Clark has been part of the rugby fabric in Te Tai Tokerau for too many years to count and a proud Rugby For Life supporter.
As the Operations Manager for Rugby For Life Clark is there to support, manage and evolve our coordinator structure and take our program and community impacts to the next level.
For Clark, "Rugby is definitely more than just a game and can be a vehicle to many positive outcomes within our communities, which is why I believe in this Kaupapa. I have been a player, captain, coach, sponsor, committee member and a treasurer of a club as well as working for the Union so trust me when I say first-hand that I know how hard volunteers work within clubs and Rugby For Life is a gamechanger!”
As the Operations Manager for Rugby For Life Clark is there to support, manage and evolve our coordinator structure and take our program and community impacts to the next level.
For Clark, "Rugby is definitely more than just a game and can be a vehicle to many positive outcomes within our communities, which is why I believe in this Kaupapa. I have been a player, captain, coach, sponsor, committee member and a treasurer of a club as well as working for the Union so trust me when I say first-hand that I know how hard volunteers work within clubs and Rugby For Life is a gamechanger!”
Clark Lewis
RFL OPERATIONS MANAGER
Taiamai Ohaeawai Rugby Football and Sports Club & Okaihau Rugby and Football and Sports Club
I saw the fantastic impact rugby had on my boy and knew RFL was all about community and kids and that I had to be involved. We had a recent life-changing experience when we took the kids to a rugby match and they met the Taniwha as many had never been to a game before. We are creating opportunities and pathways. Iwi – Ngapuhi
I saw the fantastic impact rugby had on my boy and knew RFL was all about community and kids and that I had to be involved. We had a recent life-changing experience when we took the kids to a rugby match and they met the Taniwha as many had never been to a game before. We are creating opportunities and pathways. Iwi – Ngapuhi
Aimee Ruka
RFL Club Coordinator
Southern Rugby Football Club
We work together for the good of the community. The culture at the club is good and we are supporting volunteers to make the club more efficient. We are keeping the doors open off-season with Friday night dinners where everyone is welcome to host community links and summer events. We dedicate our time to the growth of the players that leads to whānau benefits.
We work together for the good of the community. The culture at the club is good and we are supporting volunteers to make the club more efficient. We are keeping the doors open off-season with Friday night dinners where everyone is welcome to host community links and summer events. We dedicate our time to the growth of the players that leads to whānau benefits.
Roxanne Kelly
RFL Club Coordinator
Whangaruru Rugby Football Club
After recently relocating to Whangaruru with her whānau, Keri Wynyard has been embracing the opportunity to connect with her Ngātiwai whakapapa. With a strong background in community-focused roles, Keri is bringing her enthusiasm to Rugby For Life (RFL).
Now working alongside the Whangaruru Rugby Club, Keri is committed to supporting its dedicated volunteers and helping rugby serve as a positive force for change in her community. Keri’s focus is on creating opportunities that bring people together, inspire action, and strengthen whānau connections through the game her whānau loves.
After recently relocating to Whangaruru with her whānau, Keri Wynyard has been embracing the opportunity to connect with her Ngātiwai whakapapa. With a strong background in community-focused roles, Keri is bringing her enthusiasm to Rugby For Life (RFL).
Now working alongside the Whangaruru Rugby Club, Keri is committed to supporting its dedicated volunteers and helping rugby serve as a positive force for change in her community. Keri’s focus is on creating opportunities that bring people together, inspire action, and strengthen whānau connections through the game her whānau loves.
Keri Wynyard
RFL Club Coordinator
Onerahi Rugby Football Club
Iwi – Te Uri O Hau
RFL has helped us understand what we need to do and offers perspective and networks that connect us to the right people. We started with a couple of kids teams and this year we had 7 teams with 86 kids. We will always have a need in our isolated community. Having rugby available and accessible with the focus on children first and foremost is essential.
Iwi – Te Uri O Hau
RFL has helped us understand what we need to do and offers perspective and networks that connect us to the right people. We started with a couple of kids teams and this year we had 7 teams with 86 kids. We will always have a need in our isolated community. Having rugby available and accessible with the focus on children first and foremost is essential.
Fiona Raymond
RFL Club Coordinator
Kaeo Rugby and Sports Club
Iwi – Ngati Kahi Ki – Whangaroa and Ngapuhi Ki - Whangaroa
RFL is helping us breathe life into our club that brings people in our community together. We have amazing volunteers and need funding to enhance the culture of our community. We see RFL helping us to provide healthier living and the club as a positive space for our people to be free.
