NZ-HAWKES-BAY-N-POVERTY-BAY-L Archives

From: Elaine Mattsen <>
Subject: Nuhaka Rugby 120th Jubilee
Date: Tue, 07 Feb 2006 20:16:55 +1300

Nuhaka Rugby 120th Jubilee
1878-1998

Page 180-Photo
Newton Alexander-66 year's service to Nuhaka Club

Born in Oamaru, Newton arrived in Wairoa with his family when he was four years old. His father had moved to Wairoa where he was employed as an engineer in the building of the Wairoa Freezing Works. Newton's school years were spent in Wairoa. When he left school at age fourteen, he worked on the Willoughby Bartlett farm at Mahia. He played for Whakaki Juniors. In 1932, when he was eighteen he moved to Nuhaka to work on the McIntyre farm. That was the start of his involvement with Nuhaka Rugby. At first he played for the Wanderer's as there were no openings in the Nuhaka or Morere teams. He soon became a member of the team which wore the Star and has remained active in all capacities, financial as well, even to the present day.

Page 181-Photo Ashby Crombie
President
Nuhaka Rugby Football Club 1998

Ashby attended the Nuhaka Public School from 1949-1957. His Principals were Fred Hankin, Frank Hoskings and Frank Whelan.

Ashby Crombie, son of Nuhaka identifies the late Charlie Crombie and his wife Esther, began his association with the Nuhaka rugby Club on his return from Massey University in 1961. He has held the positions of team player, Patron, and is the current Club President. Early football experiences including playing for Albert Whaanga's Gisborne High School 2nd Fifteen and 1st Fifteen teams and then later for the Massey University Team.

Page 182
Nuhaka Rugby Club
1878-1998

One hundred and twenty years of Rugby at Nuhaka may to some extent be mythical, but when it is compared against the history of the district there seems adequate evidence to assume it was a sport, a pastime or even a continuation of some of the bodily contact early whalers were accustomed to and enjoyed.

The fact of when the first football was kicked at Nuhaka did not seem to reach the record book. The action was sure to have reverberated so much that in no time there would have been sufficient keen men interested enough to start a game of Rugby. The game may have resembled a miniature inter-village or inter-tribal war, after all, it had not been long since the taiaha and harpoon had been laid down for more peaceful occupations.

People belonging to the Rakaipaaka branch of Ngati Kahungunu lived in small villages, or Papa kainga, along the coast and river banks of Nuhaka. At one stage, it is thought that there were six or seven Pa along the river towards Morere and there were definitely fortifications near the beach.

The first European settlers were whalers who had operated off Mahia in the late 1830's and had taken to the shore together with others willing to face the hardships of developing the land.

The earliest record of a European settler at Nuhaka was in 1839 when a naturalist W.STURM, made a home there. In 1842, Bishop Selwyn wrote that Nuhaka was a nice native settlement with the most civil and intelligent natives. This was considered a high testimony to the uncorrupted natives of Wairoa.

Whaling began to fall off and more men, many of continental birth, settled and by 1870 the seas had released all the men to the land.

Land at Mahia and Nuhaka was disposed of to the whites by Maori in 1864 and although there were some disagreements and problems it is recorded that the last shot was fired in the Maori Wars in 1872. Five years later the Wairoa County Council held its first meeting and in 18778 the County population was 826.

White settlers came to Nuhaka in the early 1880's to take over farms and Maori landowners were also encouraged to work the land.

The first store at Nuhaka about this time was conducted by Mrs McLean. It was a building sited where the present store stands. The store was sold to Harry Skilton who stood behind many sports bodies and became known for the financial assistance he offered.

It is now fairly well known that Morere Springs were discovered in 1884 by George Walker, a Government surveyor, and Edward Bendall, who were riding in the vicinity and investigated steam rising from the bush.

Mr Walker became the first owner of Wai Station and many of his descendants also became well known on the Rugby field (the late Bully Walker served as a member of the Centennial Committee in 1978.)

Mr Bendall was an Englishman who was a farmer and came to New Zealand with his brother after they had worked the goldfields of the Yukon. His daughter, Mrs Daisy Wallace, aged 82 resides at Opoutama and has her grandfather's discharge papers from the American Army dated 1857. He had served during the Indian Wars.

It was in 1884 that the first Mormon Elders spent some time in the area.

Among the early whalers to settle at Nuhaka was Johann Hacken-Schmidt who married Tuarai Kurekure, the daughter of the Ngati Kauaha Tohunga Pita Kotorewai. John's name was later converted to John Smith or
Haki Mete and included among those who carried his name onto the football field were Haki, Jimmy,
Johnny, Riki, Stan, Cleo, and also Charlie, the only Maori All Black of the family who later played League in England
Page 183

One of the most important men of Character, integrity and goodwill to be known at Nuhaka was
George Canning Ormond who bought Whangawehi Station in Mahia in 1885.

