Ana Apatu: MAC is living up to past glories

Henare O'Keefe

I sit with Rex Graham and Henare O'Keefe. Before we get down to business we catch up on our weekend's activities. Maori Agricultural College (MAC) premier rugby team won their game, beating Havelock for the first time in 25 years.

MAC has a fascinating history, initially established by the Jesus Christ Church of Latter Day Saints Bridge Pa in 1913. In 1931, the earthquake destroyed the buildings. The college was developed to educate Maori and Pacific from all over the country. A list of 27 subjects was offered, including agronomy, animal husbandry, outdoor farm work, penmanship, physiology and hygiene, civics, field corps, soil management and theology.

MAC head coach Anthony Morley believes religious studies helped instil discipline. During the 1900s not many colleges were open to enrolling Maori students. This college had historical importance for its founders because it was the first college built by the Latter Day Saints outside the United States.

MAC has a proud record in Maori rugby. Two players, George Nepia and Lui Paewai (youngest All Black at the age of 17), played for the great 1924 Invincibles. Nepia was able to kick the rugby ball in a spiral, which originated from the manner in which the Americans throw the gridiron ball. Apparently, he became so expert at this style of kicking he could make the ball land on a handkerchief 50 yards away. The story goes Nepia was supposed to attend Te Aute College but hopped off the train at Bridge Pa. He produced the song Maori Moon.

A host of other All Blacks and Maori All Blacks began their rugby careers playing for the club, helping to create the legacy that is in place today - players such as Eru Tengaio, Edwards Paratene, Everard Jackson, Sam Gemmell, Hawea Mataira, Tori Reid and, of course, Taine Randell. Apparently seven All Blacks have come through MAC bloodlines.

Sadly the club fell away in the 90s and early 2000s and, five years ago, the rugby team were losing by an average of 80 points a game. MAC Rugby last won the Maddison Trophy in 1979.

There are two rounds for the premier teams. The first round is for the Nash Cup, while the second round for the major trophy is the Maddison Trophy.

Anthony Morley believes that by grasping the history of MAC, this inspired the rugby team to achieve. "When I first came in 2010, I told the team the only thrashing they would get will be at training."

With the perseverance of Anthony and the support of a dedicated team, including Henare O'Keefe and Taine Randell, the team has turned around.

I ask Anthony what has turned this team around. Better recruitment, hard pre-season training, improved fitness levels. Anthony believes Maori and Pacific are unstoppable when there is an emotional set of circumstances. "Our team talks are different. No yelling or screaming. We discuss a few tactics and I remind them why we are playing. When MAC dedicate themselves to something or someone - it fires the team up and they can be very, very tough - unbeatable on the day.

"The club is based on the values of he oranga mo te whanau (family is forever). A family-first kaupapa. If there is something that does not fit with the family, we filter it out. We don't feel obligated to stay on or hold after-hours functions. We are mindful that families are tired at the end of the day.

"As a result, we receive great support from wives and partners. We do have an alcohol free stance - we do not encourage alcohol. The main reason is because it is antisocial, it leaves the wives and families behind."

He also tells me MAC is big-time representative of Flaxmere. In fact, I am told that of the last 500 registered members of MAC, 95 per cent live in Flaxmere and there is a growing membership of players from the Pacifica community that has settled in Flaxmere. This rich history of MAC extends to a strong (six-years undefeated) netball team, volleyball, rugby league women's and men's teams, and MAC Summer Slam basketball. In the words of Rex Graham: "MAC Rugby - the greatest alcohol-free Maori rugby club in the world. Warriors on the field and gentlemen off the field."

-Ana Apatu is chief executive of the U-Turn Trust, based at Te Aranga Marae in Flaxmere