The North Harbour Rugby Union was only formed in 1985, but is already the fourth largest Union in New Zealand. With 12 clubs, it covers the whole of  North Shore City, the Massey Club in Waitakere City and the Rodney District. For more than 30 years, North Harbour has consistently produced significant numbers of national team players including many great All Blacks. After 10 previous unsuccessful challenges for the Ranfurly Shield – most notably 1996 when they challenged for it three times in six weeks against Taranaki, Waikato and Auckland – North Harbour succeeded in their eleventh. On 24 September 2006 they beat the previous holders Canterbury 21-17 at Jade Stadium in Christchurch. Canterbury of New Zealand is excited to support the union and its exciting style of rugby. We hope that North Harbour can add to their silverware in the near future.