One NZ steps up to support 'Battle of the Bays'
One New Zealand has stepped up to support the 'Battle of the Bays' match, committing to help the region raise much-needed funds to assist with Cyclone relief, act as Match Day sponsor of the
event and bring the community together to boost morale following the devastating impacts of Cyclone Gabrielle.
The annual match between traditional rivals the Hawke's Bay Magpies and Bay of Plenty Steamers, which this year will be played at McLean Park on September 9, is the biggest rugby event on the local calendar, attracting thousands of passionate supporters each year and bragging rights of being called ‘The Bay’ for the winner.
Hawke's Bay Rugby Union (HBRU) Commercial Manager Dan Somerville says off the back of Cyclone Gabrielle, they wanted to support the community.
The widespread devastation caused by Cyclone Gabrielle earlier this year continues to take its toll on the local communities with many families still without homes, farmers’ livestock and crops destroyed, and infrastructure no closer to being repaired than it was three months ago.
“Anyone who has been to Hawke's Bay in the past few weeks will tell you that there is still a tonne of work to be done to get the community back on its feet, never mind back to pre-Gabrielle days.
"There is a generation’s worth of infrastructure that needs to be rebuilt just to get us fully functional again and for people affected to move forward with their lives.
“Our community needs more than financial support – it needs a morale boost and we are delighted to help provide this opportunity to bring our community together and celebrate how amazing
Hawkes’ Bay people are."
For these reasons, when One NZ received a call for help from the HBRU, the team replied with a resounding vote of support.
One NZ Experience & Commercial Director Joe Goddard says they are committed to helping the people of Hawke's Bay.
"So when we received the call for help from the Hawkes Bay Rugby Union, it was an easy decision for us to get involved. We’re excited to be the match day sponsor for this event and to be playing our part in bringing the community together.”
One NZ is dedicating $100,000 through its digital giving platform, One Good Kiwi to Hawkes Bay for the month of September.
Ten local groups, charities or crews of volunteers will be celebrated on the app, and each will receive a share of the $100,000 One NZ is giving away.
One Good Kiwi users will be able to view a short video on each of the selected group local heroes, learn more about them and vote for their favourite by ‘flicking’ their digital tokens to the local hero they want to support.
To get involved download the One Good Kiwi app from the app store or visit www.onegoodkiwi.nz.
