Why the Richmond Rovers mean so much to the Pasifika community
By Simon Day
“History, culture, family. Loyalty.”
The meaning of the Richmond Rovers to the community that has gravitated to the club in Grey Lynn Park for 110 years has never been more important.
The club has been the heart of the Pacific community that first moved into Auckland in the 50s. Now, 95% of the members live outside the central suburbs, but the Richmond Rovers maintain the Pasifika history of the area.
Re: News headed along to the Fox Memorial Grand Final – Auckland’s premier league competition – to talk to the Richmond fans about what makes the Bulldogs such a special symbol of Central Auckland.
Playing the Pt Chevalier Pirates it was Richmond’s first appearance in the final since 2001 and the club has not won the Fox Memorial since 1980.
In a back and forth game the Pirates won the championship 24 - 16.
The Richmond Rovers feature in the Re: documentary series STILL HERE.
STILL HERE is a love letter to our inner-city Auckland Pasifika community. Since the 1950s, the Pasifika community has cultivated a unique Central Auckland identity that many of the community’s youth proudly embrace; both as an act of resistance from ongoing gentrification and as an unapologetic reminder that they and their families are Still Here.
Made with the support of NZ On Air.
More stories:
A love letter to the Pacific heart of Central Auckland
Director Litia and producers Torisse and Ursula reflect on the journey of making STILL HERE S2.
The league club continuing the Pasifika legacy in Grey Lynn | STILL HERE S2 | Episode 3
“The Richmond Rovers and Grey Lynn park go hand in hand. It wouldn’t feel the same anywhere else.”
The Grey Lynn home where Niuean culture thrives | STILL HERE S2 | Episode 1
Watch the first episode from the new season of STILL HERE now.
