PASSION FOR RUGBY PAYING OFF FOR HUGO PLUMMER

Hugo Plummer - Photo: Steven White

"First XV rugby at Onslow College reminded me of the reasons why I started playing the game in the first place. We're not a heavyweight school, but we had a group of boys who were really passionate about it and stuck together through thick and thin," Hugo Plummer enthuses when reflecting on his final year at high school.

Plummer is a member of the WRFU High Performance programme, and along with Ropati So'oalo from Aotea College was the only player from a Premier 2 outfit selected for the Hurricanes Under-18's in 2018.

This is quite a feat for the lock forward who battled a pesky ankle injury and had to shield and support lightweights in open weight rugby.

“We had three teams at Onslow, the First XV, the under 55’s and the under 65’s. We had five serious injuries in the First XV which meant the boys in the 65’s had to step up,” Plummer explained.

“We were last in Premier two, but we won the Isberg Cup for the first time in years and had a really positive chemistry.”

Plummer has added to the chemistry at Tawa. After a sluggish start to the season, Tawa have won their past five games and stand on top of the Jubilee Cup standings with a bye this coming weekend.

On Saturday, Plummer played the entire 80 minutes in Tawa's 24-21 win over Hutt Old Boys Marist, the Eagles’ first loss in 2019. In their previous meeting Plummer was penalised close to fulltime which enabled HOBM to kick a penalty and hang on for a narrow 25-24 victory.

A week earlier Plummer was the Player of the Match in the comeback 24-17 triumph against Petone.

“There’s a lot of younger guys at Tawa with a similar attitude and ambition to me. That’s why I joined the club,” Plummer says.

“The experience and support of the older boys like Sitiveni (Paongo), Hemi (Fermanis), and Tolu (Fahamokioa) has been great too.”

Plummer has had trials for the Wellington XV against Manawatu on Queen’s Birthday and the Wellington Under-19’s, as well as playing for matches for the Hurricanes U20 side at the start of this season.

“It’s an exciting time. We are building all the time at Tawa and I would love to make the 19’s, but I’m not getting too far ahead of myself.”

He started playing rugby when he was six and played in the backline as a first five-eighth until he was 16, where he then moved to lock.

In addition to rugby, Plummer has dabbled in cricket, rowing and American football.

Plummer is one of four siblings. His older half-sister Francis is married to former Maori All Black and Hurricane Shannon Paku. Plummer studies law and commerce at Victoria University.

Fast Questions
Favourite Movie: Star Wars
Favourite Band: Mako Road
Hobbies: Plumbing
Favourite Non Rugby Team: New Orleans Saints

-WRFU

WAINUIOMATA AND TAWA ON TOP AS ORIES PRESENTED WITH THE REBECCA LIUA'ANA TROPHY

The Oriental-Rongotai Women's team with the Rebecca Liua'ana Trophy after their win over Marist St Pats

Wainuiomata and Tawa are the two unbeaten teams through two rounds of the 2019 Jubilee Cup Championship round-robin, after both had tight results in the two Hutt Valley games on Saturday.

At William Jones Park, Wainuiomata scored a late converted try to pip Northern United 24-22, while at the Hutt Recreation ground, Tawa held off a fast-finishing Hutt Old Boys Marist to win 24-21.

In the third match of the second round, Poneke beat Petone 24-13 at Kilbirnie Park.

In the Premier 2 Hardham Cup, Old Boys University topped Paremata-Plimmerton 63-7 at Ngatitoa Domain, the Avalon Wolves defeated the Johnsonville Hawks 53-27 and the Wellington Axemen beat the Upper Hutt Rams 45-18.

Oriental-Rongotai won their eighth straight Women’s Rebecca Liua’ana Trophy match to win the first round title, beating Marist St Pats 50-17.

Ories will be joined by Norths, Petone, Old Boys University and possibly one other (to be confirmed) in the second round Division 1 competition starting next Saturday.

In other Women’s matches, Norths beat Petone 46-0, OBU beat Wainuiomata/Avalon 67-0 and Paremata-Plimmerton defeated Poneke 91-0 to seal either the fifth Division 1 spot or top Division 2 spot depending on what the make-up of the second round will be.

The Avalon Wolves U85kg side also won their first round title on Saturday, shooting to an unassailable lead at the top of the first round competition with a round to spare with their hard-fought 13-10 win over the Paraparaumu side.

The Wolves will collect the JC bowl next week when they meet the second placed Upper Hutt Rams, who beat the Wests Roosters 36-24 on their Old Timers’ Day.

The second round of Championship matches were played on a cold, blustery afternoon around the region.

At the Hutt Rec, home side and first round champions HOBM started strongly, but were met by a wall of Tawa defence that was to prove tough to crack all day.

Tawa withstood the pressure and broke out to score two first tries, to prop Sitiveni Paongo and wing Romu Senileba to go to a 14-0 lead at halftime. Turning with the wind, Tawa added a third try, to Senileba.

