The Hamster has his say
05 August 2010

Following on from recent correspondence, I would like to make the following points:

• Chris Rattue is a complete bell-end and as MacDadddy has rightly said, is just writing something which he deems to be "shocking" in the sad attempt to prove his worth (or otherwise) as a credible journalist.
• Harbour has much to be proud of in its first 25 years. By far and away it's best cause for celebration is it's promotion of players to higher honours who would never had a look in otherwise.
• It also shaped the identity of a flourishing region which continues to grow, albeit that identity is now under threat with the pending arrival of the Supercity.
• A stadium which was required, was built and runs at a profit, this will assist all on the North Shore in the coming years and not just with hosting sport.
• It refreshed NZ rugby when it was getting old and boring and the manner in which we played, especially in the mid-nineties was outstanding.

Now it is true to say over the last few years the standard of rugby has been nothing less than average and while that is a catalyst for some considerable concern the real problems we faced (and continue to do so) can be surmised below:

• Time. When we started in '85 we were highly viable, exciting and progressive. In the 1990's however rugby changed significantly, which would have been difficult to predict.
• Changing Rugby Landscape. We went from amateur to professional in 10 years of existence. Harbour went from being a stand-alone CANZ or Super 10 union to a non-franchise union in the blink of an eye. Most unions in a similar position have suffered greatly from this, it is far from a "Harbour" problem.
• Finance. The above affected us dramatically in terms of the funding of the Stadium, payment required for players and the general escalated cost of running a rugby entity like our own.
• Governance. We have had our fair share of strange officials, blunders, pokie issues and we needed to stand-up and take some responsibility for this. Largely this has been done but inspired leadership is still something that is sorely lacking.

For people to say is a holistic manner that Harbour has failed, betrays a lack of knowledge and clear thinking. Harbour have not failed anyone but we are behind in where we should be which is a different matter all together.

The changes that had to be absorbed would have tested any new beginner and in rugby terms, 25 years is very young indeed.

What is needed is clear and decisive leadership from the Union and clubs on where we should go and how we might arrive there.

This is the real challenge, hold your head up Harbour we have a way to go yet!