Our Valued Partners
Hawke’s Bay locals, small business, and youth sport enthusiasts are the life blood of all things Ross Shield. We are honoured and privileged to have the support of such wonderful people, and a wonderful community.
Please feel free to click our partners logos to be taken to their website and/or social media.
Platinum Partner
Advanced Plumbing
2024 - Present
Jim Ross was one of the eleven children of William Fraser and Mary Susan Ross. His father was a South Australian by birth who, attracted by the discovery of gold on the West Coast, came to New Zealand with his family about 1866. Although not a full-time seeker of gold, William Fraser Ross entered into partnership with Richard John Seddon, a future Premier of New Zealand, and together they established a storekeeping business at Big Dam by the Waimea Creek. This business also held a license to retail liquor, and the partnership continued for several years, extending into the Kumara field as that district developed.
Black & White Event Partners
Black & White Event Partners are local businesses or organisations who have made a significant contribution to Ross Shield. It’s about more than sponsorship; it’s about helping keep Hawke’s Bay’s oldest and one of it’s most treasured rugby traditions alive for the next generation. Black & White partners play a major part in making tournament week possible, contributing in a significant way to grassroots rugby while being recognised as key supporters of our kids, our communities, and the future of the game in Hawke’s Bay.
Gold Partners
Silver Partners
Bronze Partners
A Lost Treasure … Regained
The team is representing Marist Brothers of Napier
Whilst clearing out the back rooms and cupboards of the old McKenzie Grandstand at McLean Park prior to it being demolished our local historian, Frank Long, discovered this real treasure. It is with grateful thanks to him for making it available to us.
It appears to be the formal photograph of the original team of winners of the “Schools Challenge Shield” presented by J. R. Ross.
This is the Ross Shield and the photograph probably was taken in 1903 judging by the year chalked upon the ball.
There are no names inscribed on the cardboard mount but the incredible formal setting of a proud local garden and yard and the seriousness of all the participants marks this out as a most important occasion. The coaches, teachers and officials have all dressed in their formal ‘best’ and the team is particularly well attired in their playing gear. Seriousness and staunchness were key characteristics and it is etched upon their faces.