The Eagles hit back with two quickfire converted tries to cut Tawa’s lead to 21-14, before replacement Tawa first five-eighth Sam Clarke kicked a penalty to restore a buffer. However, HOBM scored with the last play to come away with a losing bonus point.

At William Jones Park, Wainuiomata scored the winning try to replacement wing Saita Tuaoi with just over 5 minutes to run after a rush up the left hand lane and fullback Josh Robertson-Weepu converted to give them their 24-22 win over Norths.

Wainuiomata came back from an early deficit after Norths had made a fast start with hooker Ethan Robinson-Mate scoring in the opening minute of play and then No. 8 Luca Rees crossing to make it 12-0.

Wainuiomata first five-eighth John Monu scored a solid individual try in reply to make it 12-7, before his opposite Jackson Garden-Bachop kicked a penalty to make it 15-7. Wainuiomata would go ahead 17-15 through the boot of Roberton-Weepu and a try to halfback TJ Va’a who stripped the ball free in the tackle and scuttled clear. Norths re-took the lead through a try and conversion to Garden-Bachop but lost a player to a red card which aided in the home side’s win at the end.

At Kilbirnie Park, Poneke beat Petone 24-13 in a dogfight. Playing with the wind, Poneke opened the scoring with a Pakai Turia penalty, followed soon after by No. 8 Tupou Sopoaga getting across the line after kicking ahead for himself. Turia strolled over from a scrum move before penalties led to a 16-8 halftime lead.

A break for a change of referee early in the second spell seemed to galvanise the home team and a period of pressure saw prop Soti Faamausili cross the chalk. Petone responded through centre Josh Onekawa but the loss of Adam Simpson to the bin proved too much to overcome, with Turia adding a fourth penalty on fulltime.

In the Premier 2 Hardham Cup, OBU were too fast in the backs for Paremata-Plimmerton in beating them 63-7. Playing into a stiff wind in the first half, OBU scored four first half tries and took a 24-0 lead into the break. Paremata-Plimmerton’s forwards had their moments and went close to scoring just prior to halftime but were held out by determined defence.

OBU spun the ball wide from the opening kick-off of the second spell and speedy right wing Trevahn Ta’ufo’ou flew over for the match-winner in the far corner. Second five-eighth Dale Sabbagh slotted the sideline conversion and at 31-0 the game was in the bag.

The home side briefly threatened, again through the forwards, and tighthead prop Junior Davey scored. From there, OBU ran in several more tries. Ta’ufo’ou scored a hat-trick and fullback Sam Reid and replacement wing Jack Green scored a double.

At Hataitai Park, the Wellington Axemen were comfortable winners over the Upper Hutt Rams.

The Rams opened the scoring through hooker Josh Houston-Tupou, but the Axemen struck back with a trio of tries to flanker Max Allen, midfielder Eremia Tapsell and No. 8 James Poloniati. The Axemen would go on to lead 24-18, after they scored their bonus point try to Teo Fudakowski and the Rams crossed again.

The Axemen pulled ahead 38-18 midway through the second half, and then scored once more to seal their win.

At Fraser Park, the Avalon Wolves were also impressive against the Johnsonville Hawks. The Wolves were coming off their bye and raced to a 29-10 halftime lead. Centre Jordan Aquila, loose forward option Scott Waldrom and blockbusting midfielder Ale Peni scored their first three tries as they went ahead 19-5. Jordan Aquila scored his second try just before the break.

Fullback Site Timu and Waldrom scored again to seal the match. Johnsonville came back, including left wing Connor Franklin scoring a double, but replacement Avalon halfback Jordan King scored and converted his own try to clinch victory.

Marist St Pats earned their second straight bonus point win in the Division 1 Colts John E Kelly Cup competition, beating Oriental-Rongotai 30-0.

First round winners Old Boys University Green bounced back from their loss to Ories last week by beating Paremata-Plimmerton 20-0. OBU had first use of the wind but took a long time to settle. An early penalty was eventually followed by a forwards try from a lineout drive and they went up 10-0.

Paremata-Plimmerton tried to avoid too many set-piece exhanges and attacked with vigour early in the second half. OBU withstood this, and scored their second try through a lineout drive to go up 15-0. They then crossed for their third and match-winner out-wide with about 15 minutes to play.

Tawa beat Petone 36-19 and Norths beat HOBM 34-25 in the other two Division 1 Colts games. In Colts Division 2, OBU Black and the Avalon WolfCubs are the two unbeaten teams, OBU beating Wainuiomata 43-8 and Avalon defeating Johnsonville 42-14.

The early Premier Reserve game at Kilbirnie Park was as tight as the main game that followed it. Petone’s 15-0 halftime lead had been pegged back to 15-14 when former All Black Piri Weepu entered with 15 minutes to play. Wearing #1 but at first-five his influence was immediate and dramatic as the visitors scored three times to pull away to win 34-14.