Iwi – Ngati Kahi Ki – Whangaroa and Ngapuhi Ki - Whangaroa
RFL is helping us breathe life into our club that brings people in our community together. We have amazing volunteers and need funding to enhance the culture of our community. We see RFL helping us to provide healthier living and the club as a positive space for our people to be free.
Nyze Manuel
RFL Club Coordinator
Aupōuri Rugby and Sports Club
Bryar Crewther-Abraham from Aupori RFSC is the coordinator for Rugby For Life’s northernmost club.
Bryar was born in Kaitaia and moved to West Auckland at a young age, completing her school there. During her time in West Auckland Bryar was very fortunate to have access to a variety of sports and given many opportunities to compete in school, club and representative tournaments.
In 2016 she returned home and says she has never looked back! Upon her return though while volunteering in local sports clubs, she quickly realised just how isolated rural communities were and how they were not afforded the same opportunities as those living in larger areas. She also quickly noticed that Aupori’s clubrooms are in serious need of maintenance and upgrades to be able to effectively cater for and support her community.
Looking for ways to help improve things Bryar was keen to become a part of Rugby For Life and receive some much-needed support. “I was really excited when the opportunity arose to become an RFL coordinator knowing I would be able to increase support for our club and community.”
Bryar Crewther-Abraham from Aupori RFSC is the coordinator for Rugby For Life’s northernmost club.
Bryar was born in Kaitaia and moved to West Auckland at a young age, completing her school there. During her time in West Auckland Bryar was very fortunate to have access to a variety of sports and given many opportunities to compete in school, club and representative tournaments.
In 2016 she returned home and says she has never looked back! Upon her return though while volunteering in local sports clubs, she quickly realised just how isolated rural communities were and how they were not afforded the same opportunities as those living in larger areas. She also quickly noticed that Aupori’s clubrooms are in serious need of maintenance and upgrades to be able to effectively cater for and support her community.
Looking for ways to help improve things Bryar was keen to become a part of Rugby For Life and receive some much-needed support. “I was really excited when the opportunity arose to become an RFL coordinator knowing I would be able to increase support for our club and community.”
Bryar Crewther-Abraham
RFL Club Coordinator
Ruawai Rugby Football Club
Paddy Jackson is the Rugby For Life Coordinator with Ruawai JMB Rugby Football Club. Growing up in the Rodney district Paddy has always been involved in sport.
Paddy has a strong ethos around the long-term maintenance of players' physical and mental well-being. Looking after yourself properly will allow you to keep playing for longer. “Just seeing any player, of any level learning new skills, and techniques and following a pathway to improving; it’s a privilege to be a part of that journey. Watching those positive changes first-hand is the stuff that keeps you engaged and invested.” Through his role as a Rugby For Life coordinator, he’s keen to keep tamariki and the whanau engaged in sport for longer to ensure the sustainability of sport in Ruawai.
Paddy Jackson is the Rugby For Life Coordinator with Ruawai JMB Rugby Football Club. Growing up in the Rodney district Paddy has always been involved in sport.
Paddy has a strong ethos around the long-term maintenance of players' physical and mental well-being. Looking after yourself properly will allow you to keep playing for longer. “Just seeing any player, of any level learning new skills, and techniques and following a pathway to improving; it’s a privilege to be a part of that journey. Watching those positive changes first-hand is the stuff that keeps you engaged and invested.” Through his role as a Rugby For Life coordinator, he’s keen to keep tamariki and the whanau engaged in sport for longer to ensure the sustainability of sport in Ruawai.
Paddy Jackson
RFL Club Coordinator
Otamatea Hawks Rugby Club, Maungaturoto Rugby Football Club, Eastern Kaiwaka Rugby Club
Chantelle Peeni has been part of the Kaipara rugby whānau for over 23 years. She’s backed her two boys through their rugby journeys, supported her husband as he moved from playing to coaching, and helped out wherever the club’s needed her—on and off the field.
For Chantelle, rugby is all about connection. It teaches life skills, builds friendships, and brings communities together. That’s why she’s proud to support Rugby For Life and its mahi to back local clubs, create opportunities, and keep the heart of rugby strong.
