

A packed sideline at Willoughby Park saw Old Boys win the Waikato women’s rugby premiership title on Saturday. But Ōtorohanga who came in as rank outsiders were within minutes of causing a boil over. Jesse Wood tells the story of a team which was just was the ‘Doc’ ordered.

Ōtorohanga women’s rugby side have built a family, a culture of support, and the fruit is now showing.

A magnificent chapter in their 2025 season came to a close on Saturday as they were pipped 21-12 by hosts Hamilton Old Boys Huskiez in the Waikato premiership final at Willoughby Park.

Under the eye of coach Murdoch “Doc” Whitiora-Reti and his assistant coach Murihiku Martell, aided by managers Te Arai Millar-Hetet and Jodi Whitiora-Te Uira, Ōtorohanga have become a strong unit.

They’ve stuck together for several years – three players received their 50 game blazers this season.

“Most of our players have been here over five years. There are long term players that come back after kids or play for another top tier club and come back,” Whitiora-Te Uira said.

“Doc probably has the draw in of 80 per cent of our team. They’re there for our coach. Lots of our players travel from the wider area. I suppose it’s a Ngāti Maniapoto thing.

“We have players from the coast, Taumarunui, Ōtorohanga, Te Kūiti - players from all those areas that want to play at premier level.”

The management are helping players become leaders and hope to inspire other women to represent Ōtorohanga.

“The whole team was amazing, but the likes of Grace Houpapa-Barrett and Rina Paraone’s leadership was great,” Whitiora-Te Uira said.

“Our number 10 Awa Whitiora, she’s the connection between our forwards and our backs. Without her mouth and her comms, the team folds.

“Superstars include our winger Ata Edwards and Libby Kearins-Te Whare who scored. She’s our kicker, our fullback and has just joined from Hamilton Girls’ High School. Those two play New Zealand women’s open touch. They’re from Kāwhia and they’ve come home.”

Whitiora-Te Uira believes support was one of the main secrets to success. The leadership from the players was also outstanding.

“It takes lots of getting to know your players. We have mainly mums and only a few players at school without children.”

“The secret is making sure the children are okay and making sure the relationship at home with the partners is okay. Without that, the mums won’t turn up.

“We have a lot of dads involved that cook for us. We’ve got about five dads that have given up their sports so that our ladies can get to play. I think that’s a bit of the key, the wrap around support.

“That’s what’s been our secret is making a family. Everyone’s wheels fall off but if the motor keeps rolling, they can always jump back on.”

Ōtorohanga finished third after the round-robin, winning six out of 10 games before beating the strong Melville side 13-10 in the semi-final.

After a tough semi-final loss last year, the team returned with fire in their bellies this season.

“It was always a challenge to play Melville. They’ve been one of the top two teams for about seven years now. Once we got that win, I think the whole Waikato was a bit shocked,” Whitiora-Te Uira said.

First seed Hamilton Old Boys had finished 21 competition points ahead of Ōtorohanga and previously beat them 46-0 and 38-19.

It was a completely different display in the grand final.

Lauding the ladies

Despite a strong stand by Kiwi shearing duo Toa Henderson and Jack Fagan, a Scottish duo claimed victory in the Joe Te Kapa Memorial Trophy test.

The first of the Wools of New Zealand team’s six tests in Europe saw Scotland finish on top by 2.9 points at the Lochearnhead Shears last weekend.

The Scottish pair made for formidable opponents – Calum Shaw is a five-time winner of the Scottish National title and Gavin Mutch claimed the NZ Shears Circuit final in Te Kūiti in March.

Jack Fagan’s father, Te Kūiti’s Sir David Fagan said the first test was expected to prove challenging.

“It was always going to be a tough gig in Scotland for Jack and Toa because the sheep are so different. You’ll only see the Scottish blackface in the islands of Scotland so the locals are very good shearing them,” he told The News.

In addition to the test, Golden Shears Open winner, Henderson, from Northland, and Jack Fagan finished fourth and fifth respectively in the Open.

However, New Zealand-based Mutch was the better shearer on the day winning the Open and scoring the highest individual points in the test.

King Country world record holder Sacha Bond and Wairarapa’s Bevan Pere were also in action in Scotland, both falling in the heats.

New Zealand team manager, Neil Fagan, Jack’s cousin, said he reminded Henderson of the challenges ahead.

“Getting to the final of the Open on his first day of competition in the UK was a big achievement,” he said.

The Kiwi duo will now focus on the second test against England at the Great Yorkshire Show, next week, followed by tests against France and Wales.

