Richmond Rovers Rugby league club held an informal event held at the Richmond club room on Thursday 3rd March to welcome its 2014 sponsors. Representatives from the sponsors businesses attended what was a pleasant reminder that Richmond Rovers is a club that has great brand recognition and a management team second to none. 

Each sponsor received a special sponsors Richmond jersey. Sponsors were then given the opportunity to speak to the Richmond Premier players who were left with a good impression of Richmond in 2014. Premier players were presented their team polo tops in recognition of their hard work over the preseason training. 

By LAUREN PRIESTLEY
Source: Harbour News

 A century-old club is breaking new ground by going cold turkey this year.
Richmond Rovers Rugby League & Sports Club, based at Grey Lynn Park, has been alcohol-free since March 17.

"We're basically promoting this as a sports club, not a drinking club," chairman Gus Fepuleai says.

"It's about forward thinking and trying to get alcohol right away from our kids. We've got to change that culture of drinking and sports that's been around forever."

The decision was made because of issues with drinking in Grey Lynn Park where antisocial behaviour, noise and litter have been the subject of frequent complaints from neighbours in the past three years, he says.

The club wants to bring the focus back to sport.

"Rugby league has been copping the stick for a long time and it's about time we're doing something positive.

"Someone has to take the lead. It's our performance on the field that is important and looking after the welfare of our players, kids and community."

The club will lose revenue from the bar but will save money by not needing to hire additional staff and extra security at the premises, Mr Fepuleai says.

Grey Lynn Residents Association chairman Dan Salmon says the decision to remove alcohol is a brave one.

The sports club has been working hard to foster relationships with other organisations in the area as well as the park's neighbours, he says.

"I think it's a big and bold step they've made to try and address those issues.

"I really hope they get support from the community and the club for doing it. It's definitely something to watch and hopefully other sports clubs around the country might follow."

Waitemata Local Board deputy chairwoman Pippa Coom says the club has made the decision with its future in mind.

"It's really courageous that they've done it. I know it is a difficult decision for them but I personally think they've really done the right thing."

Mr Fepuleai says the board is also pushing for new facilities at the Grey Lynn Park site and is starting a two to five-year business plan to increase membership with the aim of keeping Richmond going for the next 100 years.

The club wants to take part in the Grey Lynn Park Festival this year and will focus on selling healthy drinks and food at the clubrooms, he says.

"It's about the values and letting the kids know what is right and what is wrong.

"You can access alcohol anywhere. What's the big deal with not having it right in front of our kids' faces?"

RICHMOND ROVERS RUGBY LEAGUE & SPORTS CLUB TO BECOME ALCOHOL FREE IN 2014

The Richmond Rovers Board of Directors has taken the lead to make the Richmond Rovers Rugby League & Sports Club an alcohol free club. This means the Richmond Rovers Club will not be serving any alcoholic beverage at the club in 2014 with immediate effect.

This forward thinking move by the Board of Directors is supported by club members but will no doubt have many wondering what is behind this brave change. “The Richmond Club bar will lose some revenue”, says Chairman Gus Fepuleai, but the Board of Directors anticipates positive growth by “building relationships with local businesses, organisations and agencies who are in support of the sports club taking a stand against alcohol”.  Fepuleai’s’ confidence has already gained merit with the club’s alcohol free policy receiving 100% backing from its major sponsors L.J Hooker (Ponsonby), Giltrap Prestige (VW), ACR Roofing and Waterview Laundromat.

Revenue from the Richmond Club bar has been falling for a number of years which has been made worse by the number of volunteer hours and resources required from the Board to organise paid bar staff and security. Add to this the growing complaints and concerns from local Grey Lynn Park residents regarding undesirable drinking behavior in the park’s vicinity.

To combat these problems all senior club alcohol related after match functions, and club social fundraisers will be held at Richmond’s partner premises: The Grey Lynn Tavern, located at 523 Great North Road, Grey Lynn.  The Richmond club will remain open as normal for Junior and Senior team prize-giving, non-alcoholic functions, meetings of local groups, fitness groups, community activities and club run seminars.

Fepuleai believes the “club’s members will support the positive benefits” of a no alcohol tolerance policy following many highly publicised alcohol related incidents of professional rugby league stars from the Australasian NRL competition.  Voicing his proposal in front of a vocal public forum held at the Richmond Rovers Clubrooms on Wednesday 29 January 2014, the Chairman commented that “2014 will be a year of change and the rugby league code itself needs to become more forward thinking”.