Chantelle Peeni has been part of the Kaipara rugby whānau for over 23 years. She’s backed her two boys through their rugby journeys, supported her husband as he moved from playing to coaching, and helped out wherever the club’s needed her—on and off the field.
For Chantelle, rugby is all about connection. It teaches life skills, builds friendships, and brings communities together. That’s why she’s proud to support Rugby For Life and its mahi to back local clubs, create opportunities, and keep the heart of rugby strong.
Chantelle Peeni
RFL Club Coordinator
Hokianga Sub Union - Panguru Rugby Football Club, North Hokianga Rugby Club, Taheke United Rugby Football Club, Whirinaki Rugby Football Club, Opononi Rugby Football Club, Omanaia
Hapū: Ngāti Manawa, Te MāhurehureIwi: Te Rarawa, Ngāpuhi
Born and raised in the heart of the Hokianga, Rohario Te Wake grew up immersed in the culture of rugby in the close-knit community of Panguru. For Rohario, rugby has always been more than a game—it’s a way of life that brings people together, strengthens communities, and creates lasting opportunities.
With a deep connection to her hometown and the game, Rohario brings unwavering passion to her role as Rugby For Life (RFL) Coordinator. She sees RFL as a vital platform to support the revival of rugby in the Hokianga and to open up limitless pathways for players, supporters, and the community as a whole. Her drive and dedication reflect her commitment to empowering people and using rugby as a tool to create meaningful change.
Hapū: Ngāti Manawa, Te MāhurehureIwi: Te Rarawa, Ngāpuhi
Born and raised in the heart of the Hokianga, Rohario Te Wake grew up immersed in the culture of rugby in the close-knit community of Panguru. For Rohario, rugby has always been more than a game—it’s a way of life that brings people together, strengthens communities, and creates lasting opportunities.
With a deep connection to her hometown and the game, Rohario brings unwavering passion to her role as Rugby For Life (RFL) Coordinator. She sees RFL as a vital platform to support the revival of rugby in the Hokianga and to open up limitless pathways for players, supporters, and the community as a whole. Her drive and dedication reflect her commitment to empowering people and using rugby as a tool to create meaningful change.
Rohario Te Wake
RFL Club Coordinator
Southern United Rugby Football Club (Tokoroa)
Iwi: Ngāti Raukawa, Ngāti Kahungungu
Meet Doug Kotuhi, one of the newest members of Rugby For Life (RFL), proudly hailing from the Mighty Waikato. As soon as Doug learned about RFL, he knew he wanted to be a part of its mission. Doug’s passion lies in helping create positive changes in communities, and he is excited to bring his energy and commitment to the RFL kaupapa. Through his involvement, Doug is focused on making a meaningful impact and supporting RFL in building stronger, more connected communities.
Iwi: Ngāti Raukawa, Ngāti Kahungungu
Meet Doug Kotuhi, one of the newest members of Rugby For Life (RFL), proudly hailing from the Mighty Waikato. As soon as Doug learned about RFL, he knew he wanted to be a part of its mission. Doug’s passion lies in helping create positive changes in communities, and he is excited to bring his energy and commitment to the RFL kaupapa. Through his involvement, Doug is focused on making a meaningful impact and supporting RFL in building stronger, more connected communities.
Doug Kotuhi
RFL Club Coordinator
Hikurangi Rugby Club
Iwi: Ngāti Whātua
Katie Woodhouse has been proudly involved with the Hikurangi Rugby Club for the past seven years. Originally joining as a spectator, she quickly fell in love with the warm, inclusive club culture and the incredible people who make it such a special hub for the community.
Katie recognised early on how vital the club is—not just for rugby, but for creating opportunities and a sense of belonging for local rangatahi. Now, she’s thrilled to be part of Rugby For Life (RFL), dedicated to supporting the kaupapa of growing strong communities, fostering leadership, and making rugby a positive force for everyone involved.
Iwi: Ngāti Whātua
Katie Woodhouse has been proudly involved with the Hikurangi Rugby Club for the past seven years. Originally joining as a spectator, she quickly fell in love with the warm, inclusive club culture and the incredible people who make it such a special hub for the community.
Katie recognised early on how vital the club is—not just for rugby, but for creating opportunities and a sense of belonging for local rangatahi. Now, she’s thrilled to be part of Rugby For Life (RFL), dedicated to supporting the kaupapa of growing strong communities, fostering leadership, and making rugby a positive force for everyone involved.
