Peters braves Magpies' nest to support Taniwha

New Zealand First MP for Northland, Winston Peters, Bill Dalton, Mayor of Napier, and Stuart Nash, Labour MP for Napier enjoy pre-match refreshments. Photo / Paul Taylor

The Taniwha had a special fan in attendance for their Ranfurly Shield clash with the Magpies yesterday.

Winston Peters travelled south to see his beloved Northland battle the Bay for the prized log o'wood.

His province has not had its hands on the shield since 1978, when the rugby side was called North Auckland.

Mr Peters enjoyed the company of Napier Labour MP Stuart Nash and Napier Mayor Bill Dalton as the home side dispatched the challengers convincingly 39-10. "It was great for Hawke's Bay, not so much for us," Mr Peters said.

"We got out bums kicked real bad."

Mr Peters was resigned to defeat after just a quarter of the game was gone.

"It didn't look good, the Bay just had far better organisation.

"Northland were a good side last year but it seems they have fallen away."

The weather did not quite play its part, as a steady and chilling rain fell on a modest McLean Park crowd.

"Maybe that's the excuse?

"I think it took the Northland boys 70-odd minutes to thaw out," Mr Peters said. He said the Bay looked to be a quality outfit and, although some tough challenges lay ahead, he believed they could retain the Ranfurly Shield all season.

Despite the disappointing result, Mr Peters enjoyed his day. "McLean Park has always been very consumer-friendly."

He drowned his sorrows in a couple of beers last night, before returning north today.