Sideline spectators who choose to bring alcoholic beverages to the Grey Lynn Park grounds will be encouraged to drink in moderation, however Fepuleai is under no illusions and understands his and the Board of Directors limitations in addressing this behavior. The Auckland City Council already has imposed liquor ban notices surrounding Grey Lynn Park and other parks throughout the city. Fepuleai has indicated that “we will strongly encourage and promote to our Richmond club members, family, friends and supporters to consume alcohol in moderation”.

MORE

As part of its work to build a stronger community-centered club, the Board of Directors, with the support of the Richmond Rovers club members, will focus on a 2-5 year business plan that includes plans to increase junior and senior club membership and its continued campaign to attain Waitemata Community Board and Auckland Council support for a brand new Richmond Rovers Club room facility.

With over 500 paid club members in 2013 it is hoped that Fepuleai’s vision will cater to the needs of the club members, the community and other sporting codes currently sharing the Grey Lynn Park grounds including American Grid Iron, Tag Football, Touch Football and Netball.

Richmond Club Treasurer and local Grey Lynn Park resident Graeme Atmore believes the focus of the Club needs to go towards creating better people and opportunities, “to eliminate the hassles of alcohol would enable the Richmond Board to focus on more meaningful projects”.

Benefits of an alcohol free club include:

• An innovative framework of alcohol management that enhances family friendly values
• Encouragement of Grey Lynn community spirit
• A safer community with less temptation for at risk drink drivers
• Reduction in the misuse of alcohol and related problems for club members
• Saving of money otherwise spent on alcohol by players, supporters and club members
• Health gains for players, club members and their families
• Display of club support for the Premier coaching team who self-imposed a liquor ban for the Premier team during the 2013 season
• Opportunity for combined Senior and Junior prize giving at every home game
• An improved club image encouraging a favorable outlook from junior member’s parents, the wider community and funding agencies (ASB community trust and the Health Promotion Agency (HPA) etc.
• No need for paid licensed bar staff
• No need for paid security staff
• Reduction in club operating expenses
• Reduced maintenance costs of premises wear and tear
• No need for club members to police fundraisers and lock up after social functions
• No more noise complaints from Grey Lynn Park residents
• No more complaints of broken bottles outside the club premises and in car parks
• No more late night drinkers at the club room
• An opportunity to build relationships with local businesses
• An opportunity to obtain sponsorship with corporate socially responsible businesses

 
For more information contact:

Gus Fepuleai, ph: 021 0836 9836
Graeme Atmore, ph: 021 360040

Source: Jess Lee from Auckland Harbour News

The future development of Grey Lynn Park is up for discussion once again. Reporter Jess Lee spoke to park users about what they hope to see happen to this jewel in the suburb's crown.

Most users of Grey Lynn Park - from dog-walkers to rugby league players - will agree that it could do with a bit of a spruce-up.

Some of its facilities were upgraded a few years ago after lobbying by the community who wanted to breathe a bit of life into the tired park.

But with standards slipping again, some users say an assessment to determine the needs of the park can't come soon enough.

Community groups and long-time resident rugby league club the Richmond Rovers have been consulted.

The Waitemata Local Board is awaiting the report which will be used to update its development plan.

It should go on the board agenda by March ahead of wider public consultation, chairman Shale Chambers says.

Richmond Rovers treasurer Graeme Atmore wants to see the plans put into action.

"The facilities are substandard and desperately need upgrading," he says.

"We want to be in a position where by the end of next summer we've knocked this over and are building a replacement."

At the moment the club's 600 players have to make do with sharing small changing rooms in the rundown 1970s clubhouse while visiting teams sometimes have to change under a tree.

The poor state of the sports fields are also a concern, he says.

"We have thousands of people down here every Saturday and things just aren't up to scratch.

"The club has been here a hundred years and I think the council doesn't realise the suffering we're going through."

Grey Lynn Park Advisory Group member Nicola Legat says the community want to see a commitment to enhancing and maintaining the park. "It's the heart and lungs of the neighbourhood. The park's resources are used by a lot of people for a lot of different reasons," Ms Legat says.

"It's all very well having a plan but there needs to be money put aside as well."

The advisory group is encouraged by the assessment and is eagerly awaiting the plans when they go out for consultation, she says.

BULLDOGS GRAB THE CUP

A hard-fought rugby league grand final win for the Richmond Bulldogs sees them crowned 2013 SAS Sharman Cup champions and promoted to next year's Fox Memorial Shield.

