June 13, 2022
2022 sees the return of the prestigious Pirtek Volunteer of the Month award, where our rugby league community gets a chance to see their hard mahi recognised across the motu. This award is gifted to a volunteer who displays the core values of NZRL’s Kiwi Way: being family first, innovative, inclusive, respectful, respectful and humble. We are excited to announce that the first winner in 2022 and the month of May is Tim O’Leary.
Tim took over far north’s Kerikeri Mako’s suddenly after the previous manager’s unforeseen passing. O’Leary has remained at the club for several years as the Makos suffered tragedy as a fire struck down its clubrooms. After three years of lobbying to the council, the building was demolished, leaving the Kerikeri outfit without basic necessities for a rugby league club.
O’Leary was instrumental in gathering gazebos for changerooms, organising the team to be able to use showers at the nearby gym and aftermatch at the local pub. Tim has also invested a lot of personal funds into the logistics of the club to keep it afloat, evening paying for fees and players’ boots.
The dedicated father of five contributes a lot of his time between his family and the Kerikeri Makos and is a focal point for the Northland club.
Pirtek CEO Chris Bourke says, “The Kerikeri Makos are fortunate to have someone like Tim O’Leary amongst the club.”
“Tim is the epitome of what volunteering is within our rugby league community. The club has faced a number of extraordinary challenges and tragedy, and Tim has stepped up every time, ensuring the continuity of rugby league in the area.”
“it is not easy to sacrifice so much of your time and family commitments, but O’Leary puts his best foot forward for everything he does.”
“Tim is well-deserving of the Pirtek Volunteer of the Month and first of 2022.”
Volunteers will be chosen based off how well they demonstrate our Kiwi Way values:
We are family first – stronger together.
Innovative and Courageous – punch above our weight.
We are responsible.
We are inclusive, respectful and humble.
Each winner receives $200 worth of vouchers.
#TheKiwiWay #MoreThanAGame
