HUTT CITY COUNCIL NEWS RELEASE

1 October 2014

1900 Hutt kids to have a ball with free Lions rugby tickets

In a couple of weeks 1900 kids and their parents from Lower Hutt will watch the rugby at Westpac Stadium in Wellington – for a large number, this will be a new experience.

James Te Puni, CEO of Wellington Rugby Football Union delivered 1900 free tickets to kids from low-decile Lower Hutt schools as part of the Rugby Union’s commitment to the local community.

“There are eight of us in our family and we don't often get to go out together; it will be a nice day for our whole family,” said one lucky student from St. Michaels School in Taita.

Linda Birch, Principal of St Michaels School said, “Sport is an important part of our (mainly Pasifika) community, with many of our children involved in winter sports.

“Watching the Wellington Lions lets our kids see some of their heroes in action and gives them an idea of what they can aspire to.

“I applaud the generosity of Wellington Rugby, giving families who may normally not have the chance, the opportunity to visit Westpac Stadium and support the Ricoh Wellington Lions.”

Matt Reid, General Manager of Community Services at Hutt City Council is rapt to have this support from Wellington Rugby, which supports the commitments Council has made to North-East suburbs like Taita, Naenae and Stokes Valley.

“In providing these free tickets, Wellington Rugby Football Union has taken away a major access barrier experienced by many families; thank you James and the Wellington rugby team.

Linda Birch says, “This is a wonderful example of communities in action, sharing resources and enabling people to get out and be involved. Thank you Wellington Rugby and Hutt City Council for making this possible.”

The game that the 1900 kids and their families will watch is Wellington Lions vs North Harbour on Saturday 11 October.

ENDS

© Scoop Media