16 June, 2021

Tackling the PM pays off for United duo

Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern hit the back of the fundraising net for North Shore United Football Club last week – without kicking a ball.

North Shore’s club manager Donna Gustaffson and football development manager Ryan Ward were working their way around Devonport last Friday morning, drumming up sponsors for the club’s quiz night, when they went into Correlli’s cafe.

“As I walked in, I saw two well-dressed guys who looked me up and down – then I noticed they had ear pieces in their ears,” said Gustaffson.

“Then I saw Jacinda and [partner] Clarke [Gayford] sitting in the window seat having breakfast.” Gustaffson felt they should be left in peace, but Ward approached them soon after as they were walking down the street, asking if they had anything they could sign or donate for the auction. They had nothing with them, but Ardern stepped into Paradox Books, bought a biography of herself by Madeline Chapman, and signed it on the spot. It will be auctioned with other items at a club quiz night on 26 June.

One of Ardern’s security officers took a photo to prove it all happened.

“It was just so cool… such a generous thing for her to do,” said Gustaffson, especially as Ardern had already purchased a book from Paradox earlier.