Rugby: Tane driven to succeed

Tane the Taniwha has a new car thanks to the crew at All Kars in Whangarei. Next up for Tane is a new suit. Donation buckets are appearing all over town.Photo/John Stone

Who would have thought taniwhas could drive?

Northland's Tane the Taniwha is leading the way for supernatural creatures after getting behind the wheel.

Tane, who is often seen revving crowds up at Northland rugby games, is going through a bit of a rebranding process and is getting out and about throughout Northland.

Helping him on his way is All Kars in Robert St, Whangarei. The crew at All Kars has sponsored Tane a car for the next 12 months, helping the green machine get from A to B to C ...

Tane is stoked with the support.

"They know the legacy, they know the Taniwha," Tane said. "I knew someone would see the marketing tool."

Tane hopes the vehicle sponsorship is just the beginning.

He had hoped to travel around the country supporting the ITM Cup team, but funding flights to the South Island was a little expensive for him - considering it is a volunteer job.

Next for Tane is trying to get a new suit.

Tane has buckets kicking around town in bars, restaurants, and rugby clubs asking for donations towards the new suit.

While he is trying to broaden the Taniwha appeal, so he becomes more of a mascot for all of Northland, he felt chipping in towards a new suit was a way the region could get behind him.

Meanwhile, this Friday night the Blues are at Toll Stadium playing a Northland Barbarians team.

That match will kick off at 6.30pm.