First test fall for shearers

The clash dubbed the King Country Club Premiership’s match of the round saw Waitomo fail in it finals effort to secure a competition win at Waitomo Domain last Saturday

After both sides slogged out a scoreless first half, Taumarunui Eeels kicked away in the second half, scoring six tries in a 38–0 victory.

Taumarunui won the toss and elected to play uphill in the first half in what proved to be a decisive decision as the fatigue factor for Waitomo later in the game saw field dominance play a vital factor.

Waitomo, in front of a large crowd featuring sponsors and past players produced probably their best first half of the season as they frequently turned away the Taumarunui attacks with last gasp defensive efforts.

Flankers Kees Muller and Brooklyn Pye were prominent, often turning up just in time as the try line appeared open with punishing tackles causing errors. The solid Waitomo pack also caused the visitors real problems at scrum time with Ratapu Winikerei, Rangi Mulligan-Green and Liam Fredrickson along with the father/son combination of Kenneth and Tipene Perawiti all featuring.

Veteran half back Gareth Owen played himself to a standstill while young Wetere Wehi made an outstanding debut in the unfamiliar first five position, demonstrating a solid kicking game and sound decision making. Reuben Dimond looked assured when he replaced Owen, while Freemin Te Whare and Vaughan Haylock tackled everything thrown at them.

There is a drop of many metres on the Waitomo Domain field and the uphill slog in the second half proved decisive as tired legs and astute Taumarunui substitutions opened holes appear in the defensive screens.

Finishing the season without a win saw the match draw down the season for Waitomo who sit out the final round with a bye while The Eels booked a first division final berth no matter last round results.

Piopio travelled to Taupo and proved to be no match for a rampant Tongariro United who ran away with a decisive 60–5 victory and in the process looked to have set in place a home premiership semi-final.

Also down in Taupō, home side Marist side turned back a determined Hetet Shield bid from defending champions Taumarunui Districts and remained in first place with a 34 – 29 victory. Of note was the non-result in the Waikato Women’s First Division bottom four competition which handed the title to the local Waitete side, a great achievement for the fledgling side.ctical way of learning,” she said.

Second half exposes Waitomo

Supporters and players can eye an August window with some excitement with the confirmation a Maniapoto representative team has been entered in the 2025 Peace Cup rugby competition.

At a recent meeting held in Cambridge delegates from Hamilton, the current holders of the cup, Piako - a combined Matamata/Morrinsville side - Central Bay of Plenty, based in Rotorua, joined Maniapoto with confirmed entries while Te Awamutu requested time to confirm.

The Peace Cup final will be played at Rotorua International Stadium as curtain raiser for the Pacific Cup test match between Fiji and Manu Samoa.

“To have players from the local clubs provided this exposure is hopefully a boon for the struggling community game in the North King Country area,” Peace Cup chairman Neil Macrae said.

The group organising the Maniapoto entry are finalising their coaching and management team and a pre-competition match in Te Kuiti against Counties Manukau Māori is confirmed for August 2.

The team will then have three or four qualifying games hoping to qualify for the big final in Rotorua.

August rep games on

Three points separate the top three in the King Country club premiership Tongariro United sat out the bye and Taupo Marist beat Waitete 22-19 at Owen Delany Park last weekend.

Although Waitete picked up a losing bonus point, the loss dents their hopes for a home semifinal as they now sit out a bye and must hope for an upset this week to keep their rivals anchored below them.

The game in Taupō on Saturday offered an intensity not seen for some time and the first half developed into a real arm wrestle as the solid Waitete pack exerted some dominance and the Marist backline continually looked the threaten.

With just 10 minutes left in the half it was Waitete who blew the game open when second five Carlos Karaitiana used deception and a beautiful short pass to put Jared Crosland in a yawning gap 30 metres out and he powered away to score under the posts.

Almost immediately Marist struck back when they drove Saxon Hunter over from a maul and Josh White levelled the scores with the conversion 7-7 at halftime.

After the break Marist speedster Apete Matai put Marist ahead finishing a sweeping back move for White to again convert and the home side was ahead 14-7.

Then Waitete put on the play of the day when Phayzen Marshall fielded a well-placed clearing kick before setting off on a counter attacking run beating several defenders with his speed and guile before timing a long pass to perfection and sending Riddick Rangitonga off on a 40-metre run to the corner.

Callum Hedley missed the conversion from wide out and soon after White slotted a penalty and Marist appeared secure soon after when Aporosa Duwai sped in for a touch down and a 22-12 lead with 20 to go.

Waitete thrive on a challenge and the last 20 minutes saw them take complete control but try as they might the defence proved impenetrable until with time on the clock the referee lost patience with constant infringements and awarded a penalty try.

Out at Piopio saw a real game of two halves with the home side up 24 nil at half time only to cling on for a 24–19 victory as the Taumarunui Eels stormed back.

