14/08/2026
There’s no greater feeling of loss than what our whānau has felt over the past week and a bit as we farewell our Rangatira, our Life Member, and the heart of our Bubz whānau - our Papa Richie. ❤️
There’s no denying that our whole Bubz kaupapa is built on whānau. The love, strength and support we draw from one another to get over the line, week in and week out.
Unfortunately, for the first time since establishing our Bubz whānau in the WNC, we won’t be competing in the WNC finals next weekend. We want to congratulate Whangaruru and Manawanui on securing the top two spots this season.
We’d also love to acknowledge and thank our whānau, the centre, management, our supporters and everyone working behind the scenes who helps make everything happen each season.
We will be back next year, stronger than ever and ready to hit the court running. But for now, our focus is on our whānau putting our love and energy into healing our hearts, navigating life without one of our main leaders, and carrying forward everything Papa Richie stood for.
We’ll make you proud, Papa. ❤️
We have two of our Bubz teams in Kaikohe playing finals next Thursday. Our Bubz prem & Bubz collegiate so we’re looking forward to those games also. And we’d also love to congratulate our Bubz babies that had an amazing season in Kerikeri led by aunty Karli B.