The other two Premier Reserve Ed Chaney Cup matches saw Tawa beat HOBM 44-26 and Norths ease past Wainuiomata 86-7.

In Premier Reserve Division 2 HD Morgan Memorial encounters,  the Upper Hutt Rams edged Wellington 19-17, while OBU beat Paremata-Plimmerton 38-18 and Johnsonville toppled Avalon 51-28.

-WRFU

Royal New Zealand Ballet finds new home in Wellington CBD

The dancers of the Royal New Zealand Ballet (RNZB) now have a new home in a prime spot in the Wellington CBD with the blessing of their new rehearsal studio.

The blessing ceremony was held yesterday (Tuesday 4 June) at the building at 115 Wakefield Street, previously the Michael Fowler Centre carpark.

“I am delighted Wellington City Council can provide this space for the RNZB while the St James Theatre is being strengthened,” says Wellington Mayor Justin Lester.

“It is an investment in the RNZB as a critical part of Wellington’s culture infrastructure.

“It’s more than 60 years since the RNZB began to call Wellington home, and this rehearsal space means it will continue to call the capital home.

“The public will also have a special window on the ballet’s work with the activated space linking Jervois Quay and Wakefield Street.”

RNZB Executive Director Lester McGrath says they are pleased to be making the move to Wakefield Street and are grateful for the Council’s support in planning and building this new space.

“We are looking forward to creating dance magic in these new studios, starting with Bold Moves in July and August, and then our brand new production of Hansel and Gretel this Christmas.

“We are also looking forward to our ultimate return to the St James, with seismic strengthening complete and improved facilities for audiences and artists.”

The purpose-built dance studio features two rehearsal studios equivalent to the size of two of the studios within the St James Theatre, as well as areas for costume making, changing rooms and office staff.

Following the RNZB’s return to the St James Theatre – expected to be in 2021– the building could be re-purposed at the site, house other arts and culture activity, be moved elsewhere, or sold.

-WCC

STOKES VALLEY CELEBRATING 70TH JUBILEE THIS WEEKEND

Photo: Stokes Valley RFC

The Delaney Park clubrooms will be a popular place this Saturday with the Stokes Valley Rugby Football Club celebrating its first 70 years.

“We have got people coming from Australia and around the country and a lot of players from the 1970s, 80s and 90s for our celebration so some good stories should be told,” says club Chairman Graeme Hardie.

Formed in 1949, the club has had its ups and downs but continues to be an important part of the Stokes Valley community.

“We have got three senior teams – First Grade, Reserve Grade and Presidents. We have got junior teams in every grade and we have got six netball teams as part of the club.”

Hardie says inclusiveness is a key to the survival of the club in what are tough times for local sport in general. “It is also having an open-door policy for whoever wants to be involved, whether that is playing, managing or supporting.

“In recent times we have also formed an alliance with our local Samoan church. They use the clubrooms on a Sunday and some of them play for us.”

Like all community clubs, there is a big emphasis on whanau. “A lot of the parents of the kids that play are members of the senior club, on and off the field.”

The club was formed on 18 January 1949 and started with one team in the Junior 2nd Grade, growing to four teams by 1964. In 1965 the club gained "Senior" status in the Senior 3rd Grade and between then and 1989 (next 25 years) the club grew in size, averaging 8-10 teams per year with the top team in either the Senior 3rd or Senior 2nd Grade.

In the 1990 and 1991 seasons, the club was at its zenith with 11 teams and the Senior 2nd team winning promotion against University to the top WRFU grade Senior 1sts in 1991. This grade became the Premier Grade in 1992 and the club held Premier status for four seasons, contesting the Swindale Shield and Hardham Cup.

A group of people have been with the club over a long period, including Hardie who started at Stokes Valley 24 years ago. “We have got Life Members in Trevor Couchman and Steve Windmill who are both still very active and they have been with the club for well over 40 years.”

Hardie and Couchman are both active WRRA referees.

In the modern era, Hardie says a highlight for the club was winning the Premier Reserve Ed Chaney Cup in 2008.

Several players have played higher rugby whilst representing the club, such as Neroli Knight who was a Black Fern in the early 1980s and No.8 John Cummings who played for Wellington and captained Wairarapa-Bush in the early 1980s.

Several juniors have gone on in recent seasons to forge successful careers in professional rugby, such as Brad Shields, Mike Kainga, Jason Woodward and Kat Whata-Simpkins.

Plus, a number of former Stokes Valley juniors are active playing Premier and Premier Reserve rugby for other clubs in the Hutt Valley and Wellington.

Hardie says there is a positive future. “We are living in changing times, but we are changing with the times. This weekend is a celebration of 70 years, but it is also the start of our re-birth as a rugby club for the next generation.”

On the field, Stokes Valley’s top team were hoping to earn promotion to the HD Morgan Memorial grade starting this Saturday. To do so they needed to have wrapped up the first round First Grade Thompson Memorial Trophy with two weeks to spare (as that grade is still being played beyond this Saturday). They would have done this if not for the Avalon Knights beating the HOBM Barbarians this past weekend.

