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Newsroom
26-05-2025
- Sport
- Newsroom
Sweet debut tribute to Black Fern's late parents
In the last weeks of her life, Maire Fakalelu confided to her cousin what she would miss most was seeing her daughter, Veisinia, make her debut for the Black Ferns. Maire passed away in 2021 from an aggressive and rare bone cancer, leaving behind five children. Just a few years earlier, their dad – her husband Sekope Fakalelu – died from stomach cancer. On Saturday, 20-year-old Veisinia Mahutariki-Fakalelu pulled on the black jersey for the first time, running onto the field at North Harbour Stadium and giving everything she had in the Black Ferns' spectacular 79-14 rout of USA to clinch the Pacific Four Series. The rookie tighthead prop had a massive family presence at the stadium, including her four siblings and her mum's cousin Roberta Reed, who presented Mahutariki-Fakalelu with her Black Ferns playing jersey the night before the test – the Black Ferns' last home game before defending their World Cup title in England in August. Reed was chosen to do the honours by Mahutariki-Fakalelu's three older brothers – Paeahu, Jakob and Tyrone – and younger sister, Serene, because she's stepped in over the last four years to help the Hamilton-based whānau since they lost their mum. Reed would drive the teenaged Mahutariki-Fakalelu to trainings, and was with her when she had knee surgery a couple of years ago. 'My cousin, Maire, and I spent a lot of time together; we worked at the same primary school. I told her I would always support the kids,' Reed said from the packed embankment, wearing a t-shirt emblazoned with images of Mahutariki-Fakalelu and her parents. 'She knew back in 2021 that her girl was going to be a Black Fern and play on this stage, but she was just sad she wouldn't get to see her wear the black jersey. 'Those kids have been through so much; we've been crying the last couple of weeks wondering how they're getting through this. After all Vei's resilience, perseverance and hard work she really deserves this. I'm so proud of her.' Mahutariki-Fakalelu showed off her explosive ball-carrying and scrummaging skills during her 40 minutes on the field and felt she carried her late parents' memory with her every metre. Vici-Rose Green and Mahutariki-Fakalelu with the Pacific Four trophy NZ reclaimed from Canada. Photo: Black Ferns Instagram 'They are here in spirit, they are with me everywhere I go, I know that,' the physiotherapy student said afterwards, laden with an impossible number of lolly leis – from her head to her thighs – while cradling the Pacific Four trophy. Many in the decent-sized crowd (number not revealed) had come to see social media maven and USA powerhouse centre Ilona Maher, or the reinvigorated GOAT of Black Ferns try-scorers, Portia Woodman-Wickliffe and her Sevens Sisters. No-one left disappointed – Woodman-Wickliffe dotted down seven tries in 80 minutes, while Maher stayed on for selfies with several hundred young fans, despite the sting of such a hefty loss. But it seemed just as many were there to support Mahutariki-Fakalelu, who spent at least 30 minutes on the infield posing for photos with a steady stream of family and friends – all armed with leis and huge banners of their hero. 'My whānau are everything to me, so to have them here is something I will never forget,' she said. 'To make my debut in front of them was so special because some Black Ferns don't get to, when they play their first games overseas.' A contingent from Australia – including Mahutariki-Fakalelu's aunties and brother Tyrone (who played touch for Tonga at last year's World Cup) – came over for the final game of the Pacific Four Series. Roberta Reed presented Mahutariki-Fakalelu with her first Black Ferns jersey. Photo: Suzanne McFadden Another brother, Jakob, wasn't surprised Mahutariki-Fakalelu had realised her childhood dream to play for the Black Ferns – but he hadn't expected it would happen so early in her career, especially after a patella injury kept her sidelined for a season. 'Through all the trials and tribulations we've been navigating our way through, Vei has worked her butt off to get to where she is,' said Jakob, whose own sporting career is on the rise. A member of the New Zealand men's netball high performance squad last year, the tall goal shoot is playing for the Magic men this season. 