Touch and Teamwork - Social Touch Rugby redefining office dynamics

Last month, the HFHV team geared up with the wider Connected Communities team to be a part of a social work Touch Rugby team. Along with a bit of competitiveness, the aim of forming this team was to encourage kaimahi to improve their hauora and waiora through physical activity while strengthening our team culture. 

Just like the name of the sport, the outcome of the 6-week season had an impact that was far more touching than any of us expected.

HFHV Practice Lead George reflects on the season.

“The team was made up of staff, their partners, their children and their mokopuna along with work colleagues all learning the game and choosing to get out and be active. I thought it was a special moment to see the team in a different element outside of mahi, I saw a lot of resilience, support and fun.”

“I didn’t see the usual roles of a Systems Innovator, Manager, Kaiārahi Māori etc. I saw way more than that:

With a player coming back from knee construction surgery and another coming back from another major surgery, the team created a supportive, safe and encouraging environment that saw their confidence grow every week.”

“I also saw tamariki see their mum/dad/koro through a different lens in sports with the Tamariki leaving games feeling inspired to get out and become more active.”

“From a personal space, I had the opportunity to connect and play alongside two of my mokopuna, which would never have happened anywhere else. I found that we are having life and sport conversations that have been generated by this experience. It has bonded us together in a different way and it’s a memory that I will always treasure and hold in my heart.”