2 August 2016
All Blacks School Visit A Welcome Surprise For Students
Students at Mt Wellington’s Panama Road school were treated to a visit from a group of All Blacks both past and present
as part of a surprise breakfast event.
All Blacks Jerome Kaino, Julian Savea, Dane Coles and former stars Michael Jones, Keven Mealamu and Buck Shelford, took
their place at the breakfast table alongside the decile one school students, before presenting several of them with
leadership awards at a special assembly.
The All Blacks were greeted with kapa haka, and took part in team building exercises as well as learning to perform the
Macarena in Maori alongside students.
Former No.8 in the 1987 world champion team Buck Shelford says that one of the most humbling benefits for those who have
worn the black jersey is their ability to reach others in the community.
“One of the great things about being an All Black is that we have a chance to make a positive impact on our community. A
school visit like this gives us the chance to meet some awesome Kiwi kids and share our experiences of what it takes to
succeed - not just in sport but in life,” says Shelford.
“When you put on the black jersey for the first time it's an exciting moment, but one that also comes with huge
responsibility and you truly realise the privilege you’ve been given,” says Jones.
“Throughout our All Black careers we’ve all been able to draw on the support and encouragement of the New Zealand public
and we’re honoured that in some small way we are able to help inspire the next generation to reach their dreams through
opportunities like this,” he says.
Double world champion and former All Black Hooker Keven Mealamu says teaching kids basic life skills like good nutrition
and the importance of exercise, is a message he’s passionate about sharing with not only his own family but the wider
community.
Mealamu says it's also important for parents who support their children in their activities to focus on the right
things.
“We want kids to understand that it’s not about having the best boots, the latest gear or the most coaching sessions,
but the qualities like perseverance, resilience and passion that make a champion,” he says.
While the children didn’t know about the surprise visit, principal Colleen Margison said it was undoubtedly a highlight
of the school year.
“Role models are important in the lives of all children and to see them live at our school was fantastic,” Margison
says.
“Our school values collectively represent what we call our Panama PRIDE, we use this inside and outside the classroom
and take it everywhere we go, on trips, on the sports field, with adults and with visitors. PRIDE stands for
Participation, Respect, Integrity, Determination and Empowerment.
“These align very much with the values of the All Blacks of integrity, courage, humility, pride and respect and people
making better people.”
The visit marked the launch of Sanitarium’s All Blacks Champions collector card promotion - which features premium
quality collector cards of 24 world-champion winning All Blacks from 1987, 2011 and 2015.
Sanitarium executive general manager Pierre van Heerden says it is wonderful that through this partnership with the NZR
the company is able to help inspire a new generation to achieve their full potential.
“Along with the All Blacks Champions collector card campaign launching we had a chance to bring some current and former
All Blacks along to meet some local children. We know the kids loved having the chance to meet their heroes up close, so
we’re delighted we’ve been able to make this happen.”
-ENDS-