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Grass Roots Rugby — The heart of NZ rugby
CLUB RUGBY / FROM THE GROUND UP2 November 2026
All club stories
Northland / Rural rugby / 1962

Country roots. A shared future.

In Hukerenui, rugby is a meeting place between generations as much as a contest between teams.

The programme for Mid Northern’s project-fund match at Whangārei on 3 April 1971: K. T. Going’s XV against W. F. McCormick’s XV.
The programme for Mid Northern’s project-fund match at Whangārei on 3 April 1971: K. T. Going’s XV against W. F. McCormick’s XV. Source: The Published Histories of New Zealand Rugby Football.

Country clubs coming together

Mid Northern was formed in 1962 when Towai-Maromaku and Hukerenui joined forces. The amalgamation brought neighbouring rural rugby communities together under one club.

A match to build a home

On 3 April 1971, K. T. Going’s XV met W. F. McCormick’s XV at Okara Park in Whangārei. The benefit match raised money for Mid Northern’s ground and building project at Hukerenui Domain. Its Rugbyite programme survives: a tangible record of the effort behind the club’s home.

Belonging across generations

Mid Northern backs its players to develop as individuals and teammates. Its commitment to opportunity and community connects former players, current teams and the next generation.

FROM THE CLUB ARCHIVE

Pictures with a past.

A page from the 1971 benefit programme recalls the Scarlet Runners, part of Mid Northern’s earlier club history.
A page from the 1971 benefit programme recalls the Scarlet Runners, part of Mid Northern’s earlier club history. Source: The Published Histories of New Zealand Rugby Football.
Sources & image credits

Sources reviewed 22 October 2026. Photographs remain the property of their respective rights holders. Contact the editor for credits or corrections.

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