Although none of his sons played Rugby for Nuhaka, Mr Ormond had a keen interest in the District. He assisted in many ways and at one time owned Omana Valley which was later settled by the First War Veterans.

The road from Wairoa to Gisborne had been opened from end to end-probably through Mahunga-by 1886, but the road from Wairoa to Nuhaka had been opened to dray traffic prior to this.

The earliest evidence of organised Rugby did not come until some years after this, but with population and communications it would be no wonder that the game was played where and when it was possible.

One of the very early Hawke's Bay Representatives Charles Edward Stewart, moved to Nuhaka in 1888 where he farmed about 450 acres. He refereed Rugby at Nuhaka and introduced a legend in his son Kahu who was to later lead the Nuhaka team for 10 years.

Other farmers were the Te Ngaio family who also created history on and off the Rugby field.

Fred Vaughan had bought and developed Rakaipaka Station which neighboured Tahaenui Station farmed by his father. Fred was only 18 when he played for Nuhaka in 1897 and travelled to Muriwai for a win. This is the first known team to play as a Nuhaka Club side.

A Maori school was opened in 1898 with a roll of 45 and even there Rugby would have been popular as well as vigorous.

At the turn of the Century, the first Postmaster, a Mr Fletcher, worked in a small room which contained the village's first telephone. Another improvement in communications, but transport was not so pleasant.

Dairy farming and the supply of cream brought a boost in the opening of the Nuhaka "Kahukuranui" Cheese Factory in 1901.

The river was spanned by a bridge about that time but this was carried away by a flood in 1910 and not replaced until 1914. A wooden truss bridge served until 1864 when the present concrete bridge took its place.

In the early 1900's Nuhaka showed signs of becoming a settled village. There were General Stores, Draperies, two Saddleries, a Bakery, two Blacksmith shops and other small business concerns.

Page 183 Cont'd

The Club had become well established by 1906, but the outbreak of the First World War took young men from the district and the game suffered through lack of players.

However this did not prevent the Club from winning its first senior championship in 1915, but the following years to 1918 were difficult.

Then came 10 years which were probably the most notable and successful the district experienced on the Rugby fields.

Between 1912 and 1920 a horse-drawn carrying business was operated by Alf Kirk who was located up in The Valley, the area outside of Nuhaka towards Morere. A 14-horse stable was required for sufficient animals to draw wagon loads of farm produce and general freight. This included the cartage of wool to Waikokopu from where it was lightered to ships waiting in the Bay. Mr Kirk's last major contract was the formation of the Omahu Valley road. His son Jack played for Wanderers and is probably the strongest Nuhaka supporter who resides in Wairoa.

Page 184 Photo-The Early Years-Combined Nuhaka-Whakaki-Mahia Team 1897
Standing: Wi Kaipuke, ., ., ., ., Walker, Walker, .
Front Row: Bob Waikawa,., Alec Smith, .., Fred Vaughan, John Tawhiri, Harawira Kahukura,.

Page 185 Photo Nuhaka Senior Team 1906
Back Row: Sid Campbell, Kate Smith, Riki Hook, Hemi Smith, Niwa Waerea, Hoani Tawhiri, Peta Nepia,
Heta Toroaiwhitu, Kingi Nau, Ihaka Kaipuke, Mr Bluck, Paora Hampi
Kneeling: Jim Greer, Jim Hallet-Smith, John Campbell, Wi Smith, Orekena Putaranui, Rewi Smith
Front: Gordon Nielson, Tawa Tiwai

Page 186-Photo Nuhaka-Mahia 1911
Back Row: Hughie Smith, G.Ormond, P. Cooper, J.Ormond, J.Smith, T.Whaanga, Wi Duncan (Manager)
Middle Row: K.Browne, G.Nepia (father of George Nepia). W.Friday (Captain) Wharakete, Wi Walker
Front Row: Joe Smith, Maugumangu, Karauria
Absent: Ted Kiri, Hui Huitaia.

Page 187-Photo Golden Oldies in 1978-1878-1920

Left to Right: R. BLUCK, V.BLUCK, R.HOOK, S.HARONGA, O.PUTARANUI, W.NEPIA, T.TIWAI, S.WHAANGA, A.SMITH, J.H. SMITH, J.SMITH, V.BROWN, T.ATARIA, R.BLUCK, K. PUTARANUI, T.TORAIWHITU

Page 188
In the days of sea transport, passengers could make the journey from Waikokupa to Napier, usually a trip of six hours. However, sea conditions being what they are would sometimes cause casual sailing times to be extended to 13 hours.

The introduction of motorised transport spelt the end of Alf Kirk's horse-drawn business and he later moved to Mohaka. Although Norman Bluck had been operating lorry cartage since 1922, he converted to the famous "half and half" about two years later and these became the most suited vehicles for the type of transport required. There was seating for three passengers alongside the driver and accommodation for another four on the seat behind this. The rear of the truck was open and available for goods.

