Nominations are open to celebrate the unsung heroes whose dedication and generosity help their touch rugby communities thrive, with selected recipients receiving $5000 to reinvest in grassroots sport.
Bunnings Home Ground Heroes is inviting touch communities across Aotearoa to recognise the volunteers who make the game possible. From organisers and coaches to those working tirelessly behind the scenes, the initiative celebrates the unsung individuals whose passion, commitment and mahi keep touch thriving at a grassroots level. Over the past five years, 20 recipients from communities nationwide have been recognised for their outstanding contributions to touch.
Bunnings NZ general manager Melissa Haines said touch communities thrived because of everyday New Zealanders who gave their time and energy to others.
“Home Ground Heroes lets us support that impact in a meaningful way, helping local volunteers do even more for their players and whānau,” she said.
Past recipients used the support to expand local initiatives, reduce barriers for families and invest in equipment that strengthens participation.
Among the past winners of the program, Jenny Turner shared the impact of the fund in her community.
“The funding has made a genuinely meaningful difference to how we deliver our junior module,” Jenny said.
“It’s enabled us to invest in essential infrastructure, from new referee shirts and refreshed equipment to a golf cart that helps our small volunteer team set up quickly and safely, along with a media wall that makes our championship finals feel truly special.
“With just four volunteers running the programme, these upgrades have taken real pressure off our committee and helped us create an experience where kids feel valued, proud, and excited to be part of their local club.”
Meanwhile, Ani Nock has been a cornerstone of the Waikato touch community for more than 25 years. Starting out as a player, she has gone on to represent New Zealand at the 2015 Touch World Cup. Ani plays a key role in coaching teams for the Women’s Touch NZ module.
“The financial grant helped us invest in resources and equipment for the teams which has made a big difference and made life so much easier,” she said.
“We’ve also been able to invest heavily in our women’s module. We’re incredibly grateful to Bunnings for all their support.”
The initiative invites touch communities nationwide to nominate those who embody this same dedication. Nominators will need to outline how their nominee positively impacts the touch community and how a $5000 grant would further strengthen their efforts.
DETAILS: Nominations close on March 14, with winners to be announced in mid-April. For more information on the 2026 Bunnings Home Ground Heroes programme, visit www.touchnz.co.nz/bunnings-home-ground-heroes.
