Celebrities gather for rugby game fundraiser

Three celebrity rugby games will be played this weekend to raise awareness of suicide among youth.

The 10am to 3pm event today at Mount Maunganui’s Blake Park is organised by Tauranga social service agency Te Tuinga Whanau.

Tommy Wilson, executive director of Te Tuinga Whanau, said the idea came about after some local schools had reached out, saying dozens of students had considered taking their own life in the last year.

“A lot of them are flying solo and need someone to talk to and sometimes their parents aren’t listening.”

“It’s a big take [concern],” Wilson said.

The event is being run with the NZ Police, I Am Hope, Bay of Plenty Rugby Union and the Pacific Islands community.

Wilson said it will feature three celebrity games of rugby, including I am Hope’s Mike King, and some familiar faces from the Black Ferns and Steamers.

Free kai and tickets for Bay of Plenty music festival One Love will be given away, a street artist will paint murals and everyone was welcome to come down for “fun vibes and a ko¯rero”, he said.

Wilson said it was important to identify families who were struggling so they can connect them with I am Hope.

I Am Hope is a charity, founded by King, that provides free counselling services for children in primary and secondary schools.

Wilson said he wanted to create a safe place for families, especially within the Pacific Islands community.

“One of the things we’ve identified is the Pacific community doesn’t have networks outside of the church.”

For those that are struggling, a good place to come out is on the sidelines of sports events, he said.

“We know they love rugby, and they love kai and having a good time.

“It’s a safe environment for them to start engaging and talking about it.”

Ati Aaifou-olive, general manager of pathways at the Bay of Plenty Rugby Union, said his involvement with the Pacific community and BOP Rugby Union allowed him to raise awareness of the importance of mental health in the community.

“We use rugby as a vehicle to bring people together and we can connect,” Aaifou-olive said.

Timo Ririnui, gang harm reduction co-ordinator at New Zealand Police, said the event was a positive kaupapa for youth at high risk.

“It’s really important for police to show a face at these types of events. We’re trying to show our people and our youth that although we wear a blue uniform, we’re people as well and we’re here to help,” Ririnui said.