Many of these vehicles were built in Napier and it is ironic that when Norm Bluck brought the first one to Nuhaka he had young Jack Kirk as a passenger coming home from school.

Bluck's transport was Nuhaka's means of transport and Norm Bluck made many vehicles available for team travel. For a period this was augmented by transport provided by Gordon Boyd, who, with his sons, was a keen supporter of the team.

It is no reflection on rugby, but the Nuhaka Cottage Hospital was opened in 1921. It was built by Wairoa contractors, the Simpson Brothers, on a site about a block behind the present Post Office. This served the community with as many as six beds where the sick were cared for, but it was predominantly a maternity home. The hospital was built and organised through the Presbyterian Church and serviced by Doctors from Wairoa. It operated until 1927, a time when transport to Wairoa had improved.

The Wairoa to Waikokopu section of the East Coast railway was commenced in 1919 and work gangs were established in camps at various points along the route. This bought many young men to the District who were very active although despondent because of the hard times.

Some of the better known players were Gordon Boyd, Viv Bluck, Dave Webber and Val Brown and after them came Kahu Stewart whose agility rather than brawn made him one who brought a new type of play to the team.

In 1922, New Zealand's greatest Rugby star began to shine when George Nepia took the field for Nuhaka juniors. George later left with the intention of attending school at Dannevirke, but with Eru Te Ngaio, who was going to attend the Maori Agriculture College, George decided to get off at Hastings also and this led to his fame in the 1924 All Blacks.

The Omana Valley, formerly owned by Mr G.C. ORMOND, was divided up for the development after World War 1 and many of the veterans became prominent members of the Club. There was Jack Watt, father of the late Hedley Watt a rugged forward in the late 1940', Jack Begley whose son Jim also played in the period after World War 2, and Doug Falconer. Others were Rae Gilmour who became a sub-union coach. Frank Young who acted as gatekeeper for the longest number of years known and Len Mildon who later sold out to
Reg Bluck, a club administrator.

Page 189
Kahu Stewart led the team through to 1930 and he represented Wairoa for several years. Grounds were a problem and on one occasion the blackberries were cut from a field at Waikokopu on the Friday in preparation for a clash between Nuhaka and Mahia on the Saturday.

There were grounds on the east side of the river and another in the vicinity of the present railway but in 1922 an approach was made to the Nuhaka A & P Society with a request that the Domain be used for Rugby.

Five years before, the ground had been purchased from Mr G C ORMOND. It was part of the Omana block and10 acres were purchased at 40 pounds-on terms. Mr Bob Dunbar addressed the Society's Committee in 1922 and apologised that goal posts had been erected and a touch line had been trenched. This was apparently done to make use of the ground.

Mr R.C.STURM and Mrs J B MONTEITH moved that permission be granted and that a payment of half a guinea be made for each match played on the ground. A provision was that no horse be allowed on the ground and that five pounds be paid as a guarantee of good faith.

The same year, the Nuhaka Sports club was given permission for the free use of the ground at Easter.

At last, the Nuhaka Football Club had a home and the people had a regular ground where then and for years to come there was some very enthusiastic barracking and sideline coaching which was as vigorous and strenuous as the game itself.

There were no facilities on the ground and players and their opposition continued through the years to use the stock trough as nature's bath, shower or dunking utensil.

Jimmy Walker and Les Woodward were two hard men who specialised in their positions. There were also Jimmy Smith and Friday Pirihi, the latter from North Auckland who worked on the railway construction, together with Tiwai Karangaroa, Wi Nepia and Mo Walker who were outstanding figures for Nuhaka.

Continuing in their glory, Hawke's Bay had gained great respect in 1924 and so had the Wairoa teams who provided most of the players. At this time Nuhaka was coached by Niwia Waerea and it was necessary for him to gain the best from the multitude of players who were keen to wear the blue jersey.

This era saw Jimmy smith, Frank Barclay, Joe Haka, Eru Te Ngaio, Doug Guy, Tommy Nepia and Kahu Stewart in all their glory. George Nepia had returned from his most notable tour with the "Invincibles" and he was an attraction on his own. The headmaster at the native School was Mr Moses South who was also secretary of the club for many years. His son Les played for Nuhaka in 1924 and became a Hawke's Bay and later a Wellington representative.

Page 189
The railway line to Waikokopu was opened for traffic, and construction work had started on the harbour works at Waikokopu. There was also an extension of power supply to Nuhaka which brought great activity to the district.

A meeting was called in 1924 in Bluck's Hall. This was at the rear of the post Office and was subsequently destroyed by fire. It will also be remembered as a picture theatre where patrons were entertained by a hand-cranked projector.

The meeting decided to form a team to be known as the Wanderers Club which played in the Junior grade up to 10 years. One of the members was Dave Hughes who eventually became a referee and had an enviable record of carrying the whistle for about 14 years. Early administrators in the club were Rae Gilmore and Laurie South.

