Tasman Makos: News

Hundreds likely at Save the Maoks Rallies
16-Oct-2009

John Alexander - Marlborough Express
Hundreds of Tasman Makos' rugby supporters are expected to converge on the town centres of Blenheim and Nelson next Thursday in a one-team, one-voice show of support for their team.

The public rally is part of The Marlborough Express-led save-the-Makos campaign to convince the New Zealand Rugby Union to scrap proposed changes to next year's Air New Zealand Cup format which would see four teams, including the Makos, dumped.

Makos supporters, including school pupils, are urged to assemble in Market Place by the band rotunda from 3.30pm next Thursday and at the end of Trafalgar St in Nelson at the same time.

The Marlborough Express and The Nelson Mail's Save the Makos public petitions, which have been distributed to business houses in both towns, have received huge support, with several thousand signing them.

Business houses are urged to bring their filled-in petition forms to next Thursday's public rally and add them to the already considerable pile.

Radio Network Marlborough is also right behind the Save the Makos campaign and will MC next Thursday's rally, at which Marlborough Express editor Lance Dodd and Marlborough Mayor Alistair Sowman will address the crowd.

The rally is part of the lead-up to next Friday's much-anticipated Air NZ Cup clash at Lansdowne Park in Blenheim between the Tasman Makos and Wellington, the visitors coached by Marlborough's own Jamie Joseph.

As part of the "pack the park" promotion, which aims to get 10,000 people into the ground, The Express is running a banner competition with a great prize.

Mr Dodd will walk around the ground at halftime and judge the winning banner. The prize is a DVD player, a Makos jersey signed by players and coaches and $200.

"The occasion is a great opportunity for Makos fans to turn out en masse and show the New Zealand Rugby Union the folly of changing such a fantastic competition in which the Makos have shown they are right up to speed on and off the field," Mr Dodd said.

NZRU boss Steve Tew will be at Lansdowne Park for the match. Not only is he sure to get a rousing Makos welcome, but before the match Mr Dodd and Nelson Mail editor Bill Moore will present him with the Save-the-Makos petitions signed by thousands of fans from Marlborough and Nelson.