To Managers, Directors and Owners of Manawatu Businesses,

SAVE THE TURBOS CAMPAIGN

The Manawatu Turbos involvement in the Air New Zealand Cup Rugby Competition is of significant regional importance. The positive impact on this community has reignited the passion and pride the general public has for Manawatu. The team is playing a brand of rugby that has captured the hearts and minds of the wider New Zealand community. Many e-mails of support for us have been received. The Turbos have certainly done their bit in advertising Manawatu as a proud and significant New Zealand province. There are significant economic benefits of having a top division rugby team in the region.

The importance of the Turbos staying in the premier competition of the Air New Zealand Cup cannot be understated. It is good for us all, and continues to provide a platform upon which our own, home-grown players can aspire to Super 14 and All Black rugby status.

It is with these sentiments that I write to every business in the region seeking support during the month of October. The Manawatu Rugby Union has one month left to close the gap on its financial shortfall in order to be considered for the premier competition for 2010. This year has been a tough year for the Union, having commenced the year with a $454,000 deficit from 2008. A significant reduction in expenditure has gone a long way in reducing the debt, but with the recession hitting the business community this year, cash sponsorship levels have not hit targets. The lack of an annual return from the Hurricanes franchise this year was also a further blow.

We are currently running a campaign to ?Save the Turbos'. We have until the 31st October to meet the financial criteria in order to be considered for the competition. This is a final appeal to every business in the region to contribute a one-off donation of $1,000 to meet this expectation. There can be no promise of a return for this contribution as it is essential that the Union does not carry further liabilities into 2010. We see the return as being one of support for the community, based on the ?feel good' factor generated from the Turbos performance. Keeping our own players in the province is important to us all. This is not just an investment in the Turbos, but also an investment in the region.

If your business is able to support the union in this appeal, we are confident we can repay your support through the success of the team in 2010 and beyond. NZRU will not revisit this competition restructure for some years. Failure to stay in the competition could see Manawatu revert back to ?village rugby' which is not good for anyone.

If you are willing to support us in this way, please select one of the following options:

1. Complete the attached form and send it to the Manawatu Rugby Union. A representative will visit you within the next few days.

2. Reply by calling the Manawatu Rugby Union on (06) 357 2633 and speak to one of our staff who will record your details.

3. Respond by e-mail to john.knowles@manawaturugby.co.nz or to jan.oram@manawaturugby.co.nz

4. Register via the Manawatu Rugby Union website: www.manawaturugby.co.nz 

I look forward to hearing from you in the near future. Thank you for your anticipated support.


John Knowles
CEO
Manawatu Rugby Union