Men who assisted football in Nuhaka in its heyday were jack Gordon, a Public Works Engineer who lived at Nuhaka where the railway works headquarters was sited, he became a President. Bill Ropitini, who also became a President, was a long-serving committeeman.

Page 190-Photo Winners Wairoa Sub-Union 7-Aside Tournament 1915
Back Row: T Whaanga, J.W.Smith (Delegate) J.M.Smith
Centre Row: J. Brown, Kaurauria (Captain) J.N.Smith
Front Row: V.Brown, G.Boyd

Shield Winners 1915
Back Row: J.Smith (Delegate) Turei Whaanga, Heta Toraiwhiti, J.Smith, T.Hapi, Tuati Whaanga
Middle Row: H Haronga, J Walker, T Toraiwhiti, Kaurauria (Capt) J Brown, J Mataira
Front Row: D Webber, J Smith, Gordon Boyd, R Whaanga. Inset V.Brown

Page 191-Photo-Wairoa Championship Winners 1924
Back Row: S Whaanga, F Pirihi
Third Row: N Waerea (Coach), H Haronga, ., N Whaanga, B Ropitini, J Walker, ., S Beaufoy (Delegate)
Second Row: P Nepia, ., T Whaanga, D Guy, K Stewart (Capt) D Falconer, M Walker, S Christy
Front Row: J Smith, E Te Ngaio, D Mitchell, R Karangaroa, J Te Ngaio (Mascot)

Page 192-Photo Nuhaka Wanderers Football Club 1926
Back Row: R Steed (Vice-Captain) J Cooper, C Whitmore, S South, D Hughes, R Gilmore (Coach)
Second Row: P Crombie, S Sturm, P Cooper, H. McIntyre (Capt) G McIntyre, S Sturm

Page 193-Photo Morere Football Club 1929
Back Row: M Campbell, T Mete, S Pomana, J Potatau, R Waerea, S Mita
Second Row: H.E.Stanton (Delegate) J Pomana (Secretary) C Nepia, R Shaw (Captain) W Meihana, R Tuhi (Manager)
Front Row: R Whaanga, S Jones, J Mita, K Mata, B Mataira (Mascot) Absent: R.S.Whitehead, Smith.

Page 194

Club President in 1924 was Mr Syd Christy who had lived in the United States of America as a young man where he had built up a fine record as an athlete. He did not play for the Nuhaka Club but his sons (Bill Christy, Major Ben Christy, Epanaia Christy, Dick Christy and Ephraim Christy) and grandsons (Sidney Christy, Morgan Christy, Rufus Christy, Benjamin Christy, became well known players and supporters. His son Ephraim was Chairman of the Centennial Committee in 1978 and remained a stalwart supporter of the club until his death in 1997. Nuhaka won the Championship for the second time in 1924

Another prominent supporter of the club was Mr Jim Duley who conducted a hairdresser and billiard saloon which was more of a meeting place for the club than any other place in the village.

An incident which occurred in the Nuhaka Domain in 1925 has now become one of the Rugby legends of the District. It was at a time when George Nepia meant everything to Nuhaka and other teams had full realisation of this and some took it to extreme measures. There was a clash during a match with Pirates and two Nuhaka players, including Nepia, were told to leave to field during the second spell. The crowd became hostile and a fair measure of control was exercised. Despite this, it was necessary for Constables Bill Sleeth and Jim Duley, a Nuhaka stalwart to escort the referee Mr Jim Wilson of Wairoa to his car. It is believed he left post-haste for Wairoa district without even bothering to change.

In 1926 there was dissatisfaction with the Wairoa sub-union over travelling fees. This was a time when Jimmy Smith, Frank Barclay, Joe Hapi, Eru Te Ngaio, Doug Guy, Tommy Nepia and Kahu Stewart were all in their glory. The Nuhaka riding had a population in 1926 of 380 whites and 441 Maoris. This was also the year that George Nepia left Nuhaka and moved up the East Coast,

Morere came forward with a team in 1928 and played as juniors. They won the Championship in 1929-30-31 and were then reclassified as seniors, but slowly lost ground and amalgamated with Nuhaka. Among their officers were Jack Pomana, Rei Tuhi and Wi Bartlett. The Editor at the Wairoa Star, Harry Stanton, was their sub-union delegate.

The club won their competition in 1930 with a team built up of men like Zion King, Bill Christy, tom Waerea, Bill Goldstone and Bill Taurima.

There was approaching, another epoch in 1931 when an extremely promising Junior was playing for Whakaki. He was Charlie Smith who became a Maori All Black in 1935, but despite his brilliance which was known throughout the country plus the loud claims to his ability he was overlooked as a member of the New Zealand team to tour England.

As a young player, Wairoa's distinctive selector Tom French had a desire for Charlie to become a senior particularly for the Mahia Club. Eru Te Ngaio realised this and had Charlie quickly signed up but he played for only the one season.

