05/10/2026
Waikato Touch joins the wider Touch whānau in mourning the passing of Pat Spellman— a man who gave so much of himself to the sport we all love.
Pat’s contribution to Touch stretched across many years and many spaces, including Touch New Zealand, Māori Touch and the Pacific Cup. His passion, commitment and service to our game has left a lasting impact on so many players, coaches, officials, administrators and whānau.
People like Pat are a special part of our sport. They give their time, knowledge and energy because they genuinely care about the game and the people within it — and our Touch community is richer because of everything Pat gave.
On behalf of Waikato Touch Association, we extend our deepest aroha and condolences to Pat’s whānau, friends and all those across the Touch community who knew and loved him.
Thank you, Pat, for everything you gave to our game. Your contribution will not be forgotten.
**Moe mai rā e te rangatira. 🖤**
Ka rere te korimako i te rangi pōkēao
Kua kāpō ōna karu i a Hinekohu
Ka ngau a Hine Takurua ki tōna poho
Ka piki, ka tau ki runga i a Taranaki
Ka tangi apakura atu rā, kei hea rā koe?
Kua riro atu rā te mokopuna o Ngāti Maruwharanui, o te moutere o Mangaia ki tua o te ārai. Kei reira ō tīpuna e whanga mai ana ki a koe, kawea ai ki tō okiokinga roa.
Waiho mātou te hunga ora e rurutu nei te roimata, te tangi hotuhotu o te manawa. Mā mātou ō wawata e kōkiri, kia kore ai e ngaro. E te kōtuku rerenga tahi, haere atu rā.
It is with immense sadness that we acknowledge the sudden passing of Pat Spellman. A treasured and much-loved member of the Touch community, who dedicated years towards the growth and success of Pacific Cup Touch, Māori Touch NZ and Touch New Zealand
A trusted friend and mentor, and a tireless advocate for the touch community – his mahi will leave an everlasting legacy in Aotearoa and across the Pacific. An irreplaceable figure who will be dearly missed.
Tangi arrangements are still to be finalised, and information will be shared in due course. The whānau request privacy at this time, and ask that any enquiries be directed to Harley Wall on 021 1187706 or via messenger.
For those wishing to send koha, please send to:
WAI (We Are Indigenous) Charitable Trust
Account: 38-9026-0876642-00
