Player Tony Tatupu

[mt.wellington]

Tony Tatupu

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SECOND ROW | TONY TATUPU (#12)

A tall ball-playing back rower, Tatupu (born on July 26, 1969), was signed by the Auckland Warriors from the local football scene.

Out of the Mount Albert club, he played for North Harbour in the Lion Red Cup in 1994 and also won Kiwi selection that year. He earned selection for the start of the Warriors’ debut campaign with his preseason efforts earning a place in club folklore as one of the club’s try scorers in the debut match against Brisbane.

At the end of the 1996 season Tatupu took up a contract with Warrington in the English Super League in 1997 but was back at the Warriors for the 1998 and 1999 seasons.

In 1998 he had the distinction of scoring the try after the final siren which gave the Warriors a remarkable 24-21 win over Melbourne. He ended his playing career with Wakefield in England and then joined the police. Tatupu twice represented Samoa at the Rugby League World Cup.

NRL career: 67 games (1995-1996 & 1998-1999), 40 points (10 tries).

Warriors career: 67 games (1995-1996 & 1998-1999), 40 points (10 tries)

Anniversary clash: Profiling originals

Profiles of the 17 players who appeared in the Auckland Warriors' Winfield Cup debut on March 10, 1995. Image | www.photosport.co.nz

www.warriors.kiwi

 

[mt.wellington]

Warrior hits police beat​

14:43, Jan 31 2009​

JANIE SMITH/AUCKLAND CITY HARBOUR NEWS
COMMUNITY ACTION: Central Auckland's community action team, from left: Constables Keki Wilson, Tone Tatupu and Tai Rossi.

Former New Zealand Warriors player Tone Tatupu will be walking to a different beat when you see him down Queen St.

The 38-year-old is a now a policeman and is part of new community action team set up to target crime in central Auckland.

"I occasionally get recognised," he says.

Mr Tatupu played for the Warriors from 1995 to 1999, but loves his more recent career as a police officer.

"It was a really positive change of career and this role is great."

The community action team also consists of constables Tai Rossi and Keki Wilson and they are expecting a fourth member soon.

All three are former front line staff and are enjoying the new role.

"It’s not a traditional community constable position," says Mr Rossi. "It’s a bit more proactive."

The team identify problems in the city, with help from the intelligence team, and work with the community to resolve them. They have each been assigned areas to cover.

Mr Tatupu focuses on Queen St and AUT, Mr Rossi covers Parnell and Mr Wilson looks after Karangahape Rd and Auckland University.

"We all cover each other’s areas as well," says Mr Rossi.

"It’s more having someone for the community to identify with."

Issues in the city include vehicle crime and some international students not taking care with personal safety.

"Most of crime is opportunistic so it’s teaching people about being responsible for their property and themselves," says Mr Tatupu.

"People need to take precautions so they don’t leave themselves open to being victims."
So far the community has responded well to the team, says Mr Rossi.

"People love it. It has started to create a flow of information on things happening that people
would not usually bother reporting."

The community action team can be contacted at the Auckland central police station on 302-6400

Warrior hits police beat

Former New Zealand Warriors player Tone Tatupu will be walking to a different beat when you see him down Queen St.

www.stuff.co.nz

 

[mt.wellington]

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[mt.wellington]

TONY TATUPU ANNOUNCED AS PDRLNZ’S AMBASSADOR​

Physical Disability Rugby League NZ (PDRLNZ) is pleased to announce, former Warrior and New Zealand International, Kiwi #657 Tony Tatupu, has been appointed as PDRLNZ’s new ambassador.

Tony made his NRL debut against the Brisbane Broncos in 1995 as Warrior #12 and has represented both New Zealand and Samoa. Tony now serves as a New Zealand Police officer and represented the New Zealand Police at the inaugural Police World Cup 2008.

Tony’s appointment as PDRLNZ’s new ambassador comes at an exciting time for disability rugby league. The PDRLNZ South Pacific 9’s Challenge will see the Polynesia All Stars take on the Invitational All Stars as the curtain-raiser match for the Great Britain League Lions v Tonga test at Waikato’s FMG Stadium on October 26 – a first for the sport.

“It is an absolute honour to have been considered for the Ambassador position and it was an easy decision after having met the Physical Disability Rugby League NZ team and their families for the very first time,” Tony said.

“I was immediately captivated and inspired by the player’s individual journeys, their resilience and determination to overcome barriers so they can play and enjoy our game. To witness our sons and daughters, brothers and sisters in action is truly humbling and I have nothing but aroha and respect for each of them and their families. Grateful to Paul Walsh and Vaughan Perry for introducing me to PDRLNZ.

“PDRLNZ has empowered me to advocate and champion this wonderful kaupapa by promoting its vision – to normalise physical disability, and encourage our physical disability families to get involved. It has motivated me to reconnect with the Warriors Old Boys, NZ Warriors and NZRL and as a result, a number of brothers from the OGs who have kindly offered their support.”

Sandra Hickey, Founder and Chair of Physical Disability Rugby League, said: “We are thrilled to bits that Tony has accepted the role of Ambassador for Physical Disability Rugby League NZ. Tony is a very humble and honourable person who has a big heart for people, especially those who don’t get as much opportunity in this life as others. We are looking forward to working together to encourage more people with a physical disability to get out and get active. The future is looking really exciting for PDRL”.

Tony Tatupu announced as PDRLNZ's Ambassador - New Zealand Rugby League

Physical Disability Rugby League NZ (PDRLNZ) is pleased to announce, former Warrior and New Zealand International, Kiwi #657 Tony Tatupu, has been appointed as PDRLNZ’s new ambassador. Tony made his NRL debut against the Brisbane Broncos in 1995 as Warrior #12 and has represented both New...

nzrl.co.nz

 

[mt.wellington]

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