Touch: Charity tournament for gutted schools

Quentin Gardiner from Ezy Doz passes against G2 at the charity touch tournament to raise money for burnt schools in Rarotonga. Photo/Andrew Warner

Fire ripped through Rarotonga's Nukutere College just after 1am on October 20, 2013, devastating six classrooms.

Members of the island's only fire service sat helpless just minutes down the road, unable to do anything to stop it.

Just after 4pm that afternoon, a second fire was reported at Avatea School in Nikao, damaging classrooms and the primary school's library.

Again, the fire service could do nothing to stop it.

Tauranga resident Tony Paekau - known by many as T-Rex - said the fire service was bound by international regulations to stay at their airport base as the schools burned.

"Unfortunately they weren't saved because the fire service on the island is designated for the airport," Paekau said.

"That gives you an idea about the international regulation of both arriving and departing flights. During those times they have to stay on site no matter what."

Paekau, the driving force behind the 16-team touch tournament fundraiser held at Blake Park on Saturday, has strong links to the island paradise.

"I married the queen of Rarotonga. She went to both of those schools so it hit home a little bit. Locally there is a big group of us who love, and have been married on, the shores of Rarotonga. So these efforts were made due to her close ties with the schools. These are efforts to raise money for a stand alone fire station, but for now we have jumped on the back of a nationwide bandwagon trying to raise funds for the schools."

The cause of the fires is yet to be determined, but given the timing and the number of arson attacks in the area during the last year, it is widely believed the fires were intentionally lit.

So it was no surprise, then, to see all of the teams enjoying their day despite constant drizzle that got heavier as the day wore on.

Teams from Auckland, Maketu, Rotorua, Whakatane, Hamilton and Kawerau meant the friendly whanua-orientated tournament, which boasted a massive array of spot prizes, was both social and competitive.

Former Waikato players Keith Lowen, Deon Muir and Marty Holah took part in the traditional black, red and yellow colours of the Mooloo men, while All Blacks flanker Liam Messam was expected to arrive in the afternoon with a signed Chiefs jersey.

Proceeds from the tournament will go towards the schools, with additional events in the works to raise money for the separate fire service.