The strong family values of Safari Group go hand in hand with the ‘Ranga family’ and are at the cornerstone of a 20-year partnership between the organisation and Pakuranga United Rugby Club.

The relationship started when current Club Chairman Rob Neil, who is Managing Director at Safari Group, joined the club when his sons started playing Under 5 rugby.

“I was stupid enough to offer to coach and or anything they wanted hence I ended up not only coaching but becoming the grade liaison, on the committee and Junior Chairman.

“A year later I joined the Board of Management and eventually became Board Chairman in 2013 through to today continuing to lead the club accordingly,” said Rob.

Driven by a desire to support the community, Rob said being involved at Pakuranga is special.

“Both as a volunteer and a financial sponsor, you get to see young children grow into men and women through the opportunity they have in sport, and most importantly buying into our mantras of ‘one club – one culture’ and ‘live local – play local’,”.

When Rob isn’t leading the Board of Management or on the sidelines supporting Pakuranga teams, he is leading the team at Safari Group.

Founded in the mid-ninties, Safari Group is a property development company that creates exceptional mixed-use developments in New Zealand.

With over 25 years of experience, their focus is delivering attractive property investment options to the New Zealand market. Safari Group works in partnership with Wyndham Hotels and Resorts; developing and operating  their Ramada by Wyndham, Tryp by Wyndham, and La Quinta by Wyndham hotel brands

Safari Group has current projects in Auckland, Queenstown and Palmerston North, and finished builds in Auckland, Queenstown, and Wellington.

Visit Safari Group's website here, or follow them on Linkedin, Facebook or Instagram.

As a club, we wouldn’t be able to do what we do without the incredible support of our partners and sponsors. If you are interested in giving back to the community there are a range of ways to get involved – give Mike Bongiovanni a call or email to connect today.

Article added: Sunday 07 May 2023