Heartland Roadtrip: Rugby lover shining light for youth

Keven Mealamu. Photo / Greg Bowker

In the final part of this roadtrip through rugby heartland, we talk to a Putaruru boy made good about what it takes to be a Chief, a man helping to keep Tokoroa's youth off the streets, and one of the products of the 'Tok' talent factory.

The bush contracting work Tini Karauria does would tire out most blokes. He plants trees around the hills and countryside near Tokoroa and then goes about his other business.

Most evenings Karauria can be found down the footy ground, nurturing children with his love of rugby or working with referees to upskill them in his favourite game - all this work is done gratis.

He demands attention and hard work at his sessions, skylarking is not on the agenda. The kids know that.

All the rugby clubs used to operate at this vast amenity - Tokoroa Pirates, Old Boys and Tokoroa - side by side, all with teams in various competitions.

That was then. Now a couple are defunct as the gangs in town have claimed a chunk of the membership.

But there are about 25 kids at training tonight with their dads or relatives in tow.

They're put through a series of warm-up drills from Karauria as he works them through cones, ladders, flags and posts he has set up around the field. He has purchased all the gear out of his forestry earnings.

Several parents praise his devotion while lamenting the lack of sports gear available in schools.

Karauria watches his pride then whistles them into a huddle.

"Pain is my favourite word," he tells them. A few start to shuffle and look a little worried until he stares one boy down with a warming line.

"You are Keven Mealamu's double," he says.

The boy's face lights up like the national grid and his dad glows too.

They start to talk about their next game and who's going to play in what positions. Tuso doesn't think he can make it because he has to go to church.

No matter says Karauria, as long as kids make it to practice and have a good time.

The series

Day one: How Otorohanga turned themselves from a King Country outpost to Waikato club rugby champions; and a character emerges at one of New Zealand's most iconic clubs, Waitete.

Day two: Whether the Chiefs' success would help turn lakeside tourist trap Taupo into a rugby town; and Sam Cane's rapid rise from Reporoa.