Our Harcourts Cooper & Co. Primary & Intermediate School Festivals have concluded for 2024 with great success.

This year’s festivals, generously brought to you by Harcourts Cooper & Co, have not only expanded in size but also in impact, engaging new participants and fostering a love for the sport across our schools.

2024 Participation: A Year Of Growth

The 2024 Primary School Festivals saw a significant rise in participation numbers, increasing from approximately 3,440 in 2023, to 3,860 this year. The Intermediate Schools Festivals also saw an increase in teams over two festivals, increasing from 51 teams to 58 teams.

This growth is largely attributed to our in-school activations, which focused on engaging new participants and making rugby more accessible to a broader range of students.

A Game For All

Out of the 444 teams that participated in the festivals, 147 were girls' teams. This reflects the continued growth and increasing engagement of girls in rugby. These numbers are consistent across all levels of our game, from Junior (Club Rugby), Youth (Secondary Schools), and Senior grade.

A Huge Thanks to Our Partners

North Harbour Rugby extends its gratitude to Harcourts Cooper & Co for their continued sponsorship of our Primary & Intermediate School Festivals. Their support has been instrumental in making these events not only possible but successful.

We also extend our thanks to another partner, Merlin, who came on board to support the Harcourts Cooper & Co. Primary & Intermediate School Festivals by providing free sausages to all our junior players throughout the day.

Festival Locations and Growth Statistics

We held festivals across various clusters, and the growth in team participation was evident in most areas:

• Glenfield Cluster: Our biggest growth area, from 38 teams in 2023, to 62 teams in 2024
• Takapuna Cluster: Our biggest festival steadily increased from 95 teams in 2023 to 99 teams in 2024.
• Massey Cluster: From 23 teams in 2023 to 29 teams in 2024.
• Silverdale Cluster: From 66 teams in 2023 to 70 teams in 2024.
• East Coast Bays Cluster: Our second-biggest festival, growing from 76 teams in 2023, to 86 teams in 2024 teams.
• Helensville Cluster: From 43 teams in 2023 to 44 teams in 2024.
• Intermediate Schools Festival: Held at Marist North Harbour, grew from 51 teams in 2023, to 58 teams in 2024.

In total, we hosted 11 festivals this year. Each club took charge of two festivals, with the exception of Silverdale, which hosted one.

Empowering Future Referees

A special mention goes to the students who participated in our 'You Make The Call' programme. This NCEA-recognised referee education programme not only equips students with essential skills but also allows them to earn credits towards their qualifications. These students were the referees at our festivals, having completed the education component and being assessed at a minimum of two tournaments by our North Harbour Rugby Referees Association Coaches David Dryden, Jim Kane, Peter Monti.

Schools that participated included Kaipara College, Westlake Boys’ High School, Rosmini College, Rangitoto College, Takapuna Grammar School.

Many Thanks

Special mention to the volunteers and teachers-in-charge who continue to support the kids and students in participating on these days, without your support, the festival will not be as successful as it is. To former NHRU Rugby Manager – Junior, Jack Bergin, who left the Union in August, for his contribution in coordinating all the festivals prior to his departure.

Also, to the North Harbour Rugby Engagement and Participation team, who provide the support needed before, during and after each festival.

Looking Forward

As we reflect on the success of 2024, we are excited about the future. With the continued support of our sponsors, schools, and the community, North Harbour Rugby is committed to “Improving Lives Through Rugby” and enhancing our Primary School Festivals, making rugby accessible and enjoyable for even more young players.

Tyrone Elkington-MacDonald,

North Harbour Rugby

Head of Participation and Engagement

Article added: Wednesday 04 September 2024