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Charity match raises $50,000 for community
The Kiwifruit Industry Invitational Team and Parliamentary Rugby Team face each other before the start of their charity match at Whakatāne
Photo by Jamie Troughton, Dscribe Media Services
A community day and challenge rugby match organised by the kiwifruit industry at Whakatāne in March raised $50,000 for the Eastern Bay Community Foundation’s Whakaari Fund.
By Elaine Fisher
“We were really proud to make a significant contribution to those affected by the Whakaari/White Island tragedy. We wanted to offer our support to those affected as well as the wider Eastern Bay community,” says Zespri director of external relations, Michael Fox.
To raise funds for the victims, their families and the first responders affected by the 2019 Whakaari/White Island tragedy, a Kiwifruit Industry Invitational Team took on the Parliamentary Rugby Team in a charity rugby match on Saturday 27 March. The score was 39–17 to the Parliamentary Rugby Team.
“Alongside generous individuals, businesses and Whakatāne locals, our charity rugby match and auction raised over $50,000. “We’re a proud member of the wider Bay community and the fundraiser was a great opportunity to honour those no longer with us, their families and the first responders,” Michael says. The event at Whakatāne’s rugby Park included activities for children and the community, and a curtain-raiser rugby match between Whakatāne Marist and Ōpōtiki.
The focus for the day was to bring the Eastern Bay community together and honour those affected by the Whakaari/White Island tragedy, and it involved a strong turnout from the kiwifruit industry and wider community.
Send us your nominations for the 2021 Horticulture Industry Awards
HortNZ is calling for nominations for its 2021 Awards to be presented at the Horticulture Conference Gala Dinner. HortNZ will present up to one award in each of the following categories each year. BLEDISLOE CUP
Awarded for an outstanding and meritorious contribution to the New Zealand horticulture industry.
PRESIDENT’S TROPHY
To celebrate and develop inspiring leadership within the horticulture industry.
INDUSTRY SERVICE AWARD
To recognise people with long and dedicated service in a supplier or service role (not a grower) that have worked beyond the call of duty for the betterment of the horticulture industry.
ENVIRONMENTAL AWARD
To recognise a person, or organisation, that has developed and implemented a sustainable environmental project, with identifiable benefits.
HORTNZ LIFE MEMBER
To recognise growers with long and dedicated service as office holders of HortNZ and/or an affiliated Product Group or affiliated Grower Association.
Full criteria for the above awards are available on the Horticulture New Zealand website or can be requested from the Board Secretary.
Who can make nominations?
• Any grower member of HortNZ, an affiliated Product Group or an affiliated Grower Association can make nominations.
How do I nominate someone?
• Complete a nomination form. These are available on our website www.hortnz.co.nz or by contacting HortNZ by calling 04 494 9983 or emailing Board Secretary, Kerry Norman (Kerry.Norman@hortnz.co.nz)
When will the awards be presented?
• At the 2021 Horticulture Conference Gala Dinner on Thursday 5 August at Mystery Creek, Hamilton.
When do nominations close?
• Nominations must be sent to the HortNZ Board Secretary, Kerry Norman (Kerry.Norman@hortnz.co.nz) or PO Box 10232, The Terrace, Wellington 6143 and must be received by 5.00pm on
