KORU SCHOOL TAKE OUT nib $10K RELAY
A team of fast-footed tamariki from Koru School in Māngere has claimed the $10,000 prize at this year’s nib $10K Relay, racing their hearts out at Eden Park during halftime at the Blues vs Hurricanes match on Saturday 16 May.
The winning team was one of eight finalist teams, each made up of 10 runners aged 11 to 13, representing schools and junior rugby clubs from across Auckland, North Harbour and Northland. Cheered on by thousands of fans, the young athletes took to one of New Zealand’s iconic sporting grounds for an unforgettable relay experience.
The eight teams all showed impressive speed and talent, but it was Koru School that came out on top amid the nerves and excitement of the evening. The team will put the $10,000 towards new sports gear, first aid supplies, and bringing in a coach to run more sessions and activities designed to build confidence, teamwork and kindness.
One of Koru School’s players who ran on the night, 12-year-old Noah Pulepule, said running on Eden Park was very fun, with the team embracing all the excitement and jitters of the occasion.
“We felt a bit nervous at first, but we liked that pressure,” said Pulepule.
“The pressure feels good when you try to win. We were very happy for the opportunity.”
nib NZ Chief Executive Skye Daniels said the relay is about encouraging kids to be active, have fun, and feel proud representing their school or club.
“Watching these kids run out onto Eden Park with huge smiles on their faces is what the relay is all about,” Daniels said.
“nib’s mission is the better health and wellbeing of our members, their families and communities.
“We know that ensuring kids are active is great for their overall health,” she said. “And we appreciate and acknowledge the community that supports the kids and the relay - the teachers, the coaches and the mums and dads who have encouraged them to get out there and enjoy the team spirit and the run.”
Koru School coach and trainer, Pati Alapati said the prize will make a real difference for their young athletes, expanding access to sport and opportunities that otherwise wouldn’t be possible.
“Some of our sports gear is out of date, so this funding will help us upgrade that and support the students in the long run. We also have an upcoming camp in Term 3, so some of the money will go towards helping make that possible as well,” he said.
“These things might sound small, but this really helps keep our kids active. This is going to be a big help for our school and for our community. Thank you to nib.”
Daniels said initiatives like the nib Junior $10K Relay help reinforce healthy habits early in life.
“When kids are active, connected, and having fun, it plays a huge role in their wellbeing,” she said. “Together with our long-standing partner, the Blues, we share a strong belief in the power of sport to positively shape young people’s health and wellbeing.”
“Well done to all the competing teams and a special congratulations to Koru School on their win. We look forward to seeing the impact the prize will have on their students, whānau and community,” said Daniels.
Blues Chief Executive, Karl Budge said the relay was a highlight on Saturday night and is a standout example of what the partnership with nib continues to deliver for the community.
“Seeing junior players live out a once-in-a-lifetime experience on the same field as their rugby heroes is incredibly special,” Budge said.
“The nib Junior $10K Relay continues to have an impact on grassroots sport and the communities we represent.”
In the Blues’ 30th anniversary year, nib marks its ongoing partnership with the club, sponsoring the men’s team since 2013 and the women’s team since its establishment in 2021.
The nib Junior $10K Relay has now delivered $50,000 in funding to junior clubs and schools over five years, helping kids across the region stay active, connected and confident through sport.