Introducing the finalists for Te Hāpai New Zealand Rugby Community Impact Award...

Richard ‘Perky’ Perkins brings passion, enthusiasm, and infectious positivity to his role as Community Rugby Manager at Otago Rugby. From grassroots through to representative level, Perky leads by example, and goes the extra mile to ensure the game is always better. Not only does he manage the Community team, he is ORFU’s Designated Disciplinary Officer, and he has been the Match Manager for all FPC and NPC home matches, Match Operations Manager for the All Blacks v Australia test and the WXV 1 tournament in Dunedin.

In the three years that Te Kahurangi Skelton has been at Otago Māori Rugby, she has ensured her passion for te ao Māori has contributed to rugby being a vehicle for Māori in her community. The most significant outcome for Te Kahurangi has been her leadership and successful planning, organisation, and running of Te Waipounamu Māori Rugby Rakatahi Ahurei (South Island Māori Rugby Festival) in Dunedin. She embodies the Māori rugby values of whanaungatanga (unify and connect), rangatiratanga (leadership), poutamatanga (achievement), taumatatanga (excellence) and kaitiakitanga (guardianship).

Historically, rugby has been a relatively unfamiliar sport within the Asian migrant community, especially among the Chinese population. Steven Li, from Auckland, started and runs a programme to warmly welcome the Asian community to the sport, tailoring it to those without prior knowledge. Steven consistently demonstrated this commitment by energetically and patiently teaching newcomers the basics of rugby. He was a beacon of enthusiasm, showing up for his community and using RipRugby and pitches with the best grip so anyone can be involved.

These finalists are not just contributors to rugby; they are architects of connection, guardians of culture, and champions of inclusivity.

Article added: Thursday 30 November 2023