Mealamu lauds Talanoa seminar
The South Canterbury Rugby Union’s work in attempting to bring together all cultures, genders and ages within the sport has been lauded by All Blacks great Keven Mealamu.
Mealamu, an ambassador for New Zealand rugby, was in Timaru yesterday to take part in the Talanoa seminar hosted by the union to build stronger relationships with the Pasifika community and players.
‘‘South Canterbury are doing really well. They’re probably one of the first unions to pick up on the rugby way and really start reaching out to the community,’’ Mealamu said. ‘‘In rugby we are lucky to have a really good reach into the community, we can push a lot of the things like good values, and that’s a really good place that we can do that.’’
He said the union was moving in the right direction by promoting unity within communities through rugby.
‘‘It is really good when you see communities get behind and support great initiatives like this because sometimes it takes a bit of courage to do something that is different.
‘‘Then to see the support the community is giving to the SCRU has been really special and they’re setting an example for the rest of the country.’’
The 132-time capped All Black had a special message for the community of South Canterbury, especially the Pasifika people in the region.
‘‘It is honour to represent well for our people. What I understand is that everyone is from different perspectives.
‘‘Some people come straight from the islands like my dad, who settled here.
‘‘I’m a second generation-born New Zealander, so everyone’s got different lenses, we’re just trying to make sure we have good respect for each other and we are working together in the same space,’’ he said.
South Canterbury Rugby Union chief executive Craig Calder said it is an honour to have Mealamu attend the seminar.
‘‘Players have a responsibility to follow a code of conduct on and off the field, to respect our game, our heritage, our community and to demonstrate the rewards they can receive from playing rugby in our region,’’ Calder said.
Talanoa is a traditional word, used across the Pacific, to share stories, build empathy and make wise decisions for the collective good of everyone.