Thus, the team’s goal for the remainder of 2019 is to win the First Grade first and second round double, which HOBM achieved last year.

-WRFU

A new co-operative space and partnership for National Library and Wellington City Council

A partnership between the National Library and Wellington City Council to develop library services was announced today by Internal Affairs Minister Tracey Martin.

The Minister says since Wellington’s Central Library was closed, the National Library has been working with the Council to look at creative ways to deliver complementary services.

“Both share the goal of making sure people have access to knowledge. It’s great there’s going to be a new co-operative space, where some of Wellington’s Central Library services and collection can complement National Library’s open access research collections,” says Minister Martin.

National Librarian Bill Macnaught says the new space will be adjacent to the popular He Tohu exhibition. “National Library school group visitors will be able to use the new ‘bleachers’ mini theatre area for visits to He Tohu.”

Wellington Mayor Justin Lester says Wellingtonians are missing the Central Library and this is one way this special collaboration can enhance library services to customers.

“We’re really excited to work together with the National Library for the benefit of Wellingtonians and all New Zealanders. The partnership with the National Library will form a part of the Capital’s replacement library services network,” says the Mayor.

The new co-operative space is expected to be open in September, offering customers a small collection of books and magazines to browse and borrow, access to digital content, free WiFi, and public PCs. A librarian will be on hand to answer questions and join up new members.

-WCC

Wellington Mayor delighted with Petone-Ngauranga design

Wellington City Council Mayor Justin Lester has welcomed the revealing of designs for a shared walk/cycleway between Petone and Ngauranga.

The New Zealand Transport Agency is seeking feedback on the design for the seaward side of State Highway 2 between the Hutt Valley and the city.

“We are seeing an increasing number of people commuting by bike from this direction, and the design, which looks fantastic, will only help boost those numbers by providing a safe place to ride,” the Mayor says.

“The planned new 5-metre wide path should help ease congestion on the highway, and obviously link with the improved walking and biking facilities this Council has developed along Hutt Road, and with the planned safer biking links through Thorndon Quay announced as part of the Let’s Get Wellington Moving programme last week.”

Wellington City Council is working with the Government and community to develop a connected citywide cycling network. 

Surveys have indicated 76 percent of the population over the age of 18 would consider cycling if there were protected bike lanes.

About 22 percent would prefer to bike to work, and the two main reasons preventing people from cycling are the lack of dedicated infrastructure and traffic safety concerns.

Councillor Sarah Free, who holds the Wellington City Council walking and cycling portfolios says the Petone-Ngauranga section will be a crucial part of Te Aranui o Pōneke(the Great Harbour Way).

“The design makes great use of the waterfront, and I am sure it will become a popular recreational route for families and other people wanting to pedal, scoot, walk and run by the harbour. It will be a fantastic attraction for out-of-town visitors too.”

Wellington City Council is developing two other key sections of Te Aranui o Pōneke at the moment in partnership with the Government – the new two-way bike path around Evans Bay, and the new walking and biking paths along the seaward side of Cobham Drive. 

- WCC

ASB Sports Centre throws a party this Sunday to celebrate five million people walking through its doors

On Sunday 26 May the ASB Sports Centre in Kilbirnie will host a party to celebrate five million people that have walked through its doors – and everyone’s invited.

The celebration will run from 9am-1pm, and will include free family activities, a sausage sizzle, cake, giveaways, and a ceremony with prizes at 11am.

The party will also celebrate the unique opportunities that the ASB Sports Centre has provided the community since it opened in 2011. During the ceremony there will be a prize awarded to a member of a sporting code that has contributed to the community of the ASB Sports Centre.

The Sports Centre partnership between ASB Bank and Wellington City Council began in August 2011, and since opening, the ASB Sports Centre has drawn an increasing number of people each year.

ASB Midlands regional manager Amanda Young says inviting the community to celebrate was a fitting way to recognise the feat.

“We’re proud to be supporting a venue that brings the local community together. Many of Wellington’s current and future sports stars have played at the ASB Sports Centre, and it’s an incredible achievement to have reached five million customers,” says Amanda.

Mornay Loubser, the Facility Manager, has been overwhelmed by the support and active participation shown by the community and various sporting codes.

“The mission of the ASB Sports Centre is ‘to get more people, more active, more often’.

“Reaching the five million mark is a real milestone for us, and highlights the importance and value our facility brings to Wellington and our sporting community.

“We are extremely grateful for the support the ASB Bank has given us over the past eight years. Without ASB Bank’s support the ASB Sports Centre would not have achieved what it has to date,” says Mornay.

Since opening in 2011, the ASB Sports Centre has hosted over 40,000 basketball games, 17,000 futsal games, 20,000 netball games, 8,000 volleyball games, and supported over 25 different sporting codes to get more people, more active, more often.  This has included many regional, national, and international events.