Page 195-Photo-Winners of Wairoa Sub Union Junior Competition 1938
Back Row: T Nepia, N Potatau (Snr), R Nuku, R McKenzie, C Smith, R Kurangaroa
Centre Row: J Brown, H Mitchell, W.Nohinohi, T.Kane, G Shaw, G Haronga
Front Row: W Walker, J Te Ngaio, M Nepia (Mascot) M Waerea
Absent: H Watts, W Smith

Winners of Wairoa Sub Union Championship and winners of Hawke's Bay Black and White Shield 1939
Back Row: Mo Walker (Selector-Coach), Wheti Nohinohi, Stone Whaanga, B Walker, Riki Smith
Tau Lewis, J Smith, D Smith, Tilly Whaanga, Sid Christy (President)
Front Row: Epanaia Christy, Pera Te Ngaio, Ivan McKenzie, George Harvey, Ken Turner, Bill Christy,
Ben Christy

Page 196-Photo-Winners Wairoa Senior Competition 1946
Back Row: Dave Smith (Coach-Selector), J Taunoa, George Atkins, Bert Symes, Dick Christy, Barn Christy, Denal Meihana, Cleo smith, Porcus Smith, George Pomana, Ivan McKenzie, George Harvey, J Smith,
R Karangaroa
Front Row: G Haronga, Ben Christy, Tilly Whaanga, Stone Whaanga, Taka Panere, Riki Smith, S Smith
Mascots: George Atkins, Hiki Harvey, Hori Harvey, Bub Karangaroa

Page 197-Photo-Nuhaka Juniors-Winners Wairoa Sub-Union Junior Competition 1946
Back Row: Bunny Mataira, Peter Ormond, Dave Smith, Bulla Mataira, Boydie Campbell, Albert Whaanga, Rangi Whaanga, Mahlon Nepia
Centre Row: Dave Mataira, Robert Haronga, Ratu Lewis (Selector-Coach), Rangi Te Hau, John Irwin,
Hapi Nepia, Bob Lunny (referee)
Front Row: George Tutori, Jack Ryan, Nuki Nepia, P Lowe
Mascot: Bub Karangaroa

Page 198-Photo-Nuhaka Senior Football Team 1950
Winners Wairoa Competition/Knock - out Competition/HB "Black and White"
Back Row: Witi Hapi, Erkilla, B Jones, Dudley Hughes, L Bartlett, Boydie Campbell
Centre Row: Stan Smith, Sonny Bartlett, Mahlon Nepia, H Watts, D Edwards, Eru Te Ngaio (Selector)
Front Row: T A Smith, t King, Cleo Smith (Captain) Epanaia Christy, Tilly Whaanga
Sitting: Begley, Anaru Kohu
Absent: N Potatau, J Reo, C Te Aho, S Edwards

Page 199
Charlie Smith and Hawea Mataira, who also had a creditable career as a footballer, both played for Hawke's Bay in 1934 when they lost the Ranfurly Shield to Auckland. Charlie went to England in 1935 and played 14 seasons of Rugby League. During the war he received a visit from Tom Waerea

Hawea played for New Zealand against Australia in 1934. He was a Maori All Black and after he changed to League he represented New Zealand in this code and played for the Kiwi's in England in 1939.

Incidentally Charlie Smith and George Nepia played League together for Halifax in England
George Harvey rose to be a provincial player and Maori All Black. A young player beginning to shine was Tilly Whaanga, but he left for service overseas.

Tilly showed brilliance as a five-eighth and represented NZ Army against south Africa. He suffered a serious leg injury but continued his play when he returned. Despite his disability he possessed great leadership and in his limited period became a player of distinction.

The railway between Napier and Wairoa was opened in 1939 and with the line already in use to Wairoa it brought Nuhaka closer to main centres.

There was a lighter side to things in more ways than one after the game-challenge for Black and white Shield- when the Team manager Reg. Black was custodian of all the pocket money Page, but he could not resist odds given at 10 to one and bet the lot on Nuhaka. That ride home to Nuhaka was probably the most joyous railcar journey in history.





Page 199 Continued

There was little rugby during the war years and Nuhaka came back strong again in 1946 to win the competition and again in 1950. During this time Smuts Smith rose in fame as a loose forward, with support from Cleo and Stan Smith and Hedley Watt.

Smuts became a Maori All Black and he, together with another Nuhaka Player, Hapi Nepia, went to England where they played league.

Mahlon Nepia gained representative honours in 1951, but for Poverty Bay.

Page 200

The lack of industry caused many young people to leave the district. Wairoa College opened and as well as students leaving the district to take up academic careers, many left to attend Trade Training Schools. Despite all this, Nuhaka had a record of winning the championship in 1953, 1955, and 1957. These were the playing days of Teddy Whaanga, John and Joe Reo, and Leech and Sonny Bartlett, both of whom played for Hawke's Bay. Teddy Whaanga started playing in 1953 and he put in seven years during which he played for Wairoa, two years for the New Zealand Post Office side and provincial Maori.

