Building a fun, community-orientated environment where kids can learn resilience through rugby is the number one goal for the Papakura Wasps.
The Wasps were established in 2005 as a dedicated junior club under the umbrella of the Papakura Rugby Club, which has been part of the community for more than 100 years.
Junior Club President Sam Saunders believes it’s important to give children space to stretch their limits and to learn how to keep going when things get tough. “I’m right here but you have to get yourself up again.”
It’s a philosophy all the club’s officials support. Junior Club Captain and Secretary Hannah Kennedy-Watarawi adds, “Growing up we were given the room to fall, these days we tend to try and shelter our kids to prevent them going through the things we went through”
“Our kids know we will always be here for them, but they have to get themselves over the line.”
It’s an approach that’s working well for the Junior Club. Last year it was named Counties Manukau Junior Club of the year, and the numbers are growing. The Wasps have 10 teams catering for boys and girls ages from 4 to 14 in their 2025 season. The club is fielding a Year 9 and 10 girls Rippa Rugby team for the first time and, for the first time in several years, has enough players to enter 2 teams in the Year 7 and 8 competition grade, which is the premier level for players this age.
These achievements make Hannah very proud of what the club and its community have built together.
“We were very lucky to have the Junior Club Patron Terry come on board and source two sets of new players uniforms for their competition team. We were able to incorporate te ao Māori into the new uniforms. Our design signifies the unity of both Juniors and Seniors and giving all tamariki the strength, courage and love while wearing this uniform. I know our teams will wear this with pride.”
In a ceremony held at the club, the jerseys were blessed by Wasps Cultural Advisor Tuatea Kennedy-Watarawi, and then each player received their numbered jersey in front of their whānau, their coaches and club officials
“For some of them, it’s their first step into competitive rugby and we wanted to acknowledge their achievement and make them feel a little special,” Hannah says.
Wiri Licensing Trust General Manager Kim Green says it’s exciting to see the Wasps get two teams in the competition grade.
“Sam and Hannah are extremely passionate about providing opportunities for the local youth and work hard to keep the cost of participation down.”
The Trust has provided the club with 170 Player of the Day certificates, sponsored by its flagship hospitality venue, Woodside Restaurant and Bar, and hospitality vouchers worth $1200.
Kim says the Trust’s Board is committed to supporting organisations who help keep playing costs down for the local community, especially it’s younger members.
“We look forward to working with the Papakura Senior Rugby Club in the next 12 months to explore what support can be provided to secure extra uniforms and equipment for the senior teams.”
Sam says that, economically, life is tough for families in the area. The Wasps are in a fortunate position of offering one of the lowest fees in their area, with players paying just $70 for the season. Support from funders and sponsors is the only way the club can keep those fees down.
“The fees don’t cover all the costs, and the club is grateful to the senior club committee for their help in getting sponsorship and grants to keep the juniors going.”
The Wasps also run a rugby boot swap programme, as many families can’t afford new boots every season. Parents can bring in boots their child has grown out of and swap them for a larger pair. “At the start of the season, we have heaps of boots going in and out,” Hannah says.
The Player of the Day certificates have been very popular with their rugby stars of the future.
“The kids who receive the certificates are overwhelmed with happiness. Our kids are always grateful for everything they get.”
For Hannah and Sam, their work with the children is about more than just the game of rugby.
“We don’t just want great players. We want great leaders. We want these kids to make friends and create lifelong memories”, says Hannah.
“We are not a club; we are a whānau. We’ve got great parents who go above and beyond for all the players in the Wasps. ‘One team, One dream’ is our unofficial motto.”
Wiri Licensing Trust wants to connect with local community groups and organisations that are doing great work in our hood to understand how we can better support you – email us at info@wiritrust.org.nz.
