Meadsville - Te Kuiti

02/06/2026

An iconic photo of an iconic New Zealander. 🖤
Today marks the 90th birthday of All Black Great & Te Kuiti Legend Sir Colin Meads.
'Pinetree'- we thank you for all you did for our town, district and country both on and off the rugby field.
Our thoughts are with the Meads family. ❤️

25/05/2026

🌲🌲 PINETREE NO5 TRUST GRANT 🌲🌲
The latest Pinetree No5 Trust recipients are this team of young motocross riders who recently competed in the Junior Motocross Nationals held in Leeston, Canterbury.
Piopio's Case Wilson, along with Bentley and Brayden Jones of Aria, travelled south to contest the three-day event last month. Widely regarded as the country's premier junior motocross event, it brings together hundreds of top young riders competing for national championship placings from 1st-10th.
Bently contested the 11-12 years 85cc class; Brayden the 8-11 years 65cc class, and 8-10 years 85cc class, with Case in the 8-11 years 65cc class and 8-10 years 85cc class.
All three riders have enjoyed considerable success over recent years, achieving numerous wins and podium placings across a range of events and classes.
To support the boys in pursuing their national motocross ambitions, they each received a $250 grant to help cover travel, entry fees, and accommodation costs associated with competing at the championships, with the trustees recognising the valuable experience the competition would give them all.
Case claimed top honours in his 85cc class, finishing first out of 18 riders, and third in the 65cc class among a field of 24 competitors. Bentley placed 13th overall in his 85cc class, competing against a strong field of 52 riders. Unfortunately, Brayden was unable to compete on the final day of racing due to a crash.
If you know of young people who could benefit from a hand up from the Pinetree No5 Trust email Shelley at [email protected]
Trustees are Sir Colin's children, Glynn and Shelley, Brian Hanna and Max Lamb.

22/12/2025

🌲🌲 PINETREE NO5 TRUST GRANT 🌲🌲

Te Kuiti's Krystalray Wanakore is the final Pinetree No5 Trust recipient for 2025. The talented youngster is passionate about her chosen sport Ki-o-Rahi and in just three years of playing has achieved national recognition.

In April, she represented Te Kuiti High School at the New Zealand Secondary Schools Ki-o-Rahi Senior Nationals in Palmerston North, earning selection in the NZ Secondary Schools team. Fifteen-year-old Krystalray said she was hugely honoured to be selected for the NZ team, and in her short time of playing could never have imagined the impact Ki-o-Rahi has had on her life. "I love my sport." As a New Zealand rep, she competed in the Taumata Aotearoa Ki-o-Rahi Tournament held in Rotorua in October. The Pinetree Trust's grant of $500, supported her with travel, accommodation and uniform expenses.

In congratulating Krystalray on her national selection, trustee Shelley Mitchell said to represent her country was a wonderful achievement. "Your hard work and dedication has certainly paid off, and we wish you all the best in the future."

If you know of young people who could benefit from a hand up from the Pinetree No5 Trust email Shelley at [email protected] Trustees are Sir Colin's children Glynn and Shelley, Brian Hanna and Max Lamb.

17/12/2025

PINETREE NO5 TRUST GRANT 🌲🌲

These cuties - the Maniapoto Midgets Waka Ama team are the latest recipients of a Pinetree No5 grant, receiving $500 towards their costs to compete in the 2026 Waka Ama National Championships. To be held at Lake Karāpiro from January 11-17, the Midgets will be making their second appearance at the championships. Aged 6-10 years, the 7 young paddlers have been training since October on the Awakino River and this month competed in the Regionals narrowly missing out on a gold medal placing by 0.7 of a second. 👏 Maardi Mulligan-Green, who is travelling with the team to Nationals, said waka ama offers much to the youngsters who learn valuable skills such as time management, teamwork, commitment to long-term goals, as well as the benefits of staying active and strengthening their physical and mental wellbeing. "Waka ama connects them deeply to te ao Māori, our traditions and values, and celebrates the cultural richness of our identity. We are proud to represent our iwi and this journey helps build confidence, pride and leadership in our young Māori boys."

