February 14, 2023, will be etched in the memories of everyone in Hawke’s Bay. 

In spite of its destruction and unimaginable chaos, Cyclone Gabrielle brought people together, created connections and banded Hawke’s Bay together in a way no one could have foreseen. With this in mind, the team at Hawke’s Bay Rugby Union spent hours planning, designing - wondering how we could encompass that in a charity jersey design.

Hawke’s Bay is black and white. There’s no doubt about it. So a simple design that nods to our strength and ability to overcome, featuring an outline of the region, would be the most impactful.

This Charity Jersey and the money that will be raised to help those affected in the Hawke’s Bay community, is only doable thanks to the Hawke’s Bay Magpies Principal Sponsor, Total Energies. 

And thanks to Total Energies, the last 3 years have been very successful, with the Rural Support Trust, Nourished for Nil and Cranford Hospice receiving a total of $43,676.53 combined.

Hawke’s Bay Rugby Union Marketing Officer Brooke VanderPeet said, “It has been amazing to be a part of this charity initiative the last 3 years and being able to help so many people.”

This seasons charity jersey will be worn twice, versus Auckland on the 26^th August at Eden Park and Bay of Plenty on the 9^th of September at McLean Park to reinforce nationally that Hawkes Bay and its people are strong but also still need assistance following the devastation of Cyclone Gabrielle.

The Hawke’s Bay Rugby Union is in the process of applying to create the Hawke’s Bay Rugby Community Support Trust in which all the money raised from the auctions of the playing charity jerseys and any replica sales will go into.

Rueben Thickpenny, Total Energies NZ CEO said, “With all the recent devastation around the East Coast and in Hawke’s Bay, I really love that this year the Hawke’s Bay Rugby Union is creating their own Community Support Trust. With the money raised from this years charity jersey auction, I believe we will be able to reach local community members on a more personal level. This years charity jersey design is my favourite so far! It looks sharp, it’s clean and eye catching and has a subtle nod to our region. The jersey is a perfect design for the Hawke’s Bay Union Community Support Trust.”

This fund will be accessible for businesses, individuals, families, throughout Hawke’s Bay who was affected by Cyclone Gabrielle to apply to following the games.

For more information, contact:
Brooke VanderPeet 022 0898 292

Article added: Monday 03 July 2023