WANTED: Somebody capable of filling the biggest shoes in Northland rugby - must be good with kids, fit and able to whip a crowd into a frenzy.
The Northland Rugby Union is on the hunt for a replacement for the man who has filled the huge role as its Taniwha mascot for 12 years.
Whangarei businessman and actor Des Wallace is getting out of the Taniwha suit, leaving the NRU with big shoes to fill and on the hunt for a good keen rugby fan for the role.
Mr Wallace said he was having trouble letting go of the Taniwha suit as it had been such a huge enjoyment and pleasure over the past 12 years.
In that time he's been through all the highs and lows, "but possibly more lows", of Northland rugby, and hoped a fun-loving, patient person who could relate to children could be found to replace him.
"It's been a great experience and in that time I got to know most of the players, coaches and management on a personal level and it's been a great voluntary job to do. But really it's all about the kids, who just love the Taniwha," he said.
"The kids want to see the Taniwha and they help drag the parents along to the games and help improve the atmosphere. I'd like to think I've helped build the Taniwha brand in the past 12 years and I hope somebody else can take it forward."
But the job is no place for a shrinking violet, he says, though hiding behind a mask is a good way of making a shy person more confident.
"It can help you come out if you are hiding behind an outfit - it's a big confidence boost."
And the best part of the job?
"The reaction of the kids. That's what makes it all worthwhile."
But the new Taniwha would need to be good at communicating without talking.
"The Taniwha doesn't talk so has to communicate with the kids through movement in an 'almost' Taniwha sign language."
NRU chairman Andrew Golightly said the Taniwha was the best mascot in the country, although some might argue in the world, and losing Mr Wallace was a huge blow.
But he expected much interest in the role and conceded the NRU may have to hold "trials" for the job - maybe a possible versus the probables - to put suitable candidates through their paces.
The Taniwha, in various forms, has been a regular fixture on the sidelines of Northland home games for about 30 years and Mr Golightly said Mr Wallace had done a tremendous job in the role.
"They are going to be really big shoes to fill," he said.
So what attributes does the prospective new Taniwha need? Speed, stamina, a killer sidestep?
"Well speed hasn't always been the greatest strength of the Taniwha. But they will have to be able to mix well with all the kids out there and Northland rugby fans."
They will also need to be a good communicator, able to get a crowd stirred into action, be able to do a running high five to celebrate the tries, have a sense of humour and ultimately be fit.
"It's quite a heavy suit so you've got to be fit to wear it for 80 minutes plus. Also they must love their rugby, and be prepared to not see all the game because a big part of the job is keeping the crowd entertained and getting them involved," Mr Golightly said.
Applications should be sent to the NRU at 29 Okara Dv Whangarei, or check out www.taniwha.co.nz.
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