Taiwhati family to watch big game in style

The Taiwhati whanau from Flaxmere have won tickets and VIP treatment for the upcoming NRL match between the Storm and the Dragons at McLean Park, Napier. Pictured are Rodney Green (left) of Bluewater Hotel, Shane Taiwhati, Kevin Murphy, Anna Taiwhati, Deejae, 12, and Levi, 6. Photo / Paul Taylor

A Flaxmere family were "over the moon" when they found out they would be watching Napier's first NRL game from VIP seats.

Anna Taiwhati didn't even realise there was a competition until told she had won.

The Taiwhatis, will be watching the Melbourne Storm play St George Illawara Dragons on July 25 from the club house lounge, after they won an ultimate VIP package. They will enjoy pre-game food and drink at the Bluewater Hotel before being chauffeured to the game in a hummerzine.

The family went into a draw for the prize because Mrs Taiwhati bought their tickets early.

They were away when tickets originally went on sale, but buying the family pass was the first thing Mrs Taiwhati did after arriving home, having looked forward to the match since first hearing about it.

"We were already excited about going to the game, but now we're even more stoked," she said.

They were "ecstatic, absolutely over the moon", when they found out about the prize.

The TV is tuned to league games several nights a week, with Mrs Taiwhati saying: "If the league is on, Shane's watching".

Mr Taiwhati had been interested in league for decades, which he called "the greatest game in the world", but sons Deejae and Levi were more interested in playing Xbox.

Mrs Taiwhati said her sons weren't too excited initially, but this was changing as game day drew closer.

"They're more home kids ... but this time they were both like 'Oh yup'."

Mr Taiwhati will be cheering on the Kiwi players of both teams, while long-time Storm supporter Mrs Taiwhati's loyalty will be tested by Benji Marshall's move to the Dragons.

Deejae will be supporting Storm, and Levi will just be trying to stay awake long enough to enjoy the hummer ride home.

She said the family were grateful to everyone involved with the prize package, and are paying it forward by giving their original tickets to friends who are "massive league fans".

Napier City Council marketing manager Rebecca Ainsworth and event manager Kevin Murphy are helping to organise the big day.

"There's been a great uptake from the Hawke's Bay region," Ms Ainsworth said, "the local audience is getting in and supporting the event."

They said sales were going well, with seated allocations sold out and only embankment tickets left. Mr Murphy said there would hopefully be many more NRL games at Mclean Park.