'She's one of the hardest workers in the room, we always say that. She's an inspiration to all of our family. 'She's so kind, her heart is humungous. And she's been very blessed with the traits of our mum and dad, and the virtues they instilled in us.' It's always assumed, Jakob says, that Mahutariki-Fakalelu's towering height comes from their Tongan father, but their Cook Islander mum 'was six foot – and she's the shortest sister.' 'Vei's drive and passion came from Dad, who played rugby all through the grades. He was always such a big fan of Vei through her primary school and intermediate years,' Jakob says. Her mum, though, was her biggest supporter and helper. Family of Mahutariki-Fakalelu carried their banner around North Harbour Stadium; her brother Jakob far left, sister Serene centre. Photo: Suzanne McFadden Mahutariki-Fakalelu played touch and netball to representative level as a kid, but it was at Hamilton Girls' High School that her rugby career bloomed. 'The rugby programme at Hamilton Girls' is very strong and they took her in,' says Jakob. 'She had amazing mentors throughout her school years; [Black Ferns Sevens players] Jazmin Hotham and Manaia Nuku really looked after her in Year 9.' While she was there, Mahutariki-Fakalelu won two national secondary schools touch titles, and two 1st XV national rugby titles. She was still at school when she played in the Waikato women's side who won the 2021 Farah Palmer Cup. Waikato coach James Semple saw she had the size, power and work ethic to excel on the field, and last year decided the powerful No.8's skills were better suited to prop. It was fellow Black Fern prop Awhina Tangen-Wainohu who put Mahutariki-Fakalelu through her first scrum session nine months ago and helped her make the successful transition. 'She was just amazing. Her willingness to help others despite what she was going through is something I really appreciated,' said the Chiefs Manawa front rower, after she was named in the Black Ferns for the first time. Tangen-Wainohu made her return to the squad after undergoing neck surgery. 'I see the transition as an opportunity to be a No.8 but I also scrum. I still play the same style of rugby as I did when I was a loose forward – I'm just adding to my kete.' Veisinia Mahutariki-Fakalelu of Chiefs Manawa evades Grace Brooker of Matatū in Super Rugby Aupiki 2025. Even while she's been on tour for the past three weeks, Mahutariki-Fakalelu has been taking care of her siblings from a distance. 'Vei messages us every day, even when she's away with rugby,' Jakob said. 'She's making sure everything at home is still happening despite how busy her schedule is.' For the past eight years, Mahutariki-Fakalelu and her family spend every Wednesday night volunteering at The Serve, a Hamilton organisation that serves evening meals every day of the year to those in the community who are homeless or in need. 'She's been messaging us through the day on Wednesdays saying, 'Make sure the potatoes are ready for The Serve', in case we forget,' laughed Jakob. 'We're super close, but we've had no choice but to be. We've had to grow up really fast. It's always us against the world, we say.' In the moments before Mahutariki-Fakalelu ran out onto the field on Saturday, Black Ferns co-captain Ruahei Demant gave her a hug. 'Knowing the resilience Vei's shown to get to this point, it was such a privilege to share this moment on the field with her,' Demant said. 'I know that's just the first of many games in the black jersey for her. 'She was very nervous most of the week, but as we went from training to training, she got a lot more confident. I actually thought she was going to score down in the corner at one point of the game.' Demant told the debutant to enjoy every moment, 'because it goes so fast'. And it was just how Mahutariki-Fakalelu felt. 'It's all a blur – the game was so fast and the adrenaline was pumping,' she said, struggling under the weight of hundreds of chocolate bars hanging around her neck. 'I'm just trying to make the most of every moment out here.' At one point she said to no-one in particular, 'Does anyone else want a turn with the trophy?' But no-one came to wrest it from her. This was her night.
