HISTORY MADE WITH NEW PARTNERSHIP BETWEEN NIUE AND ONE NZ WARRIORS
Starting off 2023 to a great start with history being made. The signing of a partnership agreement between the NRL Club One New Zealand Warriors and Pacific Island Rugby League bodies who are members of the Pasifika Aotearoa Collective. Niue are one of those Pacific bodies who are proud to have secured this partnership. The partnership includes support of developing Pasifika rugby league communities within Aotearoa by assisting in coaching clinics, financial support to develop and grow rugby league within our communities, player support and pathways to name a few. Auckland Niue Rugby League are planning to make use of this partnership to ensure our Niue communities are offered opportunities for growth and development not only here in Aotearoa but in Niue Island, where we affiliate and maintain strong connections with our parent body Niue Rugby League.
U18 PYC CAMPAIGN 2023
This year our U18 boys were fortunate to experience a Pasifika Youth Cup after disruptions from the Covid-19 Pandemic. The tournament was held at Bay Roskill Rugby League Club and was hosted by the Pasifika Aotearoa Collective in partnership with the One NZ Warriors. Our tama taane were fortunate to go into camp for 5 days leading up to the tournament, at Te Puea Marae. This time was spent bonding, going over team plans and was an opportune time for the team to get focused in preparation for the upcoming matches. The weather took a turn for the worst before the tournament began, but our teams managed to play 2days of the tournament. The first match was against the Tonga Development which they lost to, and then coming back in their second game to win over Fiji. Unfortunately the tournament was disrupted by a state of emergency in Auckland, which forced the tournament to be cancelled. For links to the games please visit our facebook page and find the links for these matches.
THE FIRST GIRL'S PASIFIKA YOUTH CUP HELD IN 2022
This year we were so fortunate to be one of the hosting nations in the first ever Pasifika Youth Cup for girls which was held at Mangere East Rugby League and Sports Club. All nations in the Pasifika Aotearoa Collective participated in under 12's to under 18's grades. The tournament was a huge success with hundreds of people attending to support their young girl's representing their nation in rugby league.
The powhiri held on day 1 hosted by the NZ Maori Rugby League organization set the stage for the event, bringing mana to the event. All nation leaders spoke on behalf of their nation with the players of each nation following with a song or chant.
Over the weekend there was a great display of rugby league from our young women. The results for each grade were as follows:
u12's - development grade only
u14's 2022 Champions - NZ Maori
u16's 2022 Champions - Samoa
u18's 2022 Champions - NZ Maori
2022 Best Haka - Niue
Congratulations to our Afine Niue who made the PYC Tournament teams:
u14's: Halo Matthews and Kaewa-Li Lukitau
u16's: Leaony McDonald
A huge fakaue lahi to our Major Funder - Foundation North
Warriors Foundation who sponsored our tournament team jackets
The Period Place who sponsored hygiene packs for all our young women.
We look forward to the girl's PYC 2023!
NIUE MENS DOMINATE ASIAN DRAGONS IN INTERNATIONAL TEST
2022 saw our first International test of the year against the Asian Dragons which took place at Mt Smart stadium. Our Niue men's team had some additions from our Niue men from Australia joining forces in preparation for the test. The boys were treated to a team blessing, where their families and the wider Niue community were able to celebrate them before heading into camp. The campaign was a success with Niue dominating over the Asian Dragons 68 to Nil.
This is a great start to the men's campaign as we lobby for our seat at a future rugby league world cup.
This is a great start to the men's campaign as we lobby for our seat at a future rugby league world cup.
niue u18's win championship section in a 32-16 over tonga development
The annual Pacific Youth Cup which is hosted by the Pasifika Aotearoa Collective was a challenging task for our nation this year. Still struggling with the effects of COVID-19 Niue have had to work extra hard to recruit and gather a team of young men to participate in the PYC tournament, which was pushed out several months due to the pandemic.
With many of our fuata Niue in the under 18 age group move overseas for further rugby league development, Niue were forced to look at the younger fuata Niue still here and willing to play. Niue carried the youngest team out of all the nations with many from the under 15 grade stepping up to serve and represent their island nation.
Coached under Danny Bernard and his team officials, the boys did their nation proud.
The team progressed to the final of the Championship section where they defeated Tonga Development 32-16.
A proud achievement for our nation and these young men and their families.
Oue Tulou tau Toa Niue.
With many of our fuata Niue in the under 18 age group move overseas for further rugby league development, Niue were forced to look at the younger fuata Niue still here and willing to play. Niue carried the youngest team out of all the nations with many from the under 15 grade stepping up to serve and represent their island nation.