There was a gradual decline and the club found it hard to field lower grade teams but was never without a Senior Side.

Henry Phillips, who taught school at Whakaki, played for Nuhaka as a winger and became the Club's last Maori All Black in 1959.

Mr Arthur Hickling the former Nuhaka and Wairoa fullback, was the first Chairman of the new school Committee (Amalgamation of Native School with the Hawke's Bay Education Board's school)

There have been many advisers, but few with the counselling ability of the late Jim Yates, proprietor of the Nuhaka Store.

Some of the newer players to distinguish themselves in the club have been the Hapi brothers,
Ipu and Hori, the McKenzie brothers Wayne and butch and Roger Bremner.


Page 201-Photo- Nuhaka Rugby Centennial 1978
Bill Christy, Laurie south, Bill Robitini, Hawea Mataira, George Nepia, Jimmy Smith, Kahu Stewart,
Claude Nepia, J Greening

Page 202-Photo-Nuhaka Rugby Centennial 1978
The Old Guard 1930-1940

Back Row: Arthur Pre, Turei Whaanga, Jack Greening, Ralph Sturm, Pana Hema, George Harvey,
Frank Hickling, William Taurima
Front Row: Ivan McKenzie, Claude Hawea, Newton Alexander, Carl Bartlett, Joe Mataira

Page 203-Photo-Nuhaka Rugby Centennial 1967
And Onward-1940-1950
S Smith, R Thompson, Gus Walker, Sam Edwards, Paul Whaanga, Taka Panere, George Haronga,
Ephie Christy, M McFarland, George Pomana, Rangi Whaanga, John Irwin, George Turori
Kneeling: Robert Haronga, Gordon Tait, Jim Begley (Mascot-Desmond Smith) John Thompson

Page 204-Photos-Sharing centre stage with New Zealand's greatest
Are ex-Nuhaka full-backs Bill Walker (far left), George Harvey (far right), Bob Scott, George Nepia,
Jock McKay, Fergy McCormack

Nuhaka Football Club Committee 1953
Sitting: Hui Matiu (Secretary), Newton Alexander (President), Cyril Clayton (Delegate), Tom Nepia
Standing: Stone Whaanga (Senior Selector) Riki Smith (Junior Selector)

Page 205
The McKenzie brothers all sons of Raffey McKenzie and one numbered among the true Nuhaka Supporters.

1970's Wayne and Butch were joined by Rihi and Tahi, making four brothers taking part at the same time for Nuhaka. A younger brother, Ivan has played at the same time but in a lower grade.

Roger Bremner first came to notice as a red-headed five-eight with more than average ability as he played for the Primary School's Ross Shield Team. He attended Lincoln College and while he was home on leave he played for Wairoa in a Barry Cup fixture in 1967. He returned to live in the area permanently in 1971 and the next year was chosen for Hawke's Bay. He was vice-Page
Captain against Scotland in 1976 and a All Black trialist reserve but suffered a knock which almost ended his rugby career while playing against the British Isles in 1977. Roger captained Nuhaka in 1976 as he had done for some years previously and also led Wairoa in its representative fixtures.

Naming of Nuhaka

There is no known meaning for Nuhaka, the name given to the settlement which has been part of the District's History for more than 100 years. As well as being a place name, it was also thought to be a woman's name brought with those who travelled over from Hawaiki.

There is also a belief that it was the name of a woman who guided the pre-European fishermen to the sacred fishing grounds. There are several mounds in the sand dunes along the beach and one of these lined up with a point at Mahia which identifies the spot. However, at sea it is impossible to distinguish on which beach mound the woman Nuhaka, stood act as a beacon. It is believed that the area was named after her. (According to ancient korero, Nga Nuhaka, the wife of Ruawharo, Chief Tohunga of the takitimu canoe, planted flax 'pa harakeke' near the mouth of the Nuhaka River)

Patrons

Charlie Stewart, who settled in Nuhaka in 1888, is known as the first patron of the club and he was followed by Mr Fred Joblin who prior to his demise was a resident of Hallwright House at Wairoa Hospital. In 1978 at 93 years of age it was presumed that he was probably the oldest living member of the club. Other patrons of the club were B Richardson and N J Alexander.

