It was a who’s who of rugby on Saturday at Ōhaupō Rugby Sports Club as longtime servant Kiwi Searancke was awarded Waikato Rugby life membership.
Longtime friends Ian Foster and Kiwi Searancke embrace at Searancke’s Waikato Rugby life membership ceremony. Waikato Rugby chief executive Amy Marfell (right) is pictured next to Kiwi’s wife Ruth and grandchildren. Photo: Arthur Uden
Searancke’s celebration took place between the Ōhaupō versus Pirongia senior A and B matches.
Everyone had plenty to say about his contributions across the board and across the decades.
Waikato Rugby board members and life members as well as centurions Ian Foster and Pat “Foxy” Bennett were among those in attendance.
Searancke gave a lot to the Waikato colours, first playing for Waikato Māori under-21 in 1970.
Playing and coaching at every level of Waikato Rugby, he was involved for 31 years.
Ian Foster addresses his former teammate, coach and co-coach Kiwi Searancke. Photo: Arthur Uden
Thirteen of those were as a player across various grades and he represented the senior team on 73 occasions.
He continued in various capacities as an administrator until 2001 when he was Waikato NPC head coach.
Searancke also played club rugby for Kihikihi, Te Awamutu Old Boys, Hamilton Marist and Eastern Suburbs (now Suburbs).
These are just his achievements from within the region, as his playing and coaching career took him across New Zealand and the world.
Surrounded by wife Ruth and grandchildren, Searancke graciously accepted his new Waikato life member blazer in front of a big crowd.
Waikato Rugby chair Diane Hallifax presents Searancke with his life member blazer. Photo: Arthur Uden
“This is a huge honour and at the same time I feel very humbled because I think there are a lot of people who put just as much into the game. To get this recognition is great,” Searancke said.
“I have to acknowledge my wife Ruth, who spent a lot of time on her own. She’s always behind me and supported me in my rugby endeavours and helped me through.”
He thanked Ōhaupō life member Peter Bloodworth for getting the ball rolling for the award, as well as the Ōhaupō and Hamilton Marist clubs for the nomination and Waikato Rugby for accepting it.
“It’s quite appropriate that today, Ōhaupō are playing Pirongia, my dad played for Pirongia many years ago and as did a great stalwart of Waikato Rugby Harold Sherwin – a fantastic supporter of mine,” Searancke said.
“I’m so proud to be here and to have so many people come and support us.”
Foster said he grew up watching Searancke play for the province.
“That was a legendary time for Waikato. The way they played had a massive impact on us young people,” Foster said.
“I went from being a bit of a fan to becoming Kiwi’s teammate for three games at the start of my career and the end of his at Te Awamutu Old Boys.
“Then I had the utmost privilege of being coached by Kiwi and then coaching with him.
“I saw the amount of work he did in development. It’s fair to say the development of young players was probably as rewarding for Kiwi as coaching the top team.
“I learnt a lot about coaching from you as a man. The word that I would use, there’s been lots of flash words, but you were caring. You cared for the team; you cared for the players and that shone through with the relationships you built.”
Foster said it was an honour to attend the ceremony and lots of people were there to thank Searancke for everything he had done for them.
Waikato Rugby chief executive Amy Marfell said a life membership is the highest honour that Waikato Rugby awards.
“It is given to those who have made significant contributions to the game in our region – from players, to referees, coaches and administrators – it recognises the commitment of individuals who have served rugby at all levels of the game and left their indelible mark on the sport in the Waikato,” Marfell said.
“Kiwi is undoubtedly deserving of this award having dedicated decades of service as a player, coach and administrator.
“Kiwi’s contribution and dedication to the sport has been immense and for this reason, his name will forever be etched into the history books of rugby in the Waikato region.
“It’s always a proud day when Waikato Rugby inducts a new life member and we’re certainly pleased to be able to bestow this award on Kiwi for his service.”
New Zealand Rugby president Matthew Cooper, who was coached by Searancke, was unable to attend but Marfell read out his sentiments.
“Reflecting on our time together as coach and player in what was such a special Waikato Rugby era, what stands out most is your unwavering loyalty, your technical appreciation of the game and your inclusive leadership with the players,” Cooper’s statement said.
“But above all Kiwi, your pride and devotion to the red, yellow and black cause. You have embodied Waikato Rugby in every way. From your excellent playing career to your years shaping players and teams with your wisdom and passion.
“The legacy you have built, is a testament to your drive, ambition and service. Most importantly and one superb trait that I always admire is that you are, and always have been, Kiwi Searancke.
“Congratulations Kiwi, you so deserve this. I also want to acknowledge Ruth and your wonderful family as I know you well Kiwi, this life membership is a partnership of a very special team – the Searancke whānau.”
Waikato Rugby’s newest life member Kiwi Searancke and Waikato Rugby chair Diane Hallifax. Photo: Waikato Rugby
