Makos touchdown in Kaikoura to lift spirits
Tasman Makos players Billy Guyton, left, and Shane Christie, far right, paid a morale-boosting visit to Kaikoura.
As Kaikoura continues to rebuild their damaged town, a flying visit from the region's rugby representatives offered a brief but enjoyable distraction to the community.
Tasman Makos players Billy Guyton and Shane Christie finally made it down to the coastal town this week, thanks to sponsor Helicopters New Zealand, who donated the flight.
They were accompanied by Tasman Rugby Union chief executive Tony Lewis and development officer Tim Manawatu, who has many relatives living in the area.
The day's activities took place on the grounds of Kaikoura Primary School, just a day after pupils returned to the classroom after more than two weeks' off.
Around 120 young rugby fans and supporters took part in skills drills and games, as well as a sausage sizzle and prize giveaways which included Makos playing jerseys.
The entourage also made time to visit The Salvation Army and Maori wardens to acknowledge their assistance to the Kaikoura community.
Lewis said the experience had made a profound impact on all who had travelled down, both in terms of what had occurred and what was being done to fix the town.
"What we saw was just incredible – there are enduring memories of seeing trains stopped and cars abandoned on the roads...staggering," he said.
"You can't always make a difference, but you can put a few smiles on kids faces."
The trip had originally been scheduled for Monday, however high winds prevented their helicopter flight from Nelson taking place.
Adverse flying conditions had already postponed an appearance by Kiwis league star Shaun Johnson and Silver Fern Kayla Cullen over the weekend.
