05/10/2026
Auckland Touch extends our sincerest condolences following the passing of Pat Spellman.
Pat was an integral part of the Touch New Zealand, Māori Touch, Pacific Cup and Counties Touch family and a highly respected member, friend and kaitiaki of our Touch community.
Pat dedicated many years serving in our community and his contribution to Touch, and the wider Touch community has left a lasting legacy.
Our thoughts and karakia are especially with Pat’s whānau, friends, and all those who had the privilege of knowing him.
Rest in peace. Moe mai rā dear Pat 🌿
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
