Top five victory laps
Bringing the joy back to our communities.
It’s been just over a fortnight since the the Black Ferns famous World Cup victory and since then, we have seen a range of celebrations being held around the country and abroad! We are apparently due to have another chance to come together officially on Parliament grounds sometime in December (will update you when I know the details!). In the meantime though, folks have come together to make some noise for their hometown heroes. So I thought I would give you my top 5 I have seen on social media so far.
5. Ayesha Leti I’Iga 685 to Porirua citywide
Ayesha has not stopped celebrating since November 12th and you know what, I respect that.
She also told me last week that she continues to bring her medal with her where ever she goes and I too, would not stop wearing a medal were I ever to win one like that. The latest celebration/medal outing was taking part in a Sāmoan convoy in Porirua. Which is an iconic combination of two of the greatest sporting moments to have happened this year.
4. Natalie Delamere rolls into Murupara
Ngāti Manawa organised the reception for Natalie Delamere’s return to Murupara. This magic moment in small town New Zealand was a celebration of their mokopuna and her team. To see the streets lined like this must be unreal for these players and for these communities to see their people on the world stage must be incredible.
3. Amy du Plessis on a Amy Rule float
Coming in at number 3, it’s Amy du Plessis sitting on an Amy Rule float in the Invercargill Santa Parade.
Assembled by the Riverton Primary School, children were welcomed to ride along in their club or Black Ferns themed outfits. The woman herself, Amy Rule, wasn’t able to make it but never mind, the other Southland Amy was able to step in. Big love to du Plessis for jumping on board!
2. Muzza, the mayor of Kaitaia
Kaitaia turned out in force for Muzza! Ngā mihi nui for Juddy to doing us all a solid and coming through with the livestream so we could all ride along.
What was the highlight? Seeing Muzza’s surprise on Te Kura’s story? The main street lined with supporters? The community performing a haka? The line of people for autographs? Nah, it was when Krystal “I’m not a good speaker” Murray, stood up and delivered THE speech speaking straight to the heart of her community and the challenge laid out for our athletes from here.
1. Joy to the world, women’s rugby has come
If there was ever a couple who probably just deserved a holiday after the events of this year, it would be Te Kura Ngata-Aerengamate and Krystal ‘Muzza’ Murray. But it will surprise approximately zero people who know them that it was these two who have spent the better part of their break over in Rarotonga giving back.
Te Kura has said the reception for Muzza in the Cook Islands has been unbelievable. Folks yelling at her on the street, shocked that she is really there. The two of them have done a series of visits, taking over 200 school girls across 5 schools through a range of rugby drills. They are holding an open training session for whoever wants to come down for a run on Wednesday, followed by a community game on Friday. Simply put, they are using their platform to grow the game.
I spoke to Te Kura about this trip and she said, all the players need to go home, get in front of their community and get that inspiration.
And she’s right. Our connection to our communities is our super power. Nowhere else will you ever be more aware of the impact of your actions.
Which reminds me of something Black Fern #41, Geri Paul, once told me.
"It’s me out the front but it’s not just me. Even if my whānau aren’t there, it’s them. I can do whatever I want and I won’t fail because they have got me.”
It’s was the Black Ferns that won on the 12th of November but the win belongs to all of those that are a part of the women’s rugby here in Aotearoa. So it’s no surprise that people have come together around the country to celebrate.
With you,
Alice