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Otamātea Hawks had cause for a double celebration on May 17 when two club stalwarts – Michael Tovine and Mike Peeni – clocked up personal rugby milestones.
For Tovine, the match against Old Boys Marist marked his 300th game for the club and for Peeni, it was his 100th game as coach. Tovine is the first player in the club’s history to reach 300.
He started playing for Otamātea in IMB rugby in the Under 14s in 2000 and played his first Hawks Premier game in 2003 while still at school. Since then he has played all over the field, from lock to fullback.
Tovine receiving his award from club president Bevan Thomas. Both Tovine and Peeni received the first ceremonial caps the club has ever presented; Presentation night for Mike Peeni.
He rates winning the promotion relegation game in 2009 against Waipu, and relegating them to the 2nd division, as one of the highlights of his rugby playing career.
Tovine’s father was heavily involved with the club and coached the Premier and Reserve teams at different times, and Michael is also the current Otamātea Hawks committee treasurer and the Otamātea/Rodney Sub Union committee president.
Off field, he works for Fire and Emergency NZ as a senior advisor operational capability.
Club president Bevan Thomas says Tovine is a local Maungatūroto lad, who has come through the local rugby systems.
“He’s a truly humble club man, who has been a major contributor in keeping Hawks rugby alive with his involvement on and off the field,” Thomas says.
Meanwhile, Thomas says Mike Peeni is a born and bred Paparoa man, whose commitment and passion for Otamātea and Northland Rugby is unparalleled.
“He’s another truly humble club man who has been a major contributor in supporting Hawks rugby and available for our community from JMB through to seniors.
“Mike is also a current committee member of the Otamātea Hawks, Otamātea/Rodney Sub Union and Northland Rugby Council of Unions.”
He first played for the Hawks in 1996 IMB, then seniors from 2001 to 2012 (100 playing games).
He’s been coaching since 2013, first the seniors (2013/14), then IMB (2015/16), Hawks seniors (2017/18), IMB (2019/20), and Hawks Seniors (2021-current).
His achievements include finals wins – 2016 U16s, 2019 U18s and 2022 Seniors, and Northland age group representative coaching in 2015.
Thomas says the Hawks are going well this season with a record of six wins and two losses, and are currently sitting at the top of the table.
“We hope to hold a top two position to secure a home semi-final.
“Player numbers have been great this season, too, with Coach Peeni having difficult decisions to make each weekend as to who will make the 23 to take the field and who misses out.”