Through its ‘Youth in Sport’ programme, the ASB Sports Centre has also supported more than 85 schools, and seen more than 220,000 visits from school children from the Wellington region.

The ASB Sports Centre was originally established to provide a home for community sports (including minority sports) to enable athletes of all levels to participate in active recreation. The ASB Sports Centre was awarded the Outstanding Recreation Facility award New Zealand Recreation Association awards in 2017.

-WCC

Band Rotunda proposal announced

Wellington City Council is pleased to announce that, following a call for expressions of interest, it has accepted a redevelopment proposal for the Band Rotunda in Oriental Bay.

The successful proposal was submitted by Cheops Holdings, which will use sister company McKee Fehl Constructors to undertake the development, led by Maurice Clark.

The Band Rotunda building, a Wellington waterfront landmark since its completion in 1938, has been closed for some time as it needs extensive renovation.

The concrete slab between the upper and lower levels of the building has deteriorated and is unsafe, and the foundations are being affected by the sea.

A key aim of the process was to find a developer who is prepared to invest in the building to ensure its construction is long-lasting and suited to the marine environment. 

The Cheops proposal also maintains public access to the building and contributes to the heritage and urban design values of the area.

The City Council is negotiating terms and conditions with Cheops Holdings and hopes to conclude these within the next month.

“The Band Rotunda is one of Wellington’s most recognisable buildings but needed a lot of work to bring it up to modern safety standards,” says Wellington Mayor Justin Lester.

“It is wonderful that in this deal with Cheops Holdings we have been able to secure its future and it will remain one of the city’s landmarks.

“We are also delighted to retain public access and that the redevelopment will maintain the building’s heritage values and eye-catching charm.”

Maurice Clark, Managing Director, Cheops Holdings says: “The Band Rotunda is one of Wellington’s most iconic landmarks. We are delighted to take-on the opportunity to restore and rejuvenate this much-loved site and bring vitality to Oriental Bay.

“After strengthening and upgrading, we hope to attract a premier hospitality operator, bringing a host of local community benefits and further enhancing our city’s hospitality offering.”

Cheops Holdings specialises in restoring and rejuvenating historic, underutilised buildings across Wellington for commercial, residential and hospitality uses. The company has an impressive award-winning redevelopment portfolio which includes the Press Hall precinct, Public Trust Building and 15 Stout Street.

“Wellingtonians will be delighted when the band rotunda is back in use; we’ve missed it,” says Councillor Nicola Young, the Council’s Portfolio Leader for Central City Projects.

“Maurice Clark has an outstanding track record in restoring heritage buildings, so he’s absolutely the right man for this project.”

-WCC

SGCNZ NATIONAL UNIVERSITY OF OTAGO SHEILAH WINN SHAKESPEARE FESTIVAL 2019

Shakespeare Globe Centre New Zealand’s National University of Otago Sheilah Winn Shakespeare Festival (SGCNZ UOSWSF) provides audiences with the chance of being stimulated by the most outstanding 5- and 15-minute scenes from any of Shakespeare’s plays, selected from SGCNZ’s 24 Regional Festivals nationwide. 

Secondary students from Year 7-13 rise to the honour of treading the boards in Wellington’s prestigious Michael Fowler Centre over Queen’s Birthday weekend. In their 28th year, the Festivals are a fusion of art forms – theatre, dance, music, blended with cultures. However, “the play’s the thing”! Stay all day on Saturday and Sunday of Queen’s Birthday weekend, or pop in and be astounded at what is in store. There is no limit to the settings, styles and shaping of the scenes to reflect the “imaginary forces” of these students from schools of all deciles and a growing number of home-schooled students.

The Sunday performances conclude with special guest performers and short talks by inspiring SGCNZ Alumni, and are followed by a separate event, the SGCNZ National UOSWSF Competition Prize-giving and Scene Award Ceremony. 

Tickets:  Adults $30, SGCNZ Friends & Concessions $20; Students $12, SGCNZ Student Friends $10

Separate tickets are required for each daytime session and the Sunday evening ceremony.

Bookings: ticketmaster.co.nz or at Ticketmaster outlets (Booking fees apply)

Performance Information:

Visit: sgcnz.org.nz

Enquiries: Dawn Sanders ONZM, QSM, SGCNZ CEO
04 384 1300 or 027 283 6016; dawn@sgcnz.org.nz

All photos are by Brian Scurfield of Memory of Light Photography, used with permission.

THREE-WAY TIE FOR SEVENTH AS NORTHS JOIN HOBM IN JUBILEE CUP

Wainuiomata v Oriental Rongotai, 27-0. Photo: David Brownlie

There are two rounds to play in the Premier Swindale Shield and 10 of the 14 teams still have much to play for.

Northern United have joined leaders Hutt Old Boys Marist in the ‘top 7’ and with a place in the championship round Jubilee Cup, while three teams are tied in seventh place, after a series of emphatic wins in windy, showery conditions on Saturday.