NZ Herald
24-05-2025
- NZ Herald
Hamilton bookstore hit by serial vandal targeting women's biographies
A staff member then spotted a copy of Straight Up, the biography of Black Fern star Ruby Tui had been ripped, and returned to the shelf with the back facing. Two copies of rugby league commentator Honey Hireme-Smiler 's biography were also damaged in the same way during a later visit. 'We knew then that someone was doing this on purpose and we did think 'Okay, does this person have an issue with women?',' Carter said. On Friday, a copy of Full Circle by TV presenter Jenny May-Clarkson was also found 'ripped and hidden, face down' on one of the store's display stands. 'I was thinking 'why is this happening to these three particular women?',' she said. Carter then discovered that the same thing, involving the same three books, had also occurred at a bookstore 25 minutes out of Hamilton. 'What got me... is the disrespect. No respect for our store, no respect for these women, and just purposefully doing it,' she said. 'We're an independent bookstore, we've been here for 44 years and we've actually never had anything like this happen to us.' Although the store had experienced theft, no one had deliberately vandalised stock until now, Carter said. 'In 2025, as everyone knows retail is hard for anyone. We are against the big-wigs, we are very local and our customers support us and they're amazing. It's hard work in this retail environment, and then to see that, that's more money going out of my pocket.' The store owner had not engaged with police yet as she was unsure as to whether they could do anything. 'I want this person to know that they're not welcome back and we will trespass. I don't want this kind of behaviour in the store.' Because it had happened at multiple stores, Carter felt the man's actions were racially motivated. 'Someone's got an issue, a big issue.' Advertisement Advertise with NZME. Hireme-Smiler, a former cross-code international-turned commentator, hails from Putāruru, South Waikato and is of Ngāti Raukawa and Ngāti Ahuru descent. May-Clarkson (Ngāti Maniapoto, Ngāti Kahu) is another former international sporting star who successfully transitioned to a media career. Tui - a Black Ferns world champion and sevens Olympic gold medallist - has Samoan, Irish and Scottish heritage. 'What really annoys me is that these three women who have written these books, and what they've gone through to get to where they are is unbelievable,' Carter said. 'And this person just comes along and just does this to their books, that really grates me. 'It'll be really interesting to find out if this is happening anywhere else in the Waikato. What concerns me is that he's doing it another store.' She estimated the culprit was aged 'between 45 and 60'. 'We hope he feels like sh*t. It's just uncalled for. We're not going to tolerate this behaviour any more.'
Otago Daily Times
24-05-2025
- Otago Daily Times
Serial book vandal targeting biographies of NZ women
By Adam Burns of RNZ A Hamilton book store owner is fed up with the "disrespectful" actions of a serial book vandal, who she says has wilfully targeted the biographies of high-profile New Zealand women. Nichola Carter, who owns Pennys' Bookstore in the Chartwell Shopping Centre, said the unnamed man has deliberately ripped the covers of stock during three separate visits to the store. The book-tearing campaign began six weeks ago when the man first visited the store, making a beeline for the sport section. "We noticed this gentleman... he picked up books and put them down and picked up books again and put them down again, and then he walked out," Carter said. A staff member then spotted a copy of Straight Up , the biography of Black Fern star Ruby Tui had been ripped, and put back on the shelf with the back facing. Two copies of rugby league commentator Honey Hireme-Smiler's biography were also damaged in the same way during a later visit. "We knew then that someone was doing this on purpose and we did think 'OK does this person have an issue with women'," Carter said. On Friday, a copy of Full Circle by TV presenter Jenny May-Clarkson was also found "ripped and hidden, face down" on one of the store's display stands. "I was thinking why is this happening to these three particular women," she said. Carter then discovered that the same thing, involving the same three books, had also occurred at another book store 25 minutes out of Hamilton. "What got the disrespect. No respect for our store, no respect for these women, and just purposefully doing it," she said. "We're an independent book store, we've been here for 44 years and we've actually never had anything like this happen to us." Although the store had experienced theft, no one had deliberately vandalised stock until now, Carter said. "In 2025, as everyone knows retail is hard for anyone. We are against the big-wigs, we are very local and our customers support us and they're amazing," she said. "It's hard work in this retail environment, and then to see that, that's more money going out of my pocket." The store owner had not engaged with police yet as she was unsure as to whether they could do anything. "I want this person to know that they're not welcome back and we will trespass. I don't want this kind of behaviour in the store." Because it had happened at multiple stores, Carter felt the man's actions were racially-motivated. "Someone's got an issue, a big issue," she said. Hireme-Smiler, a former cross-code international-turned commentator, hails from Putāruru, South Waikato and is of Ngāti Raukawa and Ngāti Ahuru descent. Meanwhile, May-Clarkson (Ngāti Maniapoto, Ngāti Kahu) is another former international sporting star who had successfully transitioned to a media career. Tui - a Black Ferns world champion and sevens Olympic gold medalist - has Samoan, Irish and Scottish heritage. "What really annoys me is that these three women who have written these books, and what they've gone through to get to where they are is unbelievable," Carter said. "And this person just comes along and just does this to their books, that really grates me. "It'll be really interesting to find out if this is happening anywhere else in the Waikato. What concerns me is that he's doing it another store." She estimated the culprit was aged "between 45 and 60". "We hope he feels like sh*t. It's just uncalled for. We're not going to tolerate this behaviour any more."
