The rugby and rural communities were out in force at Patutahi on Saturday for the Damo’s Day fundraiser featuring a special match between a Damo’s XV and Go Bus Bay Legends sides, an auction, jersey presentations and guest speakers such as former All Black Dane Coles and Blues coach Vern Cotter, and culminating in the Heartland Championship clash between Poverty Bay Weka and Whanganui. Money raised went to the families of the three men tragically killed while fishing off Māhia in June — Damien “Damo” Macpherson, Elwood Higgins and Taina Sinoti. 

Speakers add insight and humour