“He ao te rangi ka uhia ma te huruhuru te manu ka rere ai” – Tamaterangi
Just as clouds adorn the sky, Birds need feathers to fly

Papaki kau ana ngā tai o mihi ki a koutou katoa. Welcome to the Advanced Plumbing Ltd 2025 Ross Shield Rugby Tournament.

It has been my honour and privilege to stand as chair for this esteemed event. Ko te amorangi ki mua ko te hāpai o ki muri – A testament to not only those who have been a fronting face for this kaupapa but also to those who worked tirelessly behind the scenes. To our organising committee... we saw the challenge laid out in front of us and we not only picked it up but ran with it. Mō ngā tamariki te take.

To our big sponsors of Wairoa District who pulled out all the stocks to get us over the line, we see you and we thank you. To all our spectators, volunteers, match officials, ball boys/girls, coaches, managers and of course our players – tēnei au ka mihi.

Since the last time this tournament was held in Te Wairoa, we found ourselves at the mercy of te taiao having two devastating floods that overwhelmed our small rural town and yet, with the resilience of our community members, we were able to overcome the odds and weathered through the storm. An ethos I have no doubt we share with our wider whānaunga of Te Matau a Māui.

To our Wairoa marae, kura and community providers who offered your places and spaces to accommodate our 6 district teams, thank you all.

To everyone who is attending the 2025 Ross Shield tournament, now is the time to be loud and proud in support for your team! Remind them of the milestone that Ross Shield will forever be in their lives and how to stand as māngai (representatives) for their whānau, community, hapū, iwi.

Whainari (Finally), to the kaitākaro (players), congratulations on being selected. Be proud of what you have achieved and make sure you leave it all out there on the field. No regrets.

Ngā manaakitanga,
Na Anahera-Pono Whakatope | Ngāti Kahungunu, Tūhoe
Chairperson | Wairoa Ross Shield Tournament Organising Committee