Expectedly, Hutt Old Boys Marist put away Johnsonville 50-14 at Helston Park to register their eighth straight win of the competition and move to 39 points on the standings.

Norths consolidated second by beating the Upper Hutt Rams 48-22 at Onepoto Park to move to 34 points.

Oriental-Rongotai are the only other team that can mathematically win the Swindale Shield, despite being overhwelmed 0-27 by Wainuiomata at William Jones Park, to remain on 30 points.

The title race is not over however, with HOBM set to play Ories this coming Saturday and then Norths in the 10th and final round.

Poneke are fourth on 26 points, despite being well beaten 13-41 by Old Boys University at Kilbirnie Park.

A group of three teams are just behind on 25 rounding out the current top 7 standings, these being Wainuiomata, OBU and Petone.

Like Wainuiomata and OBU, Petone had a sizable bonus point win on Saturday, beating the Wellington Axemen 58-22.

Of the rest of the field, Tawa on 22 points, Marist St Pats on 21 and the Upper Hutt Rams on 15 are eighth, ninth and 10th respectively and can still qualify for the Jubilee Cup.

Both Tawa and MSP continued the high scoring theme on Saturday, with Tawa beating the Avalon Wolves 43-14 and MSP defeating Paremata-Plimmerton 63-7.

The Rams have kept their championship chances alive for another week by virtue of a late bonus point try they scored in their defeat to Norths.

Avalon on 12 points, Wellington on 10, Paremata-Plimmerton on 4 and Johnsonville on 1 will be making preparations for the Premier 2 second round Hardham Cup when they convene at training on Tuesday night.

In some round eight Swindale Shield highlights, in which all seven winners won with bonus points, leaders HOBM beat Johnsonville who showed fight for long periods but couldn’t match the Eagles’ firepower.

This was led by Hurricanes training squad hooker James O’Reilly, who scored two tries. First five-eighth Glen Walters also scored two tries and 20 points, as the Eagles led 26-14 at halftime and pulled ahead in the second spell.

Wainuiomata kept Ories scoreless at home at William Jones Park, while scoring four tries themselves. They led 10-0 at halftime on the back of a penalty and conversion to fullback Josh Robertson-Weepu and a try to second five-eighth Peter Umaga-Jensen.

Wainuiomata more than doubled their score with a pair of match-winning tries early in the second half, through wing Saita Tuaoi and flanker Marvin Karawana, before sealing it with another try to inside centre Umaga-Jensen.

At Kilbirnie Park, Old Boys University retained the Beet Algar Rosebowl with their comfortable win over Poneke.

Playing into the wind in the first half, OBU established a two tries to nil lead late in the first half, before a decisive try right on halftime to right wing Trevahn Taufoou pushed the score out to 22-6.

Early in the second half, OBU scored again through right wing Joe Hill after a surge by No. 8 Teariki Ben Nicholas and first five-eighth Dale Sabbagh converted from the sideline and at 29-6. Poneke fought back and would score a try through Alex Morrisey but that was their only reward.

At Onepoto Park, Norths retained the Terry Farrow Memorial Cup against the Upper Hutt Rams by winning by an 8 tries to 4 margin. 

Norths scored their first try from the opening kick-off, with No. 8 Luca Rees scoring his 14th of the season. The Rams quickly replied through Jayden Treviranus, but Norths had four more by the break including a double to Dudley Parsons against one from Konelio Feaunati.

Norths continued to pile on points in the second spell, centre Losi Filipo and prop Gerard Faitatoa both crossing to seal victory.

At Petone, the home side beat the Wellington Axemen 58-24, 9 tries to 3, to retain the Bill Francis / Jack Taylor Trophy. It was all-too easy for Petone at times, who, like Norths, scored early and kept their foot on the accelerator throughout.

Petone would lead 27-0 late in the first half and then 27-10 by the break with the Axemen kicking a penalty and scoring a good long-range try of their own through lock Angelo Smith.

Petone capitalised on poor defence early in the second spell, scoring twice more to extend their lead. The Axemen came back with a penalty try, but Petone pulled away again. Flanker Jacob Gooch and replacement wing Sam Blackburn both scored braces.

At Fraser Park, Tawa had the game wrapped up at 26-0 by halftime against the Wolves. Early tries to fullback PJ Iosefo and left wing Romu Senileba set the tone, These were followed by two more, to prop Tolu Fahumaokio and centre Tom Maiava.

Avalon started the second half with purpose but Tawa weathered this and outscored them three tries to two in the second 40 minutes. Iosefo finished with a hat-trick of tries for Tawa.

At Ngatitoa Domain, Marist St Pats boosted their Jubilee Cup hopes by beating home side Paremata-Plimmerton 63-7. Playing into the wind, MSP took a 32-0 lead into the break. MSP scored again to make it 39-0 and there was no coming back for Paremata-Plimmerton from there.

Four players scored doubles for MSP, including the Proctor brothers, James and Billy, flanker Tom Horan and replacement back Grayson Whitman.

