Hawke’s Bay Hustle – Parliamentary Rugby & Netball

Free

Forget Question Time — Parliament’s next big showdown is happening on the rugby field and netball court!

The New Zealand Parliamentary Rugby Team and Parliamentary Ferns are heading to Hawke’s Bay on Saturday 22 August to take on local invitational teams in a special day of rugby, netball, community spirit and fundraising for Cranford Hospice.

Come along and see MPs put their sporting skills to the test as they battle it out against Hawke’s Bay players — all in support of a cause that matters to our community.

The fixtures

Parliamentary Ferns vs Hawke’s Bay Invitational Team
2pm | Iona College Indoor Court

Parliamentary Rugby Team vs Hawke’s Bay Invitational Team
3.30pm | Anderson Park

The Parliamentary Rugby Team has a long tradition of taking its game around the country to raise funds for local communities and charities. The Parliamentary Ferns are also regulars on the fundraising fixture circuit.

There are sure to be some familiar faces taking to the court and field, with Police Minister Mark Mitchell among those expected to play. Mitchell will be looking to get back into action after suffering two broken ribs during the Parliamentary Rugby Team’s June fixture, the Rumble in Russell.

The rugby match will also see the Parekura Horomia Memorial Challenge Cup contested, honouring the late Labour MP and Minister of Māori Affairs and his passion for rugby, community and the East Coast and Hawke’s Bay region.

Make a day of it

There will be plenty happening around the matches, including:

• Sausage sizzle
• Bouncy castle
• Face painting
• Tug of war
• Fundraising activities
• Charity auction

Following the matches, head to Havelock North Rugby Club for prizegiving at 6pm, followed by a fundraising charity auction.

Support Cranford Hospice

Entry is with a gold coin donation.

All funds raised from the day will support Cranford Hospice and the specialist palliative care it provides to people and their whānau across Hawke’s Bay.

Bring the family, bring your friends, pick a team to support and enjoy an afternoon of sport, competition and community spirit.

Saturday 22 August 2026
Netball – 2pm, Iona College Indoor Court
Rugby – 3.30pm, Anderson Park
Prizegiving & charity auction – 6pm, Havelock North Rugby Club

Everyone welcome.

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