6 September 2023

Members of the New Zealand grassroots rugby league community across the motu get the chance to see their hard mahi recognised through the Pirtek Volunteer of the Month award.

This award is given to a volunteer who displays the core values of NZRL’s Kiwi Way: being family first, innovative, inclusive, respectful, and humble. NZRL is excited to announce that the winner of Volunteer of the Month for August 2023 is Nick Hennessy.

Nick is a proud member and coach of the kōtiro (young girls) at the Raukawa Ki Runga club in Ōtaki where over the past 2 years he has encouraged new girls to join the club and become involved in rugby league. He has always made sure that players and their families feel warmly welcomed.

Pirtek CEO Chris Bourke says, “Nick welcomes and appreciates new players regardless of their skill level”.

As a coach Nick goes above and beyond to help the kōtiro and their whānau overcome any barriers to their participation in the team and rugby league. This includes 3-hour round trips transporting girls to and from training, providing financial assistance, offering individual training sessions for players in need, and bringing in others with special skill sets to assist with coaching.

“Nick has also created an environment outside of league to help the girls form bonds with each other.”

With the young Raukawa girls being involved in multiple sports teams, Nick communicates with other coaches regarding trainings and games to make sure his players aren’t becoming overloaded. He welcomes the opinions of parents to ensure the girl’s well-being and safety are at the forefront and will adjust player positions so the girls feel comfortable on the field.

Behind every good man, is a great wife and that is Nick’s wife Taramea. They make a phenomenal team and the Raukawa whānau are extremely appreciative of everything they do, every opportunity they provide, and the overwhelming support they give to the kōtiro and whānau.

“Congratulations Nick for being Pirtek Volunteer of the Month.”