Warriors star Adam Blair revisits the past at Te Kura o Otangarei school

Adam Blair recalled fond memories of his time at Te Kura o Otangarei. Photo / John Stone

The pupils of Te Kura o Otangarei will remember Thursday, February 28, not as another end to the month, but as one of the best days of their lives.

About 90 children were packed into the school hall yesterday before three members of the New Zealand Warriors, including former pupil Adam Blair, came in and presented them with official Warriors jackets.

The excitement in the air was obvious as the children's eyes shone as they zipped up their crisp new jackets, the Warriors emblem shining on the back. The jackets were donated by KidsCan as a part of its 'Raincoats for Kids' intiative which aimed to keep New Zealand children warm and dry as well as enhancing a child's attendance, self-esteem, motivation, participation and engagement at school.

This was one of 13 school visits the Warriors would be doing before their game at the Northland Events Centre against the West Tigers on Saturday, kickoff at 3pm. It was a great chance for Blair to revisit his home where he lived for about five of his younger years.

Student Kahurangi Ryan is thrilled to see the Warriors arrive at school. Photo / John Stone

"When I first found out we were coming here, I knew it would be a great feeling to come back," Blair said.

"To get an opportunity to run through a few schools especially in Otangarei where I spent a few years as a kid, it's kind of surreal."

Blair said listening to the songs and haka performed by the pupils of his old school, brought back fond memories of his time in Northland.

"It's not the flashiest area or the tidiest place but it taught me to be grateful for what you have.

"For me, coming out of a small place like Otangarei and not knowing what I wanted to do, you learn that when an opportunity comes round you've got to work hard for it."

School executive officer Bronwyn Panoho had been teaching in the area since the 1980s and was a teacher aide when Blair attended the school. She didn't remember the now Warriors star as a pupil, but said that may have been a good thing.

"I only remember the really good ones or the really naughty ones so he must have been in the middle."

Panoho said Blair's visit would be a highlight for the school pupils who looked up the former members who had gone on to achieve great things, and the jackets would be a reminder that they could do the same.

The Warriors kickoff against the West Tigers at 3pm on Saturday at the Northland Events Centre.