Trustee Shelley Mitchell said the trust was pleased to support the Midgets on their journey to the national competition and wished them the very best of luck. "I am sure you will do your iwi, whānau and Te Kūiti proud." If you know of young people who could benefit from a hand up from the Pinetree No5 Trust email Shelley at [email protected] Trustees are Sir Colin's children Glynn and Shelley, Brian Hanna and Max Lamb.

16/12/2025

🌲❤️

We all have different dreams for how we'd like to spend our retirement: Margaritas in Spain, large puzzles in a quiet and cosy cottage, or becoming a bronze alloy statue of Sir Colin Meads…🤔

Anyone who's ever gone on a road trip around the North Island of Aotearoa New Zealand will be familiar with the pride of Te Kuiti - a statue of former All Black Sir Colin Meads, affectionately known as Pinetree.🌲🏈

What you might not know is that the material used to build this statue came from old substation transformers that once helped electricity flow to homes and businesses - from electrical equipment to immortalising an electric player! ⚡️

Although our various recycling initiatives are all about reducing waste, it's always a nice surprise to see how these materials are given a second life, whether it's our glass insulators now warming Kiwi homes through Pink Batts, or in the case of our ol' friend Pinetree, a tribute made to stand the test of time.

20/11/2025

PINETREE NO5 TRUST GRANT 🏉🌲

Siblings Sarah, Dominic and Isabella D’Ath are the latest Pinetree No5 Trust recipients. The talented trio, who are members of the Te Kuiti and District Highland Pipe Band, have each been granted $500 towards their expenses to attend the Royal New Zealand Pipe Band Association’s Summer School in Christchurch.
Sixteen-year-old Dominic is a snare drummer, while his sisters Sarah (14) and 12-year-old Isabella both play the tenor drum. The week-long Summer School features world class tutors, workshops and individual lessons for pipers and drummers of all ages and abilities.
Both Dominic and Sarah have previously won scholarships to attend the Summer School, while all three regularly play in competitions throughout the country including in Auckland, Invercargill, Queenstown and Paeroa. Dominic and Isabella are also members of the City of Rotorua Highland Pipe Band in the New Zealand Pipe Band Championships. Sarah has supported and tutored fellow tenor drummers online and in person since July.
The trio are familiar faces at local community events such as the Christmas and Anzac Parades and The Great NZ Muster.
Trustee Shelley Mitchell congratulated the siblings on their achievements and said the trust was pleased to be able to offer support for their fundraising to attend Summer School. “To attend such an event and represent our district is very impressive and we wish you an enjoyable and enriching experience.”
If you know of young people who could benefit from a hand up from the Pinetree No5 Trust email Shelley at [email protected]
Trustees are Sir Colin's children Glynn and Shelley, Brian Hanna and Max Lamb.

21/10/2025

Rest peacefully Joe. ♥️ Your contribution to King Country rugby was legendary. Our deepest sympathy to your family and friends.

Acknowledgement of Joeli Veitayaki’s Passing

King Country Rugby Union is deeply saddened to hear of the passing of former player Joe Veitayaki.

Player #807 “Joe” proudly represented King Country from 1991-1996 playing 64 games
He was also named in the chiefs rugby team for the inaugural Super 12 season in 1996, player #14

He will be remembered as a powerful front rower who brought strength, passion, and humility. His contribution to our union and to rugby across New Zealand and the Pacific left a lasting impact on teammates, supporters, and the wider rugby community.

Our thoughts and condolences are with Joe’s whānau, friends, and the rugby communities in Fiji and New Zealand during this difficult time.

