• $10 from every adult ticket sold to Auckland’s first home game of Bunnings Warehouse NPC to go towards those impacted by Cyclone Gabrielle in Hawke’s Bay
• Eden Park’s South Stand to be converted into virtual seats available for $10ea with 100% of proceeds going to the cause.
• Food stalls, markets and Hawke’s Bay wine & cheese experience for fans in-stadium
• Auckland play Hawke’s Bay at 2.05pm on Saturday 26 August at Eden Park.
• Double-header match day with Auckland Storm taking on Canterbury in the Farah Palmer Cup presented by Bunnings Warehouse at 11.35am.
• Go to aucklandrugby.flicket.co.nz for tickets.

Fans purchasing tickets to Auckland’s first home game of the Bunnings Warehouse NPC season versus the Hawke’s Bay Magpies at Eden Park on Saturday 26 August will be chipping in to support those impacted by flooding in the Hawke’s Bay region via a novel fundraising initiative.

The Tackle the Floods campaign will see Auckland Rugby team up with rivals Hawke’s Bay Rugby to raise funds towards its newly established Hawke’s Bay Community Support Trust, with $10 from every ticket sold going to the trust.

The Trust has been set up with the aim of reaching the people who really need help in the wake of Cyclone Gabrielle, including individuals and families (for example those with red and yellow stickered properties and who have suffered substantial damages), farmers, mental health organisations and groups working within the community on things like clean-up and food aid.

In addition to physical tickets, Auckland Rugby is converting the closed South Stand at Eden Park into virtual seating where fans can purchase a $10 virtual ticket of which 100% of proceeds will go directly to the cause.

Auckland first five-eighth Zarn Sullivan was born and bred in Tamatea, west of Napier, and says it’s been tough to see the devastation in his hometown and the people close to him, including his father who has been heavily involved in the clean-up at his local marae.

“The people of Hawke’s Bay are a very proud people and they’re proud of where they come from and they don’t like to ask for help, It makes me quite emotional to see what they’ve been through.

“When it hit we were right in the thick of the Super Rugby season so that was really hard not being there to help. It means a lot to me that the people of Auckland, who are not from there, will put up their hands to help the people of the Bay and hopefully we can play a part in helping them to get back on their feet again,” says Sullivan, who spent the first three years of secondary school at Napier Boys’ High School before relocating to Auckland.

Hawkes Bay Rugby Union CEO Jay Campbell says, “On behalf of the Hawke’s Bay community, our thanks to Auckland Rugby and the people of Tāmaki Makaurau for their generosity in supporting the Bay through this fantastic fundraiser.

“All the funds generated will be helping to support the many people and businesses of Hawke’s Bay that are still slowly rebuilding their lives post the cyclone and I know will be hugely appreciated for those so significantly effected’ “

Those heading along to the game will enjoy food stalls, markets, live music and a special Hawke’s Bay wine and cheese experience showcasing the region’s producers and artisans.

The men’s game will kick-off at 2.05pm, while the Auckland Storm take on reigning champions Canterbury in the Farah Palmer Cup presented by Bunnings Warehouse at 11.35am.

Go to aucklandrugby.flicket.co.nz to purchase tickets to the North Stand at $25 for adults and $5 for kids, or virtual tickets to the closed South Stand for $10.

MEDIA OPPORTUNITIES

Please contact Auckland Rugby media manager Maryke Elgoran for accreditation, interview or content requests.

CONTACT

Maryke Elgoran

Auckland Rugby Media Manager

maryke.elgoran@aucklandrugby.co.nz

021 612 401

Article added: Thursday 17 August 2023