Rugby Southland Announces New Official Charity Partnerships

Rugby Southland is proud to announce the appointment of two new official charity partners, with Loss and Grief Centre Southland and Inclusive Activity Murihiku (iAM) confirmed as key community partners for the next two seasons.

Both organisations are deeply rooted in Southland and provide vital support services that align strongly with Rugby Southland’s commitment to community wellbeing, inclusion, and connection. The two-year partnership will focus not only on fundraising, but also on actively promoting and supporting the work of each organisation across the region.

The Loss and Grief Centre Southland offers compassionate support for individuals and whānau navigating all forms of loss and grief. Their services extend beyond bereavement to include support for those experiencing separation, illness, isolation, and significant life changes. Through counselling, resources, and community outreach, the Centre plays a crucial role in helping people across the region process and manage difficult experiences.

Inclusive Activity Murihiku (iAM) is dedicated to creating opportunities for people of all abilities to participate in meaningful activities, fostering inclusion, confidence, and social connection. Their work ensures that individuals who may otherwise face barriers are supported to engage fully in their communities.

Rugby Southland Head of Commercial and Business Development, Jack King, said the selection process was both competitive and inspiring.

“We received 16 applications, and it was a genuinely heartwarming process that made us incredibly proud of the work being done across our region. The calibre of organisations was outstanding, which made the decision a challenging one.

Both the Loss and Grief Centre Southland and Inclusive Activity Murihiku deliver essential services that make a real difference in people’s lives. This partnership is about more than just raising funds — it’s about using our platform to actively promote, support and advocate for the important work these organisations do across Southland. We’re excited about what we can achieve together over the next two seasons.”

Caroline Loo, Founder and Director of the Loss and Grief Centre Southland expressed her appreciation for the partnership.

“We are absolutely thrilled to have been chosen as a charity partner by Rugby Southland. It is such an amazing opportunity to collaborate together to support our rugby community and their whānau. We look forward to an exciting partnership. Our antlers are up!”

Megan Leslie, Inclusion and Capability Manager at Inclusive Activity Murihiku (iAM), said the partnership represents an important step forward for the organisation.

“This partnership with Rugby Southland is a significant milestone for Inclusive Activity Murihiku (iAM), helping us expand the visibility of our programmes across Murihiku. It supports our ability to create more opportunities for tamariki, rangatahi, and adults of all abilities to participate in a wide range of sport and recreation activities.

We continue to see the positive impact inclusive sport and recreation has in building confidence, connection, and a strong sense of belonging, and this partnership will help us further grow that impact across our region.”

Kerryn Douglas, Founder and Chair of Inclusive Activity Murihiku (iAM), said the partnership builds on the organisation’s original vision.

“As iAM Chair and founder, Kerryn Douglas recognised a gap in what Southland offered people with disabilities — and she moved quickly to change that. The partnership with Rugby Southland opens an exciting new chapter, creating a platform to leverage support and awareness, and to shine a brighter light on the amazing mahi taking place across this sector, all while championing equity and accessibility to sport for every Southlander.”

Through these partnerships, Rugby Southland will work closely with both organisations to raise awareness, support initiatives, and create meaningful opportunities for engagement with fans, players, and the wider community.

Article added: Thursday 30 April 2026