Three of the scheduled women’s sixth round matches went ahead this weekend in the Women’s Rebecca Liu’ana Trophy, after Hutt Old Boys Marist defaulted to Oriental-Rongotai on Friday.

Northern United were made to work hard before beating OBU 27-17 at Nairnville Park after leading 15-12 at halftime and then coming back after OBU scored the opening try of the second spell and briefly took the lead.

Ories stayed in their clubrooms and collected a bonus point win, defaulted to by HOBM

On Friday night, Wainuiomata beat Poneke 41-10, while MSP beat Pare-Plimmerton 27-17.

The Marist St Pats second XV won their eighth straight win in the second tier Premier Reserve Harper Lock Shield competition, beating Paremata-Plimmerton 71-0.

In the early game at Onepoto Park, Norths leapt out to a handy lead only for the Rams to close it to 25-34 inside the last 10 minutes. But Norths had the final say with two closing tries to prevail 46-25. They are second behind MSP with seven wins.

Third placed Tawa overcame Avalon 61-12, fourth placed Petone beat Wellington 67-3, fourth placed Poneke pipped OBU 19-15, fifth placed Ories toppled Wainuiomata 45-0 and 11th placed HOBM beat 13th place Johnsonville 44-17.

Three close matches formed this week’s Colts Division 1 Paris Memorial Trophy round. OBU Green assumed the outright lead beating MSP 12-10 at Ian Galloway Park, leaving the Paris Memorial Trophy theirs to lose.

HOBM remain third but were beaten by Tawa 22-19, lifting Tawa from bottom into 6th while Petone beat Paremata-Plimmerton 22-12 in a pair of results that could have significant implications on the second round with two teams potentially being relegated. The fourth match saw Norths keep the Upper Hutt Rams winless, prevailing 34-6.

At Petone, the home side went ahead 12-0 early with a pair of tries. Paremata-Plimmerton hit back with a runaway try to their first five-eighth to make it 12-7. But that was as close as they would get. Petone kicked a penalty and then scored the try of the match with their centre cutting through to make it 22-7 at halftime.

The second half was a mostly scrappy affair, with Petone’s forwards on top but Paremata-Plimmerton holding a territorial advantage as they had the wind in the favour. Finally in the 70th minute, Paremata-Plimmerton were rewarded for their endeavour by scoring their second try of the match and the only score of the second half.

Oriental-Rongotai remained in charge of the Colts Division 2 standings winning 31-17 over Wainuiomata while OBU Black edged out Johnsonville 15-14. Avalon and Wellington met in the other match.

The Upper Hutt Rams and Avalon each won their fifth straight wins today in the U85kg JC Bowl first round competition.

The Rams beat Eastbourne 27-5 and Avalon battled past the Johnsonville Terrahawks 17-10.

Wests had their first win of the season in beating MSP 17-14, while Wellington beat the OBU outfit 47-14 and the HOBM Howlers met Paraparaumu in the other match.

The Avalon Knights and the Stokes Valley Chiefs made it three from three in the First Grade Thompson Memorial Trophy, with Stokes Valley beating Norths 46-19 and Avalon toppling OBU 24-19. In the third game, defending champions the HOBM Barbarians overcame the Wainuiomata Warriors 56-15.

-WRFU

TJ Perenara returns to lead Hurricanes against Blues

Halfback TJ Perenara will return to lead the Hurricanes in Friday night's Investec Super Rugby match against the Blues at Auckland's Eden Park.

Perenara missed the Hurricanes 29-19 win over the Rebels last Saturday as he had the second of his All Black rest weeks but returns for what will be his 121st appearance for the club.

Wing Ben Lam also returns after a two week absence because of a calf strain while Toby Smith has been named at loosehead prop in in the only other changes to the starting XV.

Lam's inclusion sees Chase Tiatia move to the bench while Richard Judd, who started at halfback against the Rebels, drops out of the match-day squad after he suffered a minor shoulder injury. 

Hurricanes head coach John Plumtree has reverted back to a five-forward, three-back split on the bench with lock Liam Mitchell unavailable after he suffered a hand injury against the Rebels.

Fellow lock Isaia Walker-Leawere, who impressed in his first start for the Hurricanes last week, retains his place in the run-on side.

Plumtree expected the Blues to pose a real challenge as they return home for the first time since round eight.

"We know they are a really physical side who will be desperate to get a result and get back into a play-off spot" he said.

"They have only lost once at Eden Park this year and that was a close defeat to the Crusaders so we know how difficult it is going to be. But it's a challenge we are looking forward to and we really want to get our game going to carry on the momentum we have built up." 

Kick-off at Eden Park on Friday is 7.35pm.

