George Rogers is a well-known and much-loved figure in Whakatāne.

At last weekend’s Whakatāne Summer Touch Tournament, he was presented with a book that delves deep into his career.

It covers his service to the Royal New Zealand Navy, the New Zealand Police and  Tasman Pulp and Paper, along with his involvement in touch, from the first game in Whakatāne in 1982 at Whakatāne Marist Club through to his setting up of touch administration processes and the Whakatāne, Bay of Plenty and New Zealand organisations.

It also looks at the Whakatāne Summer Touch Tournament that has just celebrated 37 years and is one of the biggest and longest running touch events in New Zealand.

The book is a snapshot of all Rogers had done and been recognised for, including becoming the first NZ Touch life member and receiving a NZ Order of Merit in 2005 for his services to touch.

Rogers said the book was a lovely gesture and he was honoured to have something written about him.

“I was quite surprised and humbled. I didn’t think anyone would go to that extent to write about me.

“I knew quite a few of the Barbarians from my sporting context over the years, so it was good for them to turn up and be part of the presentation.”

Rogers said it was almost an addiction, spending as long as he did running the tournament.

“I was 83, had Covid and there were new people in the committee with fresh ideas and I just thought the time was right to move on. They’ve done great with the tournament and have added a bit extra to it.”

When told about a book being written in his honour, Rogers said laughed.

“Vicky Walker and Tania Humberstone told me they were going to do something and I said, ‘don’t be silly’ and laughed. I never actually thought they’d do the book on me. I really appreciate it and I’m grateful for their efforts. I guess I see it as a bit of a reward.”

Whakatāne Touch Tournament trustee Rod Walker said it was nice to honour Rogers for all the work he had done around the tournaments.

“Over the years, George Rogers has been a big part of running this tournament.

“George Rogers was there right from the beginning, and it’s only been the last couple of years that he’s kind of taken a back seat. The rest of us have definitely not been there as long as George, but a fair while, and have now taken on more responsibility.

“He’s left it in good hands, and we can only look to move it along and keep it improving like he would want.”

The trust commissioned the history book for Rogers, which was presented to him at the completion of the Barbarians and Peter Walters Invitational team fun game.

“It’s recognition and thanks for everything that he’s done for the tournament and for touch.

“He was involved right back at the inception of not only the tournament, but the governing body, so he’s been there for a long time and around the game for a long time.”

Rogers said he still intends to be at the tournament for years to come, while health allows.