COMMUNITY
He aha te mea nui o tea o?
He tāngata, he tāngata, he tāngata.
What is the most important thing in the world?
It is the people, the people, the people.
We understand the importance of our people. Our game would not be possible without them. The volunteers who keep our clubs and schools running, the coaches developing the next generation of players, the fans who support and motivate us, our families who raised us, the provinces we proudly represent, each with their own proud stories, heroes, and histories.
To acknowledge this importance we will continue to grow our roots deep into the community. To inspire the next generation of players through authentic engagement, introduce and educate the un-initiated about our beautiful game, and to earn and uphold the support of our community.
BLUES IN THE COMMUNITY
FLOOD RELIEF ‘23
It was a pleasure to help our community when they needed it most as Auckland’s floods hit in early February.
With several of the cities houses uninhabitable and infrastructure damaged, the Blues men and women made an effort to visit those affected and lend a hand by either cleaning up or organising care packages of life’s essentials for those who needed it.
We also ran a social campaign calling for items that were in desperate need such as blankets, towels, sheets and pillows – it was heart-warming to see the response of so many willing to give in a time of need.
Thanks to all those players, staff and members of the public who have helped us play our small part in the flood clean-up effort.
SANTA PARADE DEC ‘22
Players from both our men’s and women’s Blues teams were in the festive spirit in the lead up to Christmas, joining the Farmers Santa Parade on Auckland’s Queen Street. We joined forces on the Barfoot & Thompson float, with our players loving the chance to blow a few bubbles, wave Blues flags and connect with our community. Check out the photos from the event…
FILL THE BLUES BUS
At the Blues, we believe every child deserves a present at Christmas, so we partnered with The Salvation Army to ‘Fill The Blues Bus’.
We are proud to report our 2023 Fill The Blues Bus campaign was a massive success! Three buses travelled around Northland, North Harbour and Auckland collecting 36,300 gifts - smashing our target of 20,000! On top of that, we received $21,000 in donations for our ‘Back to School Packs’ meaning kids across the region will go to school with everything they need to succeed in the classroom. A special mention to all our sponsors who showed incredible generosity with the time, gifts and support to Fill The Blues Bus.
Keep an eye out for details on our 2024 campaign.
BEST FOOT FORWARD FOR TONGA
In early 2022, Tonga was hit by a devastating volcanic eruption and tsunami. The Blues community decided to dedicate the Best Foot Forward Campaign for season 2022 to theTongan people.
Blues players Karl Tu’inukuafe, Ofa Tu’ungafasi, Maiakawanakaulani Roos & James Lay were central figures in our Blues ‘Best Foot Forward - For Tonga’ campaign giving up their time to ensure 20,000 pairs of shoes were delivered to the island nation.
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WAHU LITTLE BLUES
Our juniors are an important part of keeping our love of rugby alive. We have a strong bond to our junior rugby fans and with Wahu Little Blues this connection grows deeper. Wahu Little Blues gives the opportunity for junior teams to play on the spiritual ground of rugby like their heroes as well as learn a few tips and tricks as our players join junior trainings.
THE FUTURE
The Blues are passionate about our people and giving opportunities and support to our young people. Next season we will be launching an new initiative that will hone in on growing emerging leaders among our young people. Offering them the support, guidance and inspiration to reach new heights.