Four of Kihikihi Rugby Sports Club’s five committee members at the clubrooms – Selwyn Hohepa, left, Taurene Rehua-Yates, Sherrianne Emery and Kahiwi Morgan.
With a new $35,000 roof over members’ heads, Kihikihi Rugby Sports Club members are kicking on with a simply-stated aim – grow rugby in the region.
The roof, completed thanks to Grassroots Trust funding, was finished in April.
Collective work being undertaken by president Selwyn Hohepa, secretary Sherrianne Emery, club manager Taurene Rehua-Yates, club captain Kahiwi Morgan and treasurer Chyna Hohepa – with help from many others – is being undertaken ahead of the club’s 140th jubilee in 2026
Additionally, thanks in part to a $2200 grant from the Te Awamutu-Kihikihi Community Board’s discretionary fund as well as fundraising efforts, an oven and a refrigerator – have also been purchased.
The present committee has been helping oversee the club for the past two years and Emery told The News more projects are being brainstormed.
“Next up, we’re looking to replace the goal posts, eventually we want to give the clubrooms a new paint job and within the next three years we’d also like to extend the clubroom’s viewing deck,” she said.
Kihikihi Rugby Sports Club has three junior rugby teams – two rippa rugby teams and one tackle team – and two senior teams, a senior women’s side, and a presidents’ team.
It’s in the president’s team that Selwyn jokes that he plays in the “anywhere” position, wherever he’s needed.
To a large degree, it’s with those young players in mind that Emery said the upgrade work is being undertaken – to encourage, and foster, future talent.
Kihikihi Rugby Sports Club from above.
“We are very aware of both the history that has gone before us, and in light of what’s to come, we’re doing all we can to help give grass roots rugby some new life, and the players some new opportunities.
Emery was excited to see Waipā’s Cam Roigard named in the first All Blacks squad of 2023.
“Similarly, who knows what future talent will come through the ranks of Kihikihi Rugby Sports Club.”
The signs are already there – with an air of excitement about the club.
In this year’s Gallagher Waahine Premiership, which wrapped up last month, Kihikihi placed third, beating University 20-19 in a closely-fought third and fourth playoff.
There are hopes that when this year’s Farah Palmer Cup – New Zealand’s highest level domestic women’s rugby union competition – kicks off this month, several Kihikihi players might be in the Waikato Women’s squad.
The 2023 Waitomo Chiefs Manawa squad in the Super Rugby Aupiki competition also featured three Kihikihi players – Carla Hohepa, Chyna Hohepa and Merania Paraone.
“We’re all very proud of our women, Emery said.
“They’ve done so well.”
As well as rugby, among other sports, Kihikihi Rugby Sports Club also has softball, tee-ball, netball and touch rugby under its umbrella.
