A youth rugby league match played in Bell Block on Saturday 5th April 2014 came with the simple but important message that it was OK to talk. The unofficial under-17s North Taranaki versus South Taranaki clash at Hickford Park, Bell Block on a rock hard surface was played in memory of former Marist Dragons and Western Suburbs player Ropata Rangi and to raise awareness about suicide. Ropata was an enthusiastic 15-year-old who loved rugby league and played representative footie from the age of seven until last year, when he took his own life. His parents Shannen Robinson and Haki Ropata, watched the one sided game were South Taranaki were too strong and thrashed North Taranaki 60-24. It is hoped the commemorative game made people think about suicide and to realise it was OK to reach out for help. The event was supported by the Western Institute of Technology (Witt), New Waves and Taranaki Big Brothers Big Sisters.
