Iconic All Blacks captain Sir Wayne ‘Buck’ Shelford will be honoured at a special function in early October. 'National Tribute – Sir Wayne Shelford' is an evening celebrating the achievements of the inspirational Shelford both on and off the rugby field.
The televised function will be staged at North Shore’s Eventfinda Stadium on Thursday October 7th, with Shelford’s family, friends and former All Black and North Harbour colleagues sharing their favourite ‘Buck’ stories. Proceeds from the event will benefit North Harbour community rugby.
The Sir Wayne Shelford event follows the successful staging of 'National Tribute – Sir John Kirwan'. That 2019 function was a sell-out with seven hundred guests entertained by Sir JK’s closest ‘mates’ sharing amusing anecdotes about the guest of honour. Sir John nominated proceeds of his event go to support junior rugby at his beloved Auckland Marist Rugby Club.
Event promoter, Sports Inc.’s Kelsen Butler, is looking forward to bringing the special function together. “The evening is going to be very entertaining with plenty of great stories to be shared. I’ve no doubt the likes of Eric Rush, Glen Osborne and Frano Botica will have a few ‘Buck’ yarns that have never been heard before,” said Butler.
'National Tribute – Sir Wayne Shelford' will see around 700 guests treated to a three-course meal before the attendees become the live ‘studio’ audience as the 80-minute event goes to air on Sky Sport, (with a free-to-air replay on Prime). Included in the evening’s activities will be an auction of memorabilia and money-can’t-buy experiences with proceeds benefiting North Harbour community rugby, Shelford’s chosen cause.
David Gibson, North Harbour Rugby CEO, is delighted to be involved. “He is a man of great mana, a true legend when it comes to North Harbour and New Zealand rugby. He continues to inspire many Kiwis through his community and charity work. We feel absolutely privileged that he has chosen to support community rugby in the province.”
Sophie Moloney, Sky CEO says, “Sky is delighted to be associated with the national tribute to celebrate the incredible contribution Sir Wayne (Buck) Shelford has made to the sport and the wider whānau. It will be our pleasure to ensure fans throughout Aotearoa can join in this auspicious event.”
National Tribute is all about sharing entertaining and inspirational stories. Event attendees and Sky Sport viewers are in for a memorable evening as the legendary Sir Wayne ‘Buck’ Shelford is honoured by his family and friends.
Table sales and individual tickets can be purchased by visiting www.experiencegroup.co.nz/events or www.eventfinda.co.nz
For more information please contact: Kelsen Butler, Managing Director, Sports Inc. 021 270 2549, or David Gibson, CEO, North Harbour Rugby 021 707 208.
In the Queen’s Birthday Honours this year Wayne Shelford received a Knighthood. This was the official government announcement...
SHELFORD, Mr Wayne Thomas (Buck), MBE For services to rugby and the community
Mr Wayne ‘Buck’ Shelford is recognised for his time with the All Blacks as a player from 1985 and Captain from 1987 to 1990, where he is credited for bringing the mana back to the All Black haka and leading a record-setting 14 consecutive test victories as Captain.
Mr Shelford has given freely and tirelessly back to the community through numerous charitable works, most notably through men’s health. He is a committed ambassador for the Prostate Cancer Foundation. His numerous fundraising activities include golf tournaments, ‘Pedals4Prostate’, ‘Shear4Life’, keynote speaking and charitable auctions, such as for Child Cancer Foundation. He was involved with Ministry of Health’s ‘Life Keeper Suicide Prevention’ programme and ‘Waimarie – Whatever it takes’ community housing for the disabled. He recently became involved with ‘Te Kiwi Māia’, a charitable trust involved in offering respite care for emergency first responders. He is member of the Northern Region Lion Foundation Grants Committee. He is on the Executive of Auckland RSA and Patron of the Passchendaele Society. He is President of Northshore Rugby Club, having been involved for more than 40 years as player, captain and coach. He is Patron of New Zealand Navy Rugby, New Zealand Defence Force Rugby and of Māori education programme ‘Te Reo Tuatahi’, supporting Te Reo Māori in mainstream schools. Mr Shelford is well regarded for his standing and mana within Aotearoa and within Te Ao Māori.