At Taumarunui the struggling Waitomo again conceded over 50 points losing to Taumarunui Districts 54 – 8.

On Thursday night last week the Waitete women’s side enjoyed a 55–5 over Hinuera and remain on track for a top four finish.

This week Waitomo will host Taumarunui Eels as they look to snare their first win for 2 years, Taupo Marist host Taumarunui Districts in a Hetet Shield match while Tongariro United play Piopio down at Turangi.

Christen Dimond gambles again and opts for a Waitomo celebration this week – will he pick up a point on his three rivals?

It’s tight at the top

Former Piopio midfield back Jack Wiseman is gearing up to take on some of his sport’s brightest rising stars at the World Rugby Under 20 Championship.

Effectively a junior world cup, the tournament opens next week when Wiseman, 18, and the ‘Baby Blacks’ play host nation, Italy.

“It’s not every day I get to go to Europe, so I’m just going to soak it up and enjoy myself for the first little bit,” he told The News.

“The competition is a stepping stone towards playing professional rugby, but we’re definitely going there to try and win it too.”

Last month, New Zealand secured Under-20 Rugby Championship. After a win against Argentina and a draw with Australia, the Under-20s beat South African 48-45 – having trailed 19-0 after 14 minutes.

“After winning The Rugby Championship, we’re now confident heading over to Italy, but we know the challenge the World Cup will hold,” Wiseman said. “All the teams will be tough to beat and there will be no easy games.”

His provincial debut certainly wasn’t easy an easy game for some – he was in the Taranaki team which beat the King Country Rams 78-7 in a Ranfurly Shield challenge earlier this month. Wiseman also collected a try.

“It felt weird playing against King Country because I grew up there. I have plenty of respect for the province and a lot of people there have helped me in my rugby journey,” he said.

“But Taranaki has taken me in and nurtured my skills further and I’ve been enjoying my time down here.”

Wiseman was named the 2025 Chiefs Under 20s Player of the Year and credited with a ‘standout performance’ at the Super Rugby U20s tournament.

Wiseman was born in Rotorua and attended Āria School and Piopio College before heading to New Plymouth Boys’ High to pursue his rugby goals.

“I enjoyed playing with my mates and created plenty of memories in Piopio. I moved down to New Plymouth in 2020 because the rugby was more competitive and the competition pushed me further.”

Now in his first year at Waikato University, he is taking his studies seriously too, aware that sporting careers can be cut short and retirement comes early.

“It’s important to have another plan these days because you never really know when your last game’s going to be. Studying also takes my mind off footy for a while as well.”

Wiseman’s cousin is Hurricanes and Manawatū U20 halfback Jai Tamati.

“Yeah, it’s been pretty good playing alongside him. I didn’t really know him well until we went to South Africa but we’re pretty close now. He’s a good fella.”

“Because we’ve played together for the last wee while, it would be good to go against each other if we get the opportunity. But, yeah, I’d have to make the team first.”

Bull’s Jack is back in black

Rugby’s Peace Cup has traditionally had it tough – after some unsympathetic handling it is considered among the less attractive in New Zealand sport, it went missing for several seasons - and as a symbol of subunion supremacy has lost some allure in the last couple of decades.

But the annual planning meeting of the group responsible for the 2025 Peace Cup held recently in Cambridge came with a real boost.

Organisers revealed they had received an offer to play the final at The Rotorua International Stadium as a curtain raiser for The Fiji- Manu Samoa Pacific Cup test match.

This year will be 105th iteration of the time-honoured trophy and holders Hamilton have agreed to forfeit a home final to allow the competition to proceed with planning to schedule games around a Rotorua final on September 6. Peace Cup chairman Neil Macrae outlined a plan whereby the unions involved would spend four or five weeks of round robin play on a home and away basis throughout August. The top two sides would qualify for the final.

After the call for entries in the 2025 competition, delegates confirmed that Hamilton will be joined by Central Bay of Plenty, Piako and Maniapoto while the Te Awamutu sub union was given an opportunity to confirm entry as well.

Macrae explained that the tournament has remained stable now for several years and perhaps some consideration could now be given to expansion as other representative opportunities for players slowly shrink.

Hamilton delegate Doug Hawkins also suggested some consideration could be given to relaxing some eligibility rules for players to allow smaller unions to field competitive teams.This was received favourably and duly passed unanimously.

The Peace Cup competition remains a great opportunity for players to continue to play after the various club competitions are completed and the overall standard is truly representative quality.

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King Country News, King Country Farmer and the King Country App are independently owned and published by Good Local Media Ltd – also publishers of the Te Awamutu News, Cambridge News and Waikato Business News.