IOL News
22-05-2025
- Sport
- IOL News
Shukri Conrad's Proteas ‘warriors' will have entire cricket-mad country backing them at Lord's final
Kagiso Rabada Instead of kicking Kagiso Rabada down when he was at the lowest point of his career, Proteas coach Shukri Conrad's natural paternal instincts took over. Photo: BackpagePix Image: BackpagePix It is not often that the losing captain walks away with the biggest smile after a World Cup final defeat – especially when inflicted by their arch-rivals. But that's what happens when you've captured not just the hearts of a nation, but the entire cricketing globe who have all been transfixed by your chutzpah. 'We've been on an incredible journey,' Brendon McCullum said in the centre of the MCG after the 2015 World Cup final. 'We've loved every single minute of it. We've created memories and friendships which will last the rest of our lives.' McCullum, affectionately known as 'Bazz', had bellowed the same mantra throughout the six-week-long competition, creating a frenzy around his team back in New Zealand that was previously only reserved for the team wearing all-black uniforms running around with an oval ball. Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Advertisement Next Stay Close ✕ Fast forward a decade, and McCullum is now no longer a captain, but the coach of a team he inadvertently shaped in the English summer immediately after the World Cup. He no longer clutches the Black Fern on his chest, but proudly wears England's Three Lions on his bucket hat. But intrinsically he remains the same individual, and has now called on the oft-fickle English supporters to get on the bus and take a similar ride with him and his team. 'We want people to look back and say, 'Crikey, that team in the mid -2020s was a hell of a team that we loved following, and we felt as if we were a part of that journey',' McCullum said. I cannot help but notice the similarities between Bazz and Proteas coach Shukri Conrad. It goes beyond what meets the eye, but their outlook on how the game should be played is cut from a similar cloth. And while McCullum may be more overt in conveying his message, Conrad has rapidly rehabilitated a South African fan-base that had been overfed a buffet of white-ball cricket into red-ball believers once again. 'I'm just thrilled for the group of guys, for everybody that's been supportive of this side, for all of the South African cricket-mad public,' Conrad said about the Proteas' qualification for the World Test Championship final. 'I think everybody shares the same goal. We're all really thrilled with how things have unfolded.' Like McCullum, who stresses the importance of 'It's how you carry yourself. It's how you interact with the public. It's the messaging that you give', Conrad wants his team to be Rainbow Nation 'warriors'. 'When I look back, I always see the faces. You, me, our neighbour Brian Wentzel, Faiek Davids, my mate Randall Christoffels. The families. The aunties on the stoep. That's the soul of my story. That's where my fire comes from. 'I want every kid to know – if I can make it to Lord's, so can you. 'Why should my son only know Mitchell Starc? He should know Kagiso Rabada. Dewald Brevis. Ryan Rickelton. These are our warriors.' The fact that he implicitly mentions Rabada tells a story of a thousand words. Rabada is the poster-boy of South African cricket who fell from grace after testing positive for a banned substance. But instead of kicking Rabada down when he was at the lowest point of his career, Conrad's natural paternal instincts took over. 'I often adopt a fatherly role with these players. Your initial reaction is to have him in front of you and smack him over his head, and then ask him, 'Are you okay?'. 'For me, it's simple. Let he who is without sin cast the first stone. 'KG owns his cock-up that he made. He's dealing with it. 'I'm not scared that this will break down (the team). I think it will galvanise the unit if we need something to galvanise us.' At that very moment, Conrad connected with every South African. Mzansi is a nation that has been battered and bruised by the mistakes it has made of its own accord, but is ready to get back up and fight another day. Conrad is not going to Lord's to 'admire the paintings. I'm going to win', and is therefore hoping his World Cup final has a different ending than McCullum's. Well, he can certainly bet his last rand on the fact that every South African will be willing him and his team on to achieve just that at Lord's in just under a month's time.
