25/08/2026
WISH YOU WERE HERE; Pete ‘Maverick’ Gleeson would be so proud to see the Ranfurly Shield in Whangarei. Maverick passed away in 2019, way too early at the age of 59.
After he married mum, they moved into Teal Bay in 2008. He managed the Taniwha team for a few seasons, coached Kamo Rugby Club Prems, helped land a British Lions match here and came up with the “Love it Here” branding for Whangārei District Love It Here. His dad, Jack Gleeson, was All Blacks coach last time we held the shield and led the team to their first ever Grand Slam tour. He is an absolute legend.
The photos included are; All Blacks v Italy in Rome, when Dean Budd played against the AB’s and was the last game that Maverick watched - Mum, Mike Budd & I were there with him. Monica & I’s wedding, where Maverick rocked a white suit in honour of my grandfather, Dr Milton Walters. And at Teal Bay with Jan Walters after learning of his cancer diagnosis (we shared a few Heineken’s that day).
Northland Rugby Union are encouraging us to tell stories about those legends that can’t be here this weekend, but are in our hearts. I encourage you to share a story of your loved ones who we wish were here with us.
