Civic welcome for Tokoroa Black Ferns
Tokoroa will welcome back its two World Cup winning women at an official ‘Black Out’-themed community celebration next week.
Rugby World Cup winning Black Ferns Toka Natua and Chelsea Alley both hail from Tokoroa and will be welcomed back with a public celebration on Saturday, September 9 at 2pm at the Tokoroa Memorial Sportsground.
Deputy Mayor Jeff Gash said when it came to breeding rugby greats, it was not just the All Black boys that come out of the South Waikato.
‘‘We have more than our fair share of Black Fern girls too.’’
‘‘We’re hoping to get more of the Black Ferns team to join in too… watch this space.’’
When Toka popped into the council on Thursday she was greeted with applause from customer service staff.
‘‘My passion is to build this community. My drive is to inspire others. Tokoroa is where my heart is, and all my dreams were accomplished while still living here,’’ Natua said.
Team mate Chelsea Alley winning the World Cup was a dream come true and the best day of her life.
‘‘Tokoroa is the best! I love coming from such a supportive, proud community.’’
The September 9 celebration is an open invitation to the community to pop along to the Tokoroa Memorial Sportsground to celebrate the Black Ferns’ win.