The Onerahi sports field lighting upgrade was driven by clear leadership and a strong sense of responsibility to the community. From identifying the need through to building stakeholder relationships, Rugby for Life Club Coordinator Fiona Raymond worked alongside the club committee to shape a structured, achievable plan.
Fiona supported the club to understand funding pathways, align with council priorities and prepare a submission that was practical, evidence based and focused on long term community benefit. Her role was to strengthen the club’s voice while ensuring the process was strategic rather than reactive.
This groundwork created a well-supported case for investment in local sport infrastructure and positioned the club to advocate with confidence.
In 2024, Onerahi Rugby Club stood proudly before Whangārei District Council to present a submission for upgraded sports field lighting. The public gallery was full, and community backing was clearly visible.
Fiona guided the process from early discussions, through to preparing the formal submission and speaking in the council chambers. The presentation reflected months of preparation and a united commitment to improving safety, access, and participation for local players and families.
Support from the wider community reinforced the importance of investing in grassroots sport. Information about council projects and community engagement processes can be found on the Whangārei District Council website.
This result was achieved through advocacy, collaboration, and a shared belief in what the Onerahi community can accomplish together.
Delivering quality sport infrastructure takes thoughtful planning, collaboration and alignment with council processes. For Onerahi Rugby Club, this meant working closely with stakeholders to ensure the proposed lighting upgrade clearly demonstrated long term community benefit, safety improvements and strong participation outcomes.
As the club does not own the grounds, careful coordination was required to align responsibilities, partnerships and eligibility requirements. Rugby for Life and Onerahi Rugby Club worked constructively within council frameworks, ensuring the project supported wider community sport and recreation priorities.
Many grassroots clubs across Aotearoa face similar considerations when progressing facility development. Clear planning and alignment with local government strategies are essential steps in achieving sustainable investment outcomes. Guidance on facility development and community sport planning can be found through Sport New Zealand’s Community Sport and Recreation Facility Development Guide.
The project is now fully funded by Whangārei District Council. This outcome reflects the strength of collaboration between the club, Rugby for Life and Council, and highlights what can be achieved when community aspirations align with strategic investment in local infrastructure.
The upgraded sports lighting at Onerahi Rugby Club is already creating meaningful change across the community.
Key impacts include:
Quality field lighting does more than brighten a space. It increases participation, improves safety standards, and extends access to working families and young players. Best practice guidelines for sports lighting and safety can be found through organisations such as Standards New Zealand.
This project has strengthened both infrastructure and identity in Onerahi.
A significant personal milestone for Fiona was learning the council submission process and building the confidence to speak publicly in support of the club. That leadership created infrastructure that future generations will benefit from.
This achievement reflects the collective effort of:
Strong communities are built when people step forward, learn new skills, and advocate for what matters.
The Onerahi Lights project represents far more than a facility upgrade. It reflects what can be achieved when a community works together with purpose, clarity, and shared commitment.
Through strong leadership and genuine collaboration, this initiative has strengthened community pride, improved player safety, and created greater opportunity for training, participation, and connection. The upgraded lighting means tamariki, rangatahi and senior players can train later, play safely and continue building strong bonds through rugby in a space that supports them properly.
A key part of this success was having a Rugby for Life (RFL) Club Coordinator embedded within the club. An RFL Coordinator provides practical support, strategic planning and advocacy that helps clubs clearly communicate their needs and demonstrate their impact. They assist with funding applications, stakeholder engagement, and long-term planning, ensuring projects align with community priorities and provide strong public value.
We are deeply grateful to Whangārei District Council for recognising the importance of this investment and fully funding the project. Their commitment to supporting local sport and community wellbeing has made a lasting difference for Onerahi and the wider community.
This project is a reminder of what is possible when clubs are well supported, communities stand united, and funders partner with purpose to create positive outcomes.