The Tino Amato Shield was carved by Reg Tuhara, with the input from Wairoa College Students. The carvings signify Birth, Life and the thereafter. The blooming Kowhai and Kakabeak make an interesting Base.

This Shield was presented in 2003 to the Ross Shield Tournament in Central HB on the same ground that Tino played his last game of rugby, by Wairoa Ross Shield Coach and longtime friend Kelvin Rangi.

Tino Amato was born and raised in Wairoa, which is where his passion for Rugby started. Tino attended North Clyde School and St Josephs School when he played for the winning Wairoa Ross Shield Team in 1980. He then went on to Wairoa College where he played 1st XV for three seasons then later on for the Celtic Rugby Club. He played mostly on the wing and won age group, sub-union and union representative honours.

Tino and his family moved to Central HB where Tino played rugby for the Waipawa United Club which later merged with Waipukurau High School Old Boys to form the Central Club.

Tino loved to play rugby and was doing what he loved when he was tragically taken. This shield was presented in his memory, to be competed in the tournament in which he was once honoured to play in by the two districts which he once played.

“Better by far you should forget and smile; than that you should remember and be sad” - Tino Amato 1967–2002.