AUCKLAND, Today: Dress Smart Auckland and the Blues have named the first winners of their Kitted for Greatness campaign, giving grassroots rugby’s unsung legends a much-deserved moment off the sideline.
Papatoetoe South School teacher and coach Piuti Iakopo has been named the winning coach, while West Auckland’s Waitemata Hulks U12 team has taken out the winning team prize.
Both received a Dress Smart Auckland shopping spree valued at up to $5000 in sports-related apparel and footwear, plus a VIP Blues Rugby experience, including a meet and greet with Blues players.
Launched in March 2026, the campaign invited the community to nominate coaches, managers and teams whose dedication, heart and commitment help keep rugby thriving across Tāmaki Makaurau.
Almost 200 nominations were received, showing just how many people are quietly shaping young lives through sport, often without asking for anything in return.
Piuti has spent more than four years voluntarily giving up her break times to coach girls’ and boys’ rugby teams at Papatoetoe South School.
Her impact reaches far beyond the field, using rugby to build confidence, resilience, teamwork and a strong sense of belonging among tamariki.
Known for her energy and belief in every child, Piuti focuses on growth over trophies, teaching perseverance, respect and pride through every training and game.
“I feel incredibly honoured and humbled. Sport has given me so much and coaching gives me the chance to give something back. These kids work so hard and they deserve every opportunity to shine.” – Piuti Iakopo, Winning Coach
As a female coach in a traditionally male-dominated sport, Piuti is also a powerful role model, encouraging young players to back themselves and each other.
Piuti Iakopo says, “I feel incredibly honoured and humbled. Sport has given me so much and coaching gives me the chance to give something back. These kids work so hard and they deserve every opportunity to shine.
“This recognition means the world, not just to me but to the whole school community that has supported us along the way.”
The Waitemata Hulks U12 team has also shown what grassroots rugby can mean for young boys across West Auckland. Made up of players from a wide range of backgrounds, the Hulks have become more than a rugby team. They have become a family.
Led by coach Puttz and his wife Chloe, support for the team goes well beyond training and game day. The pair pick boys up for training, check in on them and often make sure they get home with dinner sorted. Fees have been covered, boots bought and constant care given.
Training up to three times a week, the Hulks are learning commitment, respect, hard work and the value of looking after one another.
Lauri Solecki, Centre Manager of Dress Smart Auckland, says, “We launched Kitted for Greatness because we know the incredible role coaches and volunteers play in building communities through rugby, and we wanted to shine a light on those unsung heroes. Piuti and the Waitemata Hulks are exactly who this campaign was created for.
“They give their everything because they genuinely care about the young people in their communities. Dress Smart Auckland is proud to support them and to stand alongside the Blues in giving back to grassroots rugby in Tāmaki Makaurau.”
- For more information about Dress Smart Auckland and community initiatives, visit auckland.dress-smart.co.nz
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