Get to Mt Smart and support tsunami victims this Saturday

5 October 2009 

Mt Smart Stadium is getting in behind a benefit match being held by the New Zealand Rugby League (NZRL) to raise funds for the Samoan tsunami disaster relief effort.

ARC Chairman Mike Lee says the Auckland Regional Council (ARC) will be waiving all charges for the use of the Council-owned stadium and urges Aucklanders to get along to the game between the Samoan Residents (Toa Samoa Domestic) and the Bartercard Premiership Selection at Mt Smart Stadium this Saturday (10 October).

Chairman of the ARC's Mt Smart Special Committee Michael Barnett says, "Following the tragic events in Samoa last week, we urge the people of Auckland to head to Mt Smart on Saturday and make this game something to cheer about."

The NZRL has announced the return of Kiwi rugby league and Warriors legend Ruben Wiki as a guest player in the Samoa Residents side.

"The ARC had been looking at suitable ways in which to assist the Samoan government following the tsunami tragedy when we were approached by the game organisers.

"Cr Barnett and myself had no hesitation about throwing our weight behind this exciting event," says Mr Lee.

The Samoa side is made up entirely of players that live in Samoa. Hosted by the NZRL, the team is also being supported by the local Samoan community during their time in Auckland.
All gate proceeds from the game, along with funds from a bucket collection, will go to the Samoan tsunami relief fund.

Samoan Residents v Bartercard Premiership Selection

Saturday 10 October 2009, 2.00pm - 5.30pm
Mt Smart Stadium

• Gates open at 2pm
• Curtain raiser is a 10mins each way women's 7s match - Fetu Samoa v Auckland Invitational kicking off at 2.30pm
• Main game starts at 3.30pm
• Tickets - gate sales only. Adults $5, children under 15 $2, and children under 2 free.

For further information please contact:

ARC Chairman Mike Lee 027 494 3198 or

ARC Communications Jo Davidson 09 366 2000 x8071 or 021 331 634