Coached under Danny Bernard and his team officials, the boys did their nation proud.
The team progressed to the final of the Championship section where they defeated Tonga Development 32-16.
A proud achievement for our nation and these young men and their families.
Oue Tulou tau Toa Niue.
MAJOR SPONSOR FOR PYC 2022
We are proud to announce the 2022 PYC Major sponsor SS Drainage. Sean and Fine are the owners of SS Drainage, a couple who have always volunteered and supported our organisation since our conception. We are so grateful for their support this year. Their support and sponsorship enabled our fuata Niue to have the equipment, gear and food they needed for the campaign. We look forward to a great partnership ahead.
Fakaue Lahi mahaki.
Fakaue Lahi mahaki.
IRELAND AMBASSADOR TO NZ VISITS PYC TOURNAMENT
During the PYC tournament Niue was blessed with the visit of the Irish ambassador to NZ. Niue has a apparel cotract with O'Neills apparel as their exclusive supplier for all on field and off field apparel. O'Neill's is an Ireland based company and are suppliers of Penrith Panthers and Newcastle Knights NRLclubs.
During his visit he was gifted a playing jersey from the PYC tournament from Auckland Niue Rugby League as a thank you for his time and support to our nation and events thus far.
Along with apparel supplies, O'Neills have continued to sponsor our nation with extra gear for significant events, and for that we are very grateful.
During his visit he was gifted a playing jersey from the PYC tournament from Auckland Niue Rugby League as a thank you for his time and support to our nation and events thus far.
Along with apparel supplies, O'Neills have continued to sponsor our nation with extra gear for significant events, and for that we are very grateful.
INCREASING WOMEN'S REPRESENTATION IN RUGBY LEAGUE AND SPORTS MANAGEMENT : INTERVIEW WITH PACIFIC MEDIA NETWORK 5.31pi AND OUR TRUSTEE CASEY SMITH
Pasifika aotearoa collective launch
On Thursday 29th April 2021 six nations came together to solidify their position in a collective committed to the growth of Pasifika and Maori rugby league here in Aōtearoa. The six nations who were represented at the launch in signing a memorandum of understanding were Niue, Tonga, Maori, Fiji, Cook Islands and Tokelau. Present were representatives from significant rugby league organisations such as New Zealand Rugby League, Auckland Rugby League, NZ Warriors, Counties Manukau Rugby League as well as local rugby league clubs. Hosted by the Mangere East Hawks Rugby League club, the launch was a night of celebration and making positive connections. With support of poignant members of the community, the collective was able to share their aspirations individually, voicing their hopes of a new way forward. A common theme expressed on the night was the opportunity this allows for these nations to tell their own stories, alongside their pacific brother and sisters.
"Our role is to give them opportunities. Through training programmes, giving them playing opportunities," New Zealand Rugby League rep Motu Tony says.
The launch marked the inception of a foundation for all Maori and Pasifika communities and we are proud as a Niue nation to fly our flag alonside our neighbouring nations as equals and offer our contributions in helping our people, communities and nations thrive in culture, identity, talent, opportunities and careers using the game we love as a platform.
Kia monuina a tautolu oti, moe kau auloa moe loto mafana, loto tokolalo moe fakaalofa.
Aue tulou.
"Our role is to give them opportunities. Through training programmes, giving them playing opportunities," New Zealand Rugby League rep Motu Tony says.
The launch marked the inception of a foundation for all Maori and Pasifika communities and we are proud as a Niue nation to fly our flag alonside our neighbouring nations as equals and offer our contributions in helping our people, communities and nations thrive in culture, identity, talent, opportunities and careers using the game we love as a platform.
Kia monuina a tautolu oti, moe kau auloa moe loto mafana, loto tokolalo moe fakaalofa.
Aue tulou.
Niue rugby league grows in aotearoa
Auckland Niue Rugby League has reached out to other Niuean communities in regions throughout Aōtearoa, in the hope of fostering relationships to help grow, develop and support Niue communities through rugby league. After much discussion and planning, we are proud to announce the partnering of Wellington Niue Rugby League, Waikato Niue Rugby League as well as Northland Niue Rugby League which will form the foundation of Niue Rugby League New Zealand. The aim of these partnerships is to grow engagement of rugby league here in Aotearoa within Niuean communities. In Auckland alone, we have experienced the growth, cultural connections, and increase in identity within our children, adults, their families and our wider Niuean community. Our neighbouring regions have the same vision ans aspirations and we are looking forward to working together to support our people throughout the country.