Otago Daily Times
16-05-2025
- Sport
- Otago Daily Times
Canada rematch ‘definitely has fuelled a bit of fire'
Canadian and Black Ferns players (from left) Holly Phillips, Amy du Plessis, Emily Tuttosi, Tanya Kalounivale, Rori Wood and Ruahei Demant are ready for a big battle this afternoon. PHOTO: NEW ZEALAND RUGBY You can tell when someone is really enjoying their rugby. Black Fern Amy du Plessis had that vibe when she hit career-best form throughout the Super Rugby Aupiki season, which led to her being named Matatu player of the year. She topped the Aupiki table for carries (95) and finished second for defenders beaten (34) and fourth for metres gained (464). "I really just loved Aupiki," du Plessis told the Otago Daily Times. "I thought that it was a fun space to be a part of and I felt like I was really free. "So I'm hoping to bring that back into the Black Ferns as well and just have that spark to me that I did in Aupiki. "It's pretty easy to do that when you're playing alongside the likes of Portia [Woodman-Wickliffe], Sylvs [Brunt], Brax [Sorensen-McGee] — amazing rugby players — so just want to continue that." And she has, helping the Black Ferns get up 38-12 against the Wallaroos in their first test of the year last weekend. But the former Southland Girls' product knows they are in for another challenge against a sharp Canadian side this afternoon. Canada snatched a 22-19 victory last year — their first against the Black Ferns — to win the Pacific Four title. "It does make it a bit more of a big game. "We treat every test match kind of the same. We want to go out there, and kind of do our thing, and obviously get the results. "But yeah, definitely has fuelled a bit of fire. "I know that the girls are really pumped for it." The Black Ferns were clinical in the right parts of the field last week, and while there are always areas for improvement, they will need more of that when they face Canada, who beat the United States 26-14 two weeks ago. "They're obviously a really, really good side and they've shown that over the last two years. "For us, again we want to make sure we just focus on us . . . and when the game does open up just trying to play to the space and execute well." Du Plessis has been named to start in the No 13 jersey again and will have plenty of experience out wide with Woodman-Wickliffe named on the right wing. Du Plessis acknowledged it will be nice to be on the same side for the first time this year. "She's an elite player. Obviously been playing against her for Aupiki, it's been tough. "To have her alongside me this weekend will be awesome and can't wait to have her there and use her experience." Fullback Braxton Sorensen-McGee gets another start at the back after scoring a brace on debut last week. The 18-year-old has been outstanding for the Blues in a breakout season — and continued that on the international stage. "She's a very mature player and just a great asset to our team," du Plessis said. "She's just really impressed all of us." Pacific Four Series Christchurch, 3.35pm Black Ferns: Braxton Sorensen-McGee, Portia Woodman-Wickliffe, Amy du Plessis, Sylvia Brunt, Ayseha Leti-I'iga, Ruahei Demant, Maia Joseph, Liana Mikaele-Tu'u, Kennedy Tukuafu, Layla Sae, Maia Roos, Alana Bremner, Amy Rule, Georgia Ponsonby, Chryss Viliko. Reserves: Atlanta Lolohea, Kate Henwood, Tanya Kalounivale, Maama Mo'onia Vaipulu, Kaipo Olsen-Baker, Iritana Hohaia, Hannah King, Mererangi Paul. Canada: Julia Schell, Asia Hogan-Rochester, Florence Symonds, Alexandra Tessier, Alysha Corrigan, Claire Gallagher, Justine Pelletier, Gabrielle Senf, Karen Paquin, Fabiola Forteza, Letitia Royer, Courtney O'Donnell, Daleaka Menin, Emily Tuttosi, Brittany Kassil. Reserves: Gillian Boag, Rori Wood, Caroline Crossley, Shoshanah Seumanutafa, Mckinley Hunt, Tyson Beukeboom, Olivia Apps, Fancy Bermudez.