25/09/2025

PINETREE NO5 TRUST GRANT 🌲🌲
Pinetree No 5 Trust recipient Hamish Woodney is set to represent his country on the world stage next month. The year 11 Te Kuiti High School student has been selected for New Zealand honours to compete at the World Kickboxing Association Competition in England and the Unified World Championship in Italy.

Hamish, who is a member of the United MMA (Mixed Martial Arts) Waitomo Gym, received $500 towards his expenses for the self-funded trip.

A dedicated athlete, Hamish trains five nights a week as well as attending weekend trainings at United MMA in Te Awamutu as often as possible. He holds national titles in jiu-jitsu and has had several wins in MMA and kickboxing competitions. He recently headed south to Christchurch to train for his overseas competitions, gaining valuable experience and exposure to different training partners. Children are also benefitting from his skills and knowledge with Hamish coaching kickboxing classes four nights a week and assisting with jiu-jitsu coaching.

Congratulating Hamish on his NZ selection, trustee Shelley Mitchell said: "We are pleased to offer our support with your fundraising. To be selected to represent your country is such an honour and we wish you an enjoyable and enriching experience."

If you know of young people who could benefit from a hand up from the Pinetree No5 Trust email Shelley at [email protected]

Trustees are Sir Colin's children Glynn and Shelley, Brian Hanna and Max Lamb.

18/09/2025

PINETREE NO5 TRUST GRANT

The latest Pinetree No5 Trust recipients - Waitete RFC's Under 13 team - are among more than 130 junior rugby teams competing in the NZ Junior Rugby Festival.
Hosted by Global Games, the festival is one of the largest gatherings of junior rugby teams in the country with thousands of young players, coaches, managers and supporters converging on Taupo's Owen Delany Park for four days of competition.
The team were granted $500 towards their expenses which include entry fees, daily travel costs to Taupo and gear.
Coached by Morgan Rata, the 17 young players attend local schools - Te Kuiti Primary, Benneydale, Centennial Park, Piopio and Pukenui. They were unbeaten in this season's U13 competition where they were coached by Ben Needham and Jarred Murrell with support from Rangi Te Whare, Brett Kirkland and Jamie Maarhuis.
Manager Monique Needham said the Junior Festival is an experience of a lifetime for the youngsters and more so after their successful season where "lots of hard work and learning happened."
They play Poneke in their opening match tomorrow followed by games against Te Kauwhata Storm, Blazers and Paremata Plimmerton. Saturday sees Waitete go up against Frankton Falcons, Uawa U13s and Thames Juniors.
If you know of young people who could benefit from a hand up from the Pinetree No5 Trust email Shelley at [email protected]
Trustees are Sir Colin's children Glynn and Shelley, Brian Hanna and Max Lamb.

10/09/2025

PINETREE No5 TRUST GRANT 🌲🌲

Recent recipients of a Pinetree No5 Trust grant were the Maniapoto Netball Association's U18 representative team. The team received $500 towards their costs to compete in the New Zealand U18 Championships.
Hosted by Netball Waitakere from July 7-10, the tournament attracted 35 teams in the women's grade and 9 in the men's grade bringing together more than 1000 players, coaches, managers, volunteers, umpires and supporters.
The championships honour Silver Ferns shooting great Margaret Forsyth with teams vying for the trophy bearing her name. This year it was won by home team Waitakere 1.
Maniapoto U18 manager Jordaane Tangihaere said the championships are an elite tournament and it was exciting for local players to have the opportunity to participate in high level netball.
Players were Alairah Rapana, Autym Wade, Capri Morgan, Khyzaalei Strickland, Kylah Stockman, Mia Wehi, Nikia Harris, Taelyn Henare, Sierra Tangihaere and Vienna Tangihaere. The team was coached by Sydney Karaitiana.

If you know of young people who could benefit from a hand up from the Pinetree No5 Trust email Shelley at [email protected]

Trustees are Sir Colin's children Glynn and Shelley, Brian Hanna and Max Lamb.