NIUE WOMEN'S INTERNATIONAL TEST MATCH A SUCCESS DESPITE MATCH SCORE
Auckland Niue Rugby League are proud with the test match they had versus Tonga. Despite the contrasting score line, the success was found in the off field aspects of the test match. With Niue being a small contender in the sports sector, mainly due to lack of population and a struggling sense of identity in many Niue communities in Aotearoa, it was a big feat to have participated in their first International Test match.
Having a strong relationship with Tonga Rugby League here in Aotearoa, the match was a combined effort and a win for both nations as they had the opportunity to have global coverage on sky television as well as the International Stage.
With many barriers and challenges leading up to the test match, Niue had a short timeframe to secure a coach as well as a team to feature in the test match. With many Niue women being unavailable and injured, they were able to field a team of passionate women who were made up of many mothers, school leavers and players who had never played rugby league but came from other similar codes.
With challenges on the week of test match with players pulling out due to injury and family deaths, the team continued to press forward. It was a first of many for Niue, many learnings, relationships and cultural achievements were a few highlights that they were able to be proud of. The women all able to be proud of their identity by the end of the campaign, with the support of their cultural advisor Lynn Pavihi the women learned basic language skills, how to introduce themselves in vagahau Niue, as well as learn a chant that was gifted to Auckland Niue Rugby League by Lynn and her associate who created the chant. The women did their best to perform with passion, and honor despite the set backs they had already endured, and the true success was found in the way each woman was able to walk away with an increased sense of identity and pride to be Niuean.
As a nation we are proud of our women who wore the Niue flag with such grace, and we look forward to the future opportunities that will be created because they had the courage to say yes to Niue.
Mata ki luga!
Having a strong relationship with Tonga Rugby League here in Aotearoa, the match was a combined effort and a win for both nations as they had the opportunity to have global coverage on sky television as well as the International Stage.
With many barriers and challenges leading up to the test match, Niue had a short timeframe to secure a coach as well as a team to feature in the test match. With many Niue women being unavailable and injured, they were able to field a team of passionate women who were made up of many mothers, school leavers and players who had never played rugby league but came from other similar codes.
With challenges on the week of test match with players pulling out due to injury and family deaths, the team continued to press forward. It was a first of many for Niue, many learnings, relationships and cultural achievements were a few highlights that they were able to be proud of. The women all able to be proud of their identity by the end of the campaign, with the support of their cultural advisor Lynn Pavihi the women learned basic language skills, how to introduce themselves in vagahau Niue, as well as learn a chant that was gifted to Auckland Niue Rugby League by Lynn and her associate who created the chant. The women did their best to perform with passion, and honor despite the set backs they had already endured, and the true success was found in the way each woman was able to walk away with an increased sense of identity and pride to be Niuean.
As a nation we are proud of our women who wore the Niue flag with such grace, and we look forward to the future opportunities that will be created because they had the courage to say yes to Niue.
Mata ki luga!
Niue womens prepare for match vs tonga
Youth tour a success!
This year our youth were fortunate to go on tour to represent Niue in the Northland Rugby League festival and Wellington Pasifika Youth Cup. With a strong coaching team and support from the committee, the campaigns were a success with the boys coming away with the win in both tournaments.
Making connections with the wider Niue Community around different parts of Aotearoa was goal to be achieved, and was done with ease. Fakaue Lahi to the Palmerston North and Wellington Niue communities for their awesome hospitality towards our team. The boys represented their magafaoa, themselves and our nation with pride. We look forward to seeing these young men represent Niue again in the near future.
Mitaki tugi e mafola!
Making connections with the wider Niue Community around different parts of Aotearoa was goal to be achieved, and was done with ease. Fakaue Lahi to the Palmerston North and Wellington Niue communities for their awesome hospitality towards our team. The boys represented their magafaoa, themselves and our nation with pride. We look forward to seeing these young men represent Niue again in the near future.
Mitaki tugi e mafola!
Senior mens a success in northland
The Senior Mens showed good form in Northland dominating over their Northland counterparts and coming away with a win. The campaign saw some returning players and new members come together to represent our Island Nation. One of the aims of the campaign was to make connections with Niueans in Northland and grow the game of rugby league for Pasifika in smaller regions of Aotearoa.
We look forward to making more connections around the country in the near future. Fakaue lahi to all who supported throughout this campaign.
Nofo moe monuina!
We look forward to making more connections around the country in the near future. Fakaue lahi to all who supported throughout this campaign.
Nofo moe monuina!
