Local Hero: Trish Green

Trish Green has combined her love of rugby and learning about new cultures by volunteering to be a part of the Rugby World Cup.

Mrs Green is one of the 200 volunteers based in Rotorua for the tournament. She is a tourist host, based at the Rotorua Convention Centre and tasked with helping people on the street and staying in the city centre.

"I love rugby and I guess you would say I'm a proud Kiwi," Mrs Green said.

"When I found out what roles would be involved I thought it would be nice to meet all these other people from overseas. I love learning about other countries.

"We've met people from Argentina and Australia as well as visitors not here for the Rugby World Cup."

Mrs Green lives in Te Puke and works as the electorate agent for Health Minister and Bay of Plenty MP Tony Ryall. On Sunday she was in the town when the Namibian team visited.

Te Puke has adopted the team and many of the school children had been learning about the African nation.

"I was fortunate to meet the team, they were lovely, absolutely delightful."

So far she has worked three volunteer shifts. Her first was last Wednesday when she visited Rotorua backpackers as well as the Polynesian Spa and Tamaki Village handing out leaflets on what was happening during the Rugby World Cup.

"There is so much going on that is free, such as the Fanzones and buses to the games. On Saturday, I was outside the Convention Centre helping people get to the stadium. We had Fijian supporters all dressed up ready to go and then suddenly a bunch of Namibian supporters showed up.

"We thought we should separate them but the bus driver said afterwards that they all sang on the way.

"It's been great. I've no regrets about signing up."

TELL US If you know of a volunteer who deserves recognition contact Whare Akuhata on (07) 348-6199 ext 57054, or email whare.akuhata@dailypost.co.nz