Administrators

After serving the club as Treasurer for 20 years from 1955 to 1975 Mr Pana Hema was honoured by the club with a Life Membership. Other past treasurers include Riki smith, Tom Nepia, Bill Christy and
Richard Michaelsen


Page 206-Photo- Nuhaka Winners Senior Competition 1953
Back: S Edwards, Epanaia Christy, S Bartlett, S Potatau, M Nepia, R Bartlett, S Cooper, J Kingi, S Smith
Seated: N Alexander (Pres), Piti Hapi, Ted Whaanga, Jim Begley (Captain) Dave Mataira, Tama Greening, Stone Whaanga (Coach Selector)
Front: Joe Reo, Angus Christy

Page 207-Photo-Nuhaka Winners Senior Competition 1955
Back: J Thompson, Wayne Taurima, E Bartlett, M Nepia, E Campbell
Middle Row: P Hema (Treas), W P Walker, Gus Walker, T Winiana, S Cooper, D Lewis, R McMillan,
Cleo Smith (Asst-Selector-Coach)
Seated: S Smith, T Whaanga, P Mete, R Solomon (Capt) J Whaanga, Tilly Whaanga (Selector-Coach)`

Page 208-Photo-Nuhaka Winners Wairoa Senior Competition 1957
Back: G Atkins (Selector Coach) John Reo, John Irwin, Dick Lewis, Stan Cooper, Tome Whaanga,
Charlie Ropitini, Tamati Smith, Bill Walker, Malcolm Smith (Delegate)
Middle Row: Tilly Whaanga (Selector-Coach) Joe Reo, Paul Mete, Charlie Pomana, Pia Ihaka (Capt)
Ted Whaanga, Derek Mei, Bill Mataira, N. Alexander (President)
Front: Eru Brown, Midgely Brown

Page 209-Photo- Joint Winners Wairoa Senior Competition 1960
Winners Wairoa Knock-Out Competition
Back: Bill Mataira, Pine Campbell, Charlie Pomana, Mahlon Nepia, Melvin Nepia, John Irwin
Middle Row: Mr John Smith (Selector-coach) John Reo, Dick Lewis, Daniel (Bully) Smith, Charlie Ropitini, Jack Hamlin, Gary Nepia, Joe Reo, sonny Raroa
Front: J Mackay, J Cassidy (Capt), Mrs Paku (St John's) Ted Whaanga (Vice-Captain) Locky Whaanga,
Paul Mete, Bill Walker
Absent: Tom Kaui, Jim Smith.

****Page 210-

Page 211-Photo-Wairoa Rugby Sub-Union Snr Reps 1962
Holders of the "Barry Cup"
Back Row: P Couper, A Clayton-Greene, M Mokomoko, J Pere, J Reo, T Tata
Middle Row: P Meha (Ref) M O'Connor, P Ormond, J Pattison, G Johansen, T Mitchell, T Whaanga, D Mei,
H Matiu (Asst Manager)
Front: T Henare, P Campbell, N Alexander (Manager) M Bevan (Capt), L Greaves (Selector), A McKnight (Vice-Capt), W Walker
Sitting: D Smith, B Gemmell, P Hura, F Ormond

Page 212 Photo-Nuhaka-Winners Wairoa Senior Competition 1962
Back: W Smith, D Smith, P Mete, J Irwin, T Smith, T Mitchell
Standing: R Mitchell, D Hemi, S Cooper, C Ropitini, C Pomana, G Nepia, R Karangaroa
Seated: T Whaanga, J Hamlin, M Nepia (Capt), Dave Nepia (Selector-Coach), D Lewis (Vice-Capt),
W P Walker, T Kaui
Front: H Kapene, John Reo, Joe Reo
Absent: R Hura

***Page 213 Photo-Nuhaka Primary School 1983 Rugby Midgets-no captions

Page 214 Photo-Nuhaka-Winners Wairoa Senior Knock-out Competition 1965
Back: M Nepia, I Hapi, G Pomana, M McKenzie, R Ataria, H Hapi, T Mitchell, D Lewis
Seated: G Nepia, G Smith, M Rarere, J Reo, T Whaanga, Mr J King (Selector), W Walker, R Mitchell,
M Strong, D Smith
Front: C Smith, D Tanoa

Page 215 Photo-Nuhaka-Winners Wairoa Senior Knock Out Competition 1968
Back: L J Parata, M Christy, D Smith, I Hapi, G Brown, N Wilson
Middle: Tony Monteith, J Feren, A Shortt, G Carrington, W Brown, R Ataria, M McKenzie, D Thompson
Front: B Fraser, D Tanoa, N Alexander (President) John Reo (Vice-Captain) T Whaanga (Selector-Coach)
H Hapi (Capt), B Richardson (Patron) D Weir, H Mita
Absent: W Walker, S Christy, W Ngerengere, P Henry, M Strong

Page 216 Photo-Nuhaka Senior Team 1974
Back: M smith, M Christy, P Mete Jr., M Trass
Middle: A Reeves, R Raroa, R Ataria, A Crombie, J Paku
Front: T Whaanga (Selector), B McKenzie, I Hapi (Capt), R Paku, R McKenzie, N Alexander (President)
Absent: R Bremner, K Nepia, S Whareaitu, H Hapi, W McKenzie, J Karangaroa, Mo Smith