Making connections - July 2020
Our team have been busy after lock down, travelling throughout the motu to meet and make connections with our Niue people and communities. From up north to the Waikato, we made new connections and strengthened some old ties all for the game we love. Reaching out to other neighbouring communities enables us to work together with our people to encourage our communities to engage in more events that support our identity as Niue people, participate in health building activities and introduce rugby league as a player pathway for many of our fanau around the country. We aim to lend a helping hand and offer our support to our fellow Niue people doing good for our communities in their part of the motu. Fakaue Lahi mahaki to all those who made the time to meet with us and show us hospitality whilst we were there. Oue Tulou.
kick start to 2020 post covid - july 2020
Our youth were treated to some special attention these school holidays to mark the official kick off to footy season post covid-19.
It was awesome to see our youth turn up keen and ready to train, learn some new skills and mingle with some high performance coaches.
In preparation for our Pasifika youth cup in October this year we have been engaging some high performwance coaches and programmes through Inventus.
We will be hosting these during the school holidays throughout the year so make sure you are following us on our socials!
It was awesome to see our youth turn up keen and ready to train, learn some new skills and mingle with some high performance coaches.
In preparation for our Pasifika youth cup in October this year we have been engaging some high performwance coaches and programmes through Inventus.
We will be hosting these during the school holidays throughout the year so make sure you are following us on our socials!
ANRL CONFIRMS UNIFORM SUPPLIER O'NEILLS - june 2020
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Auckland Niue Rugby League is proud to announce our new team uniform supplier O'Neills international sportswear. We have signed a partnership with O'Neills for the next three years to supply both our on field match gear as well as some exciting new off field supporters apparel that will be made available for purchase very soon! O'Neills currently supply to many rugby league organisations as well as a few NRL teams. After meeting with many suppliers, we feel that we have chosen the best fit for our needs and our community by choosing a supplier that does not compromise on quality. Keep following us to stay up to date with the new apparel we will be releasing over the next few months!
Kia Monuina! |
Niue tour - nov 2019 |
November 2019 was definitely a significant milestone for Auckland Niue Rugby League. Our committee along with our Senior players travelled to Niue to reconnect with our roots, foster relationships with the people n=back home, strengthen our identity and give back to our community on the island.
We achieved so much in the time we were there, hosting a community fun day for all the community to come and participate in rugby league drills that were facilitated by our Senior players. We were fortunate to be addressed by the Honorable Billy Talagi and Honorable Dalton Tagelagi. We donated balls, apparel and playing equipment to Niue Rugby League, the Niue Primary School, Niue High School and other sports departments. The main match was played with so much heart, although our Toa from NZ struggled in the heat, and our Toa from Niue played with m=the minimal training, experience and gear they had, both teams showed a huge amount of sportsmanship and heart. This trip enabled many of our Seniors to connect with their families and visit their villages. We would like to say a huge Fakaue Lahi Mahaki to all the organisations here in NZ who supported us in our tour and donated jersey sets, balls, equipment so that we were able to take it back to our island nation and give back to our community. Thank you to Niue Rugby League and the people of Niue who gifted us with immense hospitality and love whilst we were there, this is a trip many of us will treasure for a lifetime. Fakaue Lahi! |
NZ REFEREES ASSOCIATION TRAVEL TO NIUE - NOV 2019
Auckland Niue Rugby League reached out to the NZ Referees Association to bring along two referees on tour to Niue Island to develop referees in Niue. Fortunately they agreed and funded two referees to join us on tour. It was such a pleasure to have Karl Vasau and Kiko Hibbs with us to share their knowledge, experience and skills with the people of Niue. They hosted a referees workshop where they gifted some referees apparel to Niue Rugby League. From this workshop they trained two officials to help officiate the main league match between Niue and Niue NZ. The workshop was such a good insight to the rules of rugby league as well as the roles and responsibilities of referees and officials in rugby league. We would like to thank Karl, Kiko and the NZ referees Association for their continued support and partnership. The value they brought on tour and for our people in Niue was significant and we hope to see more rugby league officials participate in the near future!
Oue Tulou.
Oue Tulou.
PASIFIKA RUGBY LEAGUE LAUNCHES - NOV 2019
Pasifika Rugby League was launched by the coming together of many nations ANRL included. Planning has begun for 2020 with the Pasifika Youth Cup 2020 being a highlight of the calendar of events. Many discussions around growing the game, supporting our Maori and Pacific nations, communities and players by hosting collaborated events and tournaments for our grass roots rugby league players, youth and seniors. In the hope that our communities have more support and opportunities to play rugby league, learn new skills, keep active and provide player pathways to future league careers. Building the future of rugby league alongside our nation brothers and sisters.
