Two local businesses with strong Māori heritage are backing Te Matau a Māui Hawke’s Bay Māori rugby team as it prepares to challenge Te Upoko o Te Ika Wellington Māori Wellington for the Sir Eruera Tihema Tirakatene Shield, the Ranfurly Shield of Māori rugby.
Hastings based Geotech engineering firm RDCL and civil infrastructure firm Tūpore Infrastructure have been confirmed as lead sponsors of the Te Matau a Māui Māori (TMAMM) rugby team.
The region could be the holders of both the Tirakatene Shield and the Ranfurly Shield at the same time. The Hawke’s Bay Magpies are the current Ranfurly Shield holders.
RDCL managing director Cam Wylie stepped up as a sponsor three years ago, keen to ensure that Māori rugby continued to be a positive pathway for young Māori players.
“It’s about Mana and whakapapa. I’m a strong believer in the advancement of Māori culture and people and rugby is a fantastic vehicle to bring people together for great outcomes and creating leadership pathways,” Cam says.
To ensure the future of Māori rugby in Hawke’s Bay, Cam approached Tūpore chief executive Gavin O’Connor to join as a lead sponsor, to ensure less of a financial burden on both on the team and its players.
Gavin said the decision to step up as a sponsor was easy as it is deeply connected to the community.
“We have a strong Māori influence within our business as we’re part Māori-owned and over 95 percent of our workforce are Māori, including many that are local hapu and iwi members.
“We are focussed on creating pathways for our people through our business and creating new leaders that have mana and that’s very similar to what I can see with the vision for Māori rugby in Hawke’s Bay.
“The coaching and management team are focussed on the future and creating new pathways for players both in the game but also as community leaders.”
