Politicians, farmers tussle raises $300k

The rugby and netball games, organised by Federated Farmers, were played at the famous Ngatapa Sports Club in memory of the late Parekura Horomia. Funds raised will go directly to local farmers still refencing their properties and recovering from Cyclone Gabrielle.

One of the event organisers, Federated Farmers meat & wool chair Toby Williams, says the event “was the very best of rural New Zealand”.

“The sun was shining, the whole community turned up and helped out, and we raised a huge sum of money for a great cause.”

The event raised almost $300,000 in cash donations and when you combine that with the value of the tractor we gave away and vouchers for the runners-up, there’s half a million dollars going into the local farming community,” Williams says.

The Federated Farmers rugby team lost 20-12 to the Parliamentary side in what was described as an incredibly competitive and physical game. But the farmers had their revenge on the netball court, beating the visiting Parliamentary side 33-16.

Williams says the rugby match wasn’t just a bunch of old boys and politicians running around the park.

“There were definitely a few ringins on the Parliamentary side, with bodyguards, security officers and former professional players all lining up and running the ball hard into contact. You’ve got to give it to the politicians though. Agriculture Minister Todd McClay is a pretty handy player in the backline, pulling off a man of the match performance.

“It turns out Todd’s not just quick to cut red tape for farmers. He’s pretty quick down the right wing too. Labour MP Peeni Henare was like a rampaging bull every time he got his hands on the ball, and former Agriculture Minister Damien O’Connor was a real menace at the breakdown.”