The Hurricanes squad to face the Blues is: 

15 Jordie Barrett 
14 Wes Goosen
13 Matt Proctor
12 Ngani Laumape
11 Ben Lam
10 Beauden Barrett 
9 TJ Perenara (c)
8 Reed Prinsep
7 Ardie Savea
6 Vaea Fifita
5 Isaia Walker-Leawere
4 James Blackwell
3 Jeff To'omaga-Allen
2 Asafo Aumua
1 Toby Smith

Reserves

16 Ricky Riccitelli
17 Fraser Armstrong
18 Ross Geldenhuys
19 Kane Le'aupepe
20 Du'Plessis Kirifi
21 Finlay Christie
22 James Marshall
23 Chase Tiatia

Join the Hurricanes for Club Night on Friday May 17 at Our House, Westpac Stadium as we celebrate grassroots sport! Free GA Child ticket for junior registered rugby players (and some netball, football, tennis and cricket athletes) and $15 GA Adult tickets using code CLUBNIGHT. Secure your tickets by clicking HERE.

Wear you club colours for a chance to win a Hurricanes jersey with Club Cam. 300 kids receive a Hurricanes Club Night boot bag at ground!

-Hurricanes

Library services return to Central City and Council Service Centre moves too

A new pop-up library to open on Tuesday 28 May will see library services returning to central Wellington for the first time since the closure of the Central Library in March 2019.

A new pop-up library to open on Tuesday 28 May will see library services returning to central Wellington for the first time since the closure of the Central Library in March 2019.

The new pop-up library at 12 Manners Street is co-located with the Wellington City Council Service Centre, which will be moving from its current location on Wakefield Street.

“After the Central Library closed unexpectedly, we grabbed the opportunity to quickly open a pop-up library alongside our new Service Centre location. Manners Street is the perfect spot for the first in our new network of library services for the CBD,” says Mayor Justin Lester.

The pop-up library and Service Centre space will be called Arapaki Manners Library and Service Centre. Arapaki are ornamental lattice-work, used particularly between carvings around the walls of meeting houses, and are unique because it takes two artists working together to complete every arapaki. The name was gifted to the site by Taranaki Whānui ki te Upoko o te Ika.

“I know how much Wellingtonians are feeling the loss of the Central Library. I want to assure people the Council is working hard to create the right combination of services and locations for pop-ups across the CBD to help fill the gap left behind. Arapaki is just the start.”

Arapaki will be home to roughly 7,500 items on the shelves at any one time. A small children’s collection will feature alongside a range of fiction, non-fiction and AV items, plus internet access computers and some casual seating. Library staff will be on hand to answer questions, process payments, register new customers, and provide support and advice on the wide range of online content available through our eLibrary.

All the services that are currently available at the Service Centre will continue to be available at the new location. These include free Wi-Fi, self-service computers and a payments desk.

Councillor Fleur Fitzsimons, who holds Wellington City Council’s community facilities portfolio, says Arapaki will be a busy site, with a high collection turnover. “I would like to remind borrowers there is no need to wait until Arapaki is open to return items loaned from the Central Library before it closed. They can be returned to any of our branch libraries or the returns box at 101 Wakefield St.” 

Arapaki Manners Library and Service Centre will be open for Service Centre business Mon-Fri 8am-5pm, with extended hours for the pop-up library, which will be open Mon-Fri 8am-7pm, Sat-Sun 9.30am-5pm.

Additional pop-up libraries will be opening in the coming months. Details will be announced as soon as possible and people can keep up to date at wcl.govt.nz, and by following us on Facebook and Twitter.

What can I borrow from Arapaki?

Arapaki will be home to roughly 7,500 items on the shelves at any one time. A small children’s collection will feature alongside a range of fiction, non-fiction and AV items.

What else can I do there?

Internet access computers and some casual seating will be available. Library staff will be on hand to answer questions, process payments, register new customers, and provide support and advice on the wide range of online content available through our eLibrary.

Can I return items to Arapaki?

Yes. Items borrowed from Arapaki should be returned to Arapaki. Items borrowed from the Central Library before it closed can be returned to Arapaki, to any branch library or to the small returns box at 101 Wakefield Street.

Will you have activities available?

Arapaki is a relatively small space, so we need to plan carefully how we can best use it to provide activities. It is likely that we will review what activities and programmes we can offer once our entire CBD pop-up library network is up and running. Arapaki is just the start.

How many staff will work there?

15 library staff will work at Arapaki.

Why has it taken so long to open?

We’ve worked really hard to get Arapaki up and running as fast as we can. Arapaki is the first of our planned CBD pop-up library network. We’ve been able to set it up so quickly because we already had the site leased for our new Service Centre. We’ve had to make some changes to the space to make into a combined library and Service Centre and this has taken a few weeks.

When will other pop-up libraries open?

Arapaki is just the first in our proposed CBD pop-up library network. We’ll be announcing details of further pop-up locations in the coming months.

What’s happening with the Central Library building?

At this stage we are awaiting further engineering advice on what the options are for addressing the structural issues with the building.  It is likely there will be a range of options for how we approach this and we don’t know yet if this will include any kind of upgrading or redevelopment beyond the required remedial work.

-WCC