North Otago Rugby’s new chief executive was officially welcomed at a mihi whakatau this week at the Loan & Merc in Oamaru.
More than 180 guests attended, including representatives from the government, the Ministry for Pacific Peoples, New Zealand Rugby, the Highlanders, and Otago Rugby.
Ms Naoupu’s Pasifika heritage was on full display as members of the Oamaru Cook Island community performed on drums in addition to dances and other cultural performances.
There was also an ava ceremony with a selection of the guests.
NZR Pasifika Advisory Group co-chairperson Pauline Jean-Luyten gave a speech as did former All Black and NZR Pasifika engagement manager Saveatama Eroni Clarke.
In her speech, Ms Naoupu said she was "honoured and humbled" to be welcomed with such a special event.
"I mentioned to our staff earlier today how much it means. How much Oamaru, North Otago means and North Otago Rugby means [to me].".
She was excited about the future of the union with the Network Waitaki Event Centre build scheduled to be completed in early 2026 and North Otago Rugby celebrating its centenary the following year.
