Last night at Horowhenua Kapiti Rugby Football Union’s Annual General Meeting, it was announced that Fale Pasifika would become HKRFU’s newest affiliated member, as documented in its constitution.
It was an historic night, not only within the HKRFU, but within New Zealand Rugby. This proposal was brought forward by the HKRFU Māori Board, alongside Levin College Old Boys Rugby Football Club and agreed upon by all current members. HKRFU are the first Union within New Zealand to add Pasifika as an affiliated member, along with having constitutional voting rights.
Chief Executive Officer Corey Kennett explains “As an ever-growing Pasifika community, we at HKRFU have been working hard behind the scenes to give our pacific aiga their voice and to make sure they’re heard on a constitutional scale. I am proud to build upon our legacy and work together with Fale Pasifika to continue building theirs here at HKRFU. We hope this now starts the conversation within other provincial unions and governing bodies around the country”.
Chairman John Cribb also adds “I’m proud that we get to acknowledge the huge influence the Pasifika community has on us here in Horowhenua Kapiti. We thrive as a Union thanks to the diverse community we have both on and off the field.”
As Chair of the HKRFU Māori Rugby Board, Andre Baker was delighted to bring forward this proposal “the Horowhenua-Kāpiti Māori Rugby Board welcomes Fale Pasifika Horowhenua to join us as a new affiliate to our Provincial Union. The timing of this significant decision is reflective of this traditional time Māwharu, and the rich and the productive energy that will bring great results for Rugby. Ko tēnei kaupapa ōrite ki te taka mai o te marama o Māwharu, te pō whairawa mō ngā pō katoa.”
Lea’umoana Ricky Fonoti spoke on behalf of Fale Pasifika and expressed his thanks to the Union and all its members for taking this big step. “We’re really looking forward to working alongside everyone here at HKRFU. We really appreciate everyone’s support. Fale Pasifika do so much to get our community involved so it’s awesome to get this acknowledgement.”
This begins a whole new chapter here at HKRFU as we aim to further expand and acknowledge our rugby community, and we can’t wait to share this journey with you all.