Page 217 Photo-Nuhaka Administration 1974
Back: Ted Whaanga, Paul Mete, Wally Haronga
Front: Mita Ngatai, Ephraim Christy, Newton Alexander

Page 218 Photo-Nuhaka Rugby Centennial 1978
1950-1960
Standing: J McKay, E Christy, C Pomana, J Smith, M Brown, C Ropitini, T Whaanga, T Winiana, J Hamlin,
P Campbell, J Whaanga, T Whaanga, Bub Karangaroa
Kneeling: G Pomana, J Begley, D Lewis, John Reo, T Smith, P Mete, D Smith, J Thompson


**Page 219-Onwards to 1998-words by Coach and Trainer David Whaanga

Page 220 Photo-Nuhaka Rugby Club Centennial 1978
1960-1970
Standing: T Kopua, W Smith, R Boswell, T Paku, P Lambert, B Karangaroa, L Martin, M McKenzie,
H Karangaroa, I Auahi, M Karangaroa, w smith, A Monteith, I Hapi, D Jellyman, D Weir, A Karangaroa,
R Christy, B Pomana, W Cooper, S Raroa, R Paku
Kneeling: R Mitchell, S Christy, D Karangaroa, E Timu, M Ropitini, M Christy, H Rohe, M Trass M Mita.


Page 221 Photo Photo-Nuhaka Rugby Club Centennial 1978
1970-1978
Standing: D Weir, G Pomana, J Reo, T Kopua, S Christy, L Martin, M Karangaroa, P Lambert,` I Hapi,
W Smith, P Smith, R Newlands, M Trass, D Hapoka, R McKenzie, K Soloman, J Winiana, G Tamati,
T McKenzie, T Whaanga
Kneeling: A King, B Karangaroa, H Karangaroa, B Fraser, P Lambert, M Christy, H Rohe, T Paku


Page 222 Photo-1978 Nuhaka vs Marauders
Standing: Bob Gibson, S Whareaitu, H Hapi, P Lambert, M Christy, J Winiana, R Bremner, H Rohe, A Dunn,
A Worsley
Kneeling: Apologies-unable to name the front row.

Page 223 Photo-Nuhaka Rugby Football Club 1981
Back: P Kahukura, s Pitman, P Soloman, J Waikawa, F McRoberts, T Thompson
Middle: D Jelliman, T Carroll, I Hapi, D Wallace (Manager), M Karangaroa
Front: M Paku, H Walker, H Rohe (Captain), H Hapi,(Coach), M Hapi (Vice-Captain), T Waikawa
Absent: R Paku, G McSporran, K Blank, T Morten, A Black, T Gardner, M Smith, W Saunders, W Wratt
Absent: R Paku, G McSporran, K Blank,


Page 224 1996-Nuhaka Rugby football Team 1983
Back: T Morton, M Karangaroa, D Jellyman
Middle: R Paul, M Tuahine, P Maitai, M Hapi, K Soloman, J Tihore, H walker
Front: F smith, H Rohe, R Lake (Vice-Captain), Ted Whaanga (Selector-Coach), R Reo (Capt), M Paku,
G Tamati
Absent: I Hapi, H Hapi

***Page 225

Page 226 Photo-1992 Nuhaka rugby Team
Back: J Raroa, R Whaanga, D Jansen, C Baker, G Unawai
Middle: S Mitchell, T Ereatara, R Raroa, J Tihore, S Soloman, B Gibson
Front: W Raroa, T Raroa, T Patuwhai, S Haronga, R Reo.

Page 227 Photo 1995 Nuhaka Rugby Football Team and Supporters no listed names

Page 228-Photo Nuhaka Football Team 1995
Winners: Waerea Trophy (vs Marauders); Makiri Cup (vs Pirates);
Bubs Karangaroa Cup (vs Maraenui); (Waiwai Cup (vs Wikaremoana)
Back: C Wallace, O Maurirere, M smith, T Bartlett, D Meihana, C Wairau
Middle: H Mita (Manager), T Scott, J Karangaroa, S Mitchell (Club Capt), P Lambert, G Unuwai, D Whaanga (Coach)
Front: P Wairau, S Haronga, T Raroa, R Soloman, R Wairau, W Wairau, R Raroa
(Unable to identify the mascot)
Absent: C Karangaroa, T Brown, I King, C Morgan, D Smith

Page 229-Photo
Iti Rangi, Heni Te Ngaio, Molly Toroaiwhiti, Emma Brown, Amoe Rangi & Edith Greening

Last page Photo Centennial Committee
Inset: Gladys "Ma" Mitchell
Sitting: Rose Karangaroa, Barbara Christy, Adelaide Christy, Marie Hapi
Men standing: Peter Lambert, Ted Whaanga, Bully smith, George Pomana, Frank Hickling, Mahu Karangaroa, Raureti Smith, David Weir, Perea Smith
Seated: Richard Michaelsen, Newton Alexander, Ephraim Christy, Hawea Mataira.

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