The Bulldogs capped off their centennial year with an 18-14 win over the Otara Scorpions after a cliffhanger finish in front of a 1500-strong crowd at Henderson's Trusts Stadium on Saturday.

Both teams fully deserved their place in the final after a long and hard season.

The Bulldogs came into the final after a strong performance in the semifinals against the Scorpions, trouncing them 34-22.

The first try of the day came in the fifth minute courtesy of Bruce Tusa who put through Tagisia Fulutusi for the Scorpions.

Toleafoa Leaupepe went agonisingly close but the desperate Scorpions defence held out - until a rampaging Hector Purcell bulldozed over to give Richmond their first points.

Steve Watkinson converted and Richmond were up 6-4. Richmond seemed to get a second wind and with only 10 to go in the first half went over again down the left flank after quick hands had Marcus Auva'a ground the ball under pressure.

Another Watkinson conversion had Bulldogs up 12-4 at halftime.

In the second half the Bulldog's Bronson Harden was held up in goal to be denied a try.

This gave Otara their first opportunity of the half and James Tulikaki crossed to give the Scorpions their second try, making the score 12-8 after a missed conversion.

Richmond did not have to wait long for their next chance and when the Bulldogs kicked early and caught Scorpions' winger Tagisia Fulutusi out of position, the Bulldogs found themselves hard on attack. From there an early tap by Watkinson had him find his opposites napping and he managed to plant the ball to extend the lead to 18-8 after converting the try.

With three minutes remaining Scorpions' five-eight Leiloa Lafaele crossed and with a successful conversion it was 18-14 to the Bulldogs with a minute to go.

From the kickoff Otara missed the ball and it went out for a line dropout.

The Scorpions gained possession and broke away downfield but an Otara grubber failed to find its man and the ball was cleared for the Bulldogs to win 18-14.

SAS Sharman Cup Grand Final Results:

Richmond Bulldogs 18 (12) V (4) 14 Otara Scorpions.

A big thank-you to our newest partner- the Grey Lynn Business Association. The GLBA and the Richmond Rovers rugby league club are keen to work together to build a strong foundation for small businesses in the neighbourhood.

Richmond club hosted the GLBA on Wednesday 12th June in which Richmond chairman Gus Fepuleai spoke of building on its relationship with local business., "The aim for both parties is to build on the exisiting relationship between the Grey Lynn community, the 100 year old Richmond Rovers club, its club members and local business who service the local community." 

The Grey Lynn Business Association has celebrated its first birthday and has achieved a lot in its first year, including several street parties, workshops and seminars, networking drinks and collaboration on shared projects like the beautificaiton of the Surrey Crescent shopping area and being a voice for business and community in the council consultation process.

We are grateful for their support of the Richmond Rovers Rugby league club and look forward to working together more in the future!



Click here to join the GLBA today

Richmond Rovers Rugby league is proud to announce that Auckland’s premier early child hood care has a 2013 jersey sponsor by the business name of; Mataliki Education Care Centre.

Mataliki believe a Tokelau language is to be spoken, the culture to be encouraged, nurtured, and also for our children to retain the value of Christian principles, has come on board as the Premier grade jersey naming rights sponsor for this 2013 season.

“We’re really excited about this new relationship” said Gus Fepuleai, Richmond Rover’s club chairman. “The Premier team is currently leading the Sharman Cup competition after nine games and the club as a whole is evolving with junior and senior player participation at the Richmond club on the rise. We look forward to continuing our form and with Mataliki in support of our Premier club team we believe our club will get to the next level –the Fox Memorials shield competition in 2014.”

Fepuleai continued. “The support from our other business raffle sponsors is very much appreciated and we all wish Richmond Premier Coach Ming Mafoe and his coaching staff and management team a very successful year”.

Mataliki has it education centre in Mangere, Auckland and provides a complete child care centre.

 “Mataliki and Richmond Rovers Rugby league club have a long standing relationship; not only in terms of support for our Premier grade team jersey sponsorship, but through contribution to some of our club players from the Premiers and 2012 Premier 2nds Champions Tokes (Tokelaun team). Such players include outside back DeBarres who was “impressive in his 2013 debut for the Premier team last weekend against New Lynn Stags”, Molly Foai, Richmond Premier’s Manager explained.