Kia Monuina a tautolu oti.
Kia Monuina a tautolu oti.
NIUE SENIORS TOUR 2019
This year ANRL will be taking a senior Niue team back home to connect with their roots as part of the Niue Constitution celebrations for 2019. During their time on the rock, ANRL will be hosting coaching and development clinics to give back to the community and celebrating the end of the tour with an exhibition match with the resident players of Niue.
The intended purpose of this tour is to build relationships with the people back home, providing an opportunity for both the players in Niue to gain experience, and for NZ based players to connect with their cultural heritage. The views of ANRL is that we need to connect our NZ based players with their heritage before they can begin their journey abroad. "Playing in tournaments around the world are a great opportunity, however we understand that to last in the rugby league career you need to be confident in your identity and roots. It takes a lot of determination both physically and mentally. When our players are firm in their identity, they will thrive in anything they set their minds to." ANRL Representative.
The proposed rugby league clinics are to take place at the local Niue High School with the venue of the exhibition match to be confirmed. We have some specialized representatives from agencies here in NZ, who will be accompanying the crew to deliver well-being workshops and clinics that focus on physical, mental and player pathway.
ANRL are liaising with representatives of Niue Rugby League Association to ensure the tour will be productive for both parties. This tour will be significant for bridging the gap between both Niue communities in Niue and here in NZ to work more cohesively to achieve what is best for our rising starts in the sports sector. Moving forward into the international stage, the hope is that future Niue teams are representative of all Niue players living in Niue, NZ, Australia and other countries.
ANRL would like to welcome the wider support of community and potential sponsors who would like to help in any way.
Queries can be made to [email protected]
The intended purpose of this tour is to build relationships with the people back home, providing an opportunity for both the players in Niue to gain experience, and for NZ based players to connect with their cultural heritage. The views of ANRL is that we need to connect our NZ based players with their heritage before they can begin their journey abroad. "Playing in tournaments around the world are a great opportunity, however we understand that to last in the rugby league career you need to be confident in your identity and roots. It takes a lot of determination both physically and mentally. When our players are firm in their identity, they will thrive in anything they set their minds to." ANRL Representative.
The proposed rugby league clinics are to take place at the local Niue High School with the venue of the exhibition match to be confirmed. We have some specialized representatives from agencies here in NZ, who will be accompanying the crew to deliver well-being workshops and clinics that focus on physical, mental and player pathway.
ANRL are liaising with representatives of Niue Rugby League Association to ensure the tour will be productive for both parties. This tour will be significant for bridging the gap between both Niue communities in Niue and here in NZ to work more cohesively to achieve what is best for our rising starts in the sports sector. Moving forward into the international stage, the hope is that future Niue teams are representative of all Niue players living in Niue, NZ, Australia and other countries.
ANRL would like to welcome the wider support of community and potential sponsors who would like to help in any way.
Queries can be made to [email protected]
Niue + tonga host the pacific youth cup 2019
In October this year, our youth are treated to a youth focused tournament which will be hosted by Auckland Niue Rugby League and Hakula Tonga Aotearoa Rugby League.
The event will be held in South Auckland where majority of Auckland's participation player pool for rugby league resides. The support of the local rugby league clubs such as Mangere East Hawks have been poignant in supporting the growth of the Pacific participation in rugby league.
Players from the wider Auckland regions will flock together to put their best foot forward and represent their country of heritage in the Pacific Youth Cup.
This opportunity will help develop the youth for their transition into higher levels of competition rugby league and help instill in them a sense of pride in their identity, and foster positive relationships with peers and their wider nation community wherever they may descend from.
Having the host nations both from Niue and Tonga is a positive step forward for Pacific nations, working together for the betterment of the wider community of rugby league. "There is more support from the community when host nations work as one to execute events that generate more positive impact for our people" says a member of the ANRL committee.
Recently in a radio interview, Hengi Fusitua Chairman of Hakula Tonga Aotearoa Rugby League praises the work of Auckland Niue Rugby League and have admitted that the only way to make things work best is to work alongside each other to achieve a bigger purpose.
The youth will battle it out for championship spots, and individuals will be keen to grab the attention of recruitment officers and rugby league officials who have already shown interest in attending the event to keep an eye out for potential upcoming talent.
So come along to this epic annual event and wear your supporters gears, flags and positive attitude to support our up and coming stars of the Pacific!
