27/08/2026
Who can you spot in this 2 Degrees ad?
A group of Orewa College students, including Aurora Heke, Indie Popata, Modesty Donovan, Pera Tio Rua, and Bella Cox, helped front a Two Degrees advertisement calling for a more positive sideline culture in girls’ sport.
The opportunity came after a Superdome Rival Club competition video was filmed while the Silverdale Rugby Team trained in the background. The footage helped the club take out the competition, and the prize included the Two Degrees campaign and a chance to meet the Black Ferns.
Aurora, who plays for Silverdale Rugby Club’s Under-15s, said the ad was about keeping young women in sport by changing what is said from the sidelines. Instead of comments that distract or discourage, the campaign asked parents, whānau and supporters to use words that lift players during games.
The same kaupapa carried into a separate segment filmed with Paddy Gower. Students listened to sideline comments, talked about whether they were positive or negative, and then helped shape the response. A blue line was painted around the pitch with phrases contributed by the group, including “Kia kaha” and “Be proud”, the kind of language the girls want to hear while playing.
Aurora said the message was simple because the impact is real. “Parents on the sideline, their words can really affect girls on the field and how they play,” Aurora said. Her own reminder to supporters was equally direct: “Believe and achieve.”
See our girls in this inspiring ad (link in the comments).
Content Credit: Aurora Heke, 2 Degrees
