Changes afoot for Tasman rugby

The evolution of the Tasman Rugby Union continues, with a planned venue swap the latest initiative as the country’s newest union looks to the future.

Tasman have gained Nelson City Council support for a proposed interchange of facilities with the historic City Club. The plan is that the union - which currently has operations at both their Trafalgar Lane offices and in the City Club’s premises at Kinzett Terrace - will move their entire operation to the Kinzett Tce site. Concurrently, the Club will move their business to the Trafalgar Lane premises. The land at both venues is council-owned.

Tasman Rugby Union CEO Lyndon Bray sees it as a win-win situation.

“We see this as an exciting initiative for Tasman Rugby and the Mako, giving us a facility that will evolve our union and keep us in good stead for the next 10 years,” he said.

“Our objective is to have our en- tire Tasman Rugby staff (community, Mako and commercial) under one roof. Plus, to have our Mako and FPC Mako team rooms and gymnasium under that same roof.

“Kinzett Terrace provides us with the opportunity to create our spiritual home and allows us to expand our office space given that we have invested in new roles across our community team. It enables us to utilise the gymnasium and team rooms (both male and female), plus potentially create an outdoor space for community rugby teams and participants.”

Lyndon said the union envisaged developing an astro turf training centre, potentially covered by a canvas roof, at the Kinzett Terrace facility.

“Such a centre would allow us to provide an all-weather training environment for the Mako, for development programmes, junior rugby training and also for Rippa Rugby competitions and tournaments, plus coach-the-coaches programmes,” said Lyndon.

“We would also look at the poten- tial to create a share model with other sports, who could utilise this facility.”

Lyndon said Tasman Rugby had come out of the “challenging few years of Covid” in good financial shape.

“We have been able to consolidate our financial assets, to cover our requirements regarding cash reserves and to have working capital for future plans.

“We have also been able to boldly expand our investment into the community game, with a new Community Women’s Rugby Manager, a Game Development

Manager in Marlborough and a Coach and Player Educator in Nelson, all of whom have started in their roles.

“This proposed relocation … will provide the facility for Tasman rugby to grow and evolve our strategic objectives and enhance our community connection.”

The Nelson City Council have agreed to the plan in principle and will now ask for public submissions.

Nelson City Council Mayor Nick Smith saw the proposal as a “winwin”.

“This is an exciting proposal that will help strengthen the legendary Mako,” he said.

“Having a centre of excellence for rugby right adjacent to Trafalgar Park is a great opportunity.

“Also, the Trafalgar Lane site is better positioned for the City Club so it is a genuine win-win without expense for the ratepayer.

“I love it when community organisations and clubs are able to work together to find pragmatic solutions like this proposal and welcome the public comments through the submission process,” he added.