Would $30,000 make a difference to your rugby club? Nominate today Bunnings grants boost grassroots rugby: Nominate your club
Local clubs are the grassroots of one of New Zealand’s favourite pastimes and our national obsession: Rugby. From a young age, it’s on the fields and in the local clubrooms that many get their first taste of the game. The centre of many a community, this is where it all starts, where talent develops, connections and camaraderie grow, and Kiwis celebrate common ground.
Eskview & Districts Rugby Football Club is one such establishment, and a 2023 recipient of a Bunnings Rugby Assist grant valued at $30,000, which they used to upgrade their bathrooms to be more accessible and also created a play area for young families to use. The club has long served the local community and recently provided refuge for Cyclone Gabrielle-affected Eskdale School, setting up temporary classrooms for students while the school was rebuilt.
Club chairman, Jake Bowcock, says the Bunnings grant has made a big difference.
“We’re a rural club that has its struggles like most, but the support from Bunnings Rugby Assist has enabled us to continue providing a space for everyone to come together.”
“Our club is more than a centre for rugby,” he notes. “As a community destination, a lick of paint and much needed repairs makes our facility more appealing, a better place to be and a great hub for locals and visitors alike. We’re thrilled for the support from Bunnings – it’s such a boost for our sport, and our club.”
Delivered in partnership with New Zealand Rugby, Bunnings Rugby Assist supports the growth of the grassroots game by providing products and materials to 10 clubs each year, for the upgrade of facilities that are vital to their operation.
Now in its fourth season, the program is contributing another $300,000 to deserving grassroot clubs around the country that serve their communities.
Rugby legend and Bunnings Rugby Assist Ambassador Ian Jones has seen firsthand the impact the program has had over the past few years.
“I’m proud to be working alongside the Bunnings team and fellow ambassador, Ruby Tui. This makes a real difference to our grassroots game. I’ve seen how an injection of support from Bunnings helps clubs like Eskview to continue to thrive and serve their rugby community.”
Such areas for potential improvements could be kitchens, lounges and outdoor areas, upgrades for accessibility such as female changing rooms or disability access, creating family-friendly areas like secure play areas, or boosting security with lighting and fencing.
Bunnings Rugby Assist applications are open from Monday 1st July, until Sunday 4 August, 11:59pm. Bunnings and NZR is encouraging grassroots clubs from across the country to apply to be in with the chance to receive $30,000 in Bunnings products and materials and labour support this year.
Deb Perano, Bunnings NZ Head of Store Operations says the local Bunnings teams really enjoy connecting with the winning clubs.
“We look forward to working closely with the successful rugby clubs, local trades, and our team to bring each project to life.”
Bunnings Rugby Assist aims to help grassroots rugby clubs nationwide, who play an integral role in building strong and connected communities.
To nominate your club and to find out more visit www.provincial.rugby/ bunnings-rugby-assist
GPs are rejecting a funding proposal they say is inadequate and places the burden of keeping up with inflation on patients.
Health NZ/Te Whatu Ora released the proposal after a meeting with PHO Services Agreement Amendment Protocol (PSAAP) members about increases to capitation funding rates earlier this month. The proposal suggests Health NZ pay GPs 4% more, and that practices increase their fees by 7.76% to get to the revenue increase of 5.88% that the practices need to keep up with inflation.
In a statement to PSAAP members, Health NZ acknowledged their concerns and agreed to a 20-day consultation period. There had been no increase in funding for primary health organisations (PHOs) who supported general practice.
In an information paper, Health NZ living well director Martin Hefford said a number of pricing factors were considered for the proposed uplift.
“In particular, we are aware of the significant financial and work force pressures on general practice sustainability,” he said.
Health NZ considered a recent paper detailing changes in costs during 2023, funding received through the 2024 Budget, risks related to a lack of access to timely GP care, the sustainability of very low cost practices, and the need to preserve access for low-income Kiwis, he said.
General Practice NZ chairperson Bryan Betty said the sector was disappointed with the “inadequate” proposal and would be rejecting it.
“Essentially, it looks like patients will have to make up the difference in terms of keeping abreast of inflation,” he said.
The proposal did nothing to address the challenges created by underfunding and there was still a strong expectation that government would work to solve them, Betty said.