New Zealand Community Trust (NZCT) awarded a $9,687 NZCT grant to Raukawa ki Runga RLC in Ōtaki to provide uniforms and accommodation for players who attended the Aotearoa Māori Rugby League Tournament in Kerikeri, helping rangatahi represent their whānau, marae and iwi on the national stage.
Club Secretary Kiri Maxwell says, “On any given weekend in Ōtaki, the sound of boots on grass, laughter on the sidelines, and the steady encouragement of whānau tells a familiar story. It’s not just about sport – it’s all about identity, belonging, and the quiet determination to lift a community. For many tamariki and rangatahi, Raukawa ki Runga offers more than an opportunity to play. It offers direction, a place to grow.”
Te Tahi Takao, pāpā (dad) says, “He nui ake ngā hua o ngā whakataetae i te hākinakina anake. Mā ngā whakataetae nei ka whai wāhi ā mātou tamariki ki te whakapakari i te māia, te manawaroa, te ngākau whakaute, me ngā hononga kaha ki ētahi atu. He tino mea whakahirahira te kite atu i a rātou e mau ana i ngā tae o Raukawa ki Runga me te whakahīhī nui.
“The tournaments provide much more than sport. They help our tamariki develop confidence, resilience, respect, and strong relationships. Seeing them represent Raukawa ki Runga with pride is something very special.”
Te Aumangea Raureti-Maxwell, kaitākaro (player) says, “Ehara i te mea ko ngā kēmu anake te tino wāhanga pai. Āe rā, e hiahia ana mātou ki te toa, engari ko ētahi o aku tino maharatanga ko te tākaro tahi me ōku whanaunga, te whakatipu hoa pumau, te kai tahi, te tautoko tētahi ki tētahi, me te katakata tahi. Ko ēnei ngā wā e whakakaha ake ai i ō mātou hononga, e whakatata mai ai hoki mātou ki a mātou anō.\
“The best part isn’t always the games. Of course we want to win, but some of my favourite memories are playing with my cousins, making lifelong friends, sharing meals, supporting each other, and laughing with each other. Those are the moments that bring us closer.”
Tainui Cooper, kaitākaro (player) says, “Ina mau au i te tīhate o te tīma, ehara i te mea e tākaro ana mōku anake. E tū ana au hei māngai mō tōku whānau, tōku marae, me tō tātou iwi. Nā taua mana, nā taua whakahīhī hoki, ka ū tonu ahau ki te whakapau kaha i runga i te papa tākaro, ā, i waho atu hoki i te papa.
“It gives me pride to represent Raukawa. When I pull on the jersey, I’m not just playing for myself. I’m representing my whānau, my marae, and our people. That sense of pride pushes me to do my best both on and off the field.”
NZCT General Manager of Grants, Marketing and Communications Ben Hodges says, “We’re delighted to support a sporting kaupapa that enables local rangatahi to participate as Māori. NZCT can fund this community good thanks to the gaming machine fundraising partnership we share with the Family Hotel Ōtaki”
Raukawa ki Runga became a registered charitable trust in 2021 and works to support whānau wellbeing through sport, education and recreation. Based in Ōtaki, the organisation provides opportunities for tamariki, rangatahi and whānau to connect through shared kaupapa, while promoting health, leadership and cultural identity. The club currently fields approximately ten touch rugby and rugby league teams ranging from under-10s through to senior grades.