“The purpose of Mataliki is to develop the individuality of all children are respected and recognized therefore we endeavor as educators to implement the curriculum of Te Whaariki to plan our programme according to the child's needs”. Administrator Lita (Foai) Foai said “We believe Mataliki Tokelau Akoga Kamata is the extension of the child's family, helping them to feel a sense of belonging and their safety and well-being is well cared for and protected”.

Richmond Rovers Rugby league is also proud to announce Internationally recognized up-and-coming dance academy Saints Junior Dance Academy as the 2013 jersey sponsor for the Richmond Premier 1st grade team.

Richmond Rovers Rugby league is proud to announce internationally recognized up-and-coming dance academy Lil Saintz Dance Academy as the 2013 jersey sponsor for the Richmond Premier 1st grade team.

Established in 2006. Lil Saintz Dance Academy love to support & serve community, family, Church & charity events. Founded & establishing SAINTZ UP PERFORMING ARTS programme to give opportunity to every young person wanting to learn HIP HOP, choir, drama,  vocal lessons. 

“We’re really excited about this new relationship with a long time supporter of our club” said Gus Fepuleai, Richmond Rover’s club chairman. “The Premier 1st team is well represented with a number of players playing Prems this year and the club as a whole is evolving with junior and senior player participation at the Richmond club on the rise. We look forward to continuing our great form and with Saintz Dance Academy in support of our Premier 1st club team we believe our club will get to the next level –the Fox Memorials shield competition in 2014.”

Like the Saintz Dance Academy today
For Bookings & Info Contact: SaintzAcademy@gmail.com

Richmond Rovers Rugby League Club is proud to announce a very exciting development within the club.

The Surrey Hotel in Grey Lynn has aligned themselves with one of the oldest and largest sports club in the inner Auckland city region as a sponsor.  It is exciting times for the club with the growth of rugby league continuing through the exposure of its players represented in the Vodafone Warriors, Richmond celebrating its 100th centenary year over the Queen’s birthday weekend and the fact that 2013 is Rugby league World Cup year with the NZ Kiwis as defending champions.

The Surrey Hotel’s high profile sits comfortably with Richmond’s own profile within the larger Grey Lynn community.  Club Chairman Gus Fepuleai commented “it is tough for the Richmond Rovers club to maintain our high standards both on the field and off.  The generous support of The Surrey Hotel allows us to continue our development.  As the Club celebrates its 100th centenary year we are setting a high benchmark for our club both on and off the field”.

Denise King, added “The Surrey Hotel is delighted to be partnering with one of Grey Lynn’s, if not the greater inner city regions, most successful sports clubs which has had over 50 Kiwi International players developed from this local club. We see it as a great opportunity to assist the club with the development of their junior and senior players from the Richmond juniors ages five up to the premiers aged thirty plus years of age. The Richmond club is dedicated to making rugby league accessible and fun for everyone from the social player to those more serious”.

Over recent years the Richmond Rovers club has developed a strong and growing Junior Academy programme which assists younger players who show talent early on and helps them progress into potentially representing rep teams and maybe even New Zealand one day. 

MAINTENANCE AND CLEAN UP OF YOUR RICHMOND ROVERS RUGBY LEAGUE CLUB 
The next Richmond Working bee date: Waitangi Day, Wednesday 6th February 2013.

The following needs to be done ASAP. If you are able to assist with a contact person who may be able to help or if you would like to volunteer yourself then please get in touch with us.

1.   Materials, 4x2 & many other lengths need to be sourced
2.   Particle sheets to block up Changing Room Windows
3.   Nails
4.   Staples to be removed from building exterior - need pliers
5.   Railings to be fixed
6.   Guttering to be fixed
7.   Roof to be fixed
8.   Rubbish, Glass & Leaves to be removed
9.   Canteen- Concertina Window to sourced and be reinserted
10.  Main Hall Windows to be replaced with Colonial Style Doors
11.  Water Blasting of outside club/concrete
12.  Gardens
13.  Security Lights
14.  Changing Rooms/Lighting
15.  Showers
Plus any other notable repairs!!!

Could we all please  follow up all our contacts, friends and families for the next Richmond Working Bee. Target Tradesmen please and advise them to please bring their equipment with them or any donated materials would be most appreciated. We are still looking for Ply/Particle Board as well as lengths of 4x3 etc for Railings plus nails and what ever else building materials are needed.

IF OVERSEAS & WANTING TO HELP OUT
If you would like to assist and you are overseas your best way to assist would be to join the 100 CLUB. Click here for more info on how you can help by becoming a 100 CLUB member.