The Queenstown community is rallying around a respected rugby figure and father-of-five after he was diagnosed with terminal pancreatic cancer, prompting an outpouring of support from across Central Otago and the wider sporting community.
Junior Apolosi, 54, who has lived in Queenstown for nearly 30 years, received the diagnosis less than two weeks ago after initially seeking medical attention for persistent back pain.
After several weeks of worsening symptoms and multiple trips to doctors and hospital, Apolosi underwent a CT scan on April 30. The scan revealed cancer in his pancreas, liver and lungs.
His sister-in-law, Cheryl Robertson, said the news stunned family members and friends alike.
“Everyone in Queenstown is broken,” Robertson told 1News. “Junior is a big character in the community.
“He has touched most people’s lives in one way or another, whether it’s the smile or a pat on the back, or the time he takes to talk to people.”
A familiar figure in Queenstown rugby
Apolosi moved to Queenstown in 1996 and soon became a well-known presence at the Wakatipu Rugby Club, one of the region’s longstanding grassroots sporting organisations.
Decades of involvement at Wakatipu Rugby Club
He played Premier rugby for five seasons during his decade with the club and remained closely connected to the team long after retiring from competitive play.
Friends and former teammates say he continued attending matches, community events and fundraising initiatives, maintaining strong ties with the club and local rugby circles.
Outside rugby, Apolosi also built a reputation in Queenstown’s construction and transport sector. His custom-built truck, known locally as the “Tongan Torpedo”, became a recognisable sight around the resort town.
“If you needed anything at all, he would drop everything to be there in a second,” Robertson said. “That’s just the kind of guy he is.”
Community support grows across Central Otago
Robertson said the diagnosis has deeply affected the wider rugby community, particularly those who had grown up alongside Apolosi through school and club rugby.
“He’s always been a part of it, even when he stopped playing. That camaraderie has really been affected,” she said.
She and her husband Paul Robertson recently met with friends to begin organising fundraising efforts but found themselves repeatedly approached by residents wanting to offer help.
“Everywhere we go, people stop us,” she said. “He’s in everyone’s hearts and thoughts.”
Long-time friend and former teammate Spud Murphy described Apolosi as someone who naturally brought people together.
“He’s an absolute superstar, a super top bloke who’d do anything for you,” Murphy said.
“You never see him without a smile on his face. He’s so positive.”
Support for young athletes and waka ama
Beyond rugby, Apolosi has also played a significant role in the local Wakatipu Waka Ama Club, supporting youth paddlers and fundraising activities.
His teenage daughters were recently selected to represent Tonga at the World U19 Sprint Championships in Singapore later this year. While Apolosi had originally intended to travel with the squad, he will now remain in New Zealand to focus on treatment and time with family.
Club founder and president Francie Piacun said Apolosi had been instrumental in helping junior athletes over the years.
“He’s an incredible camp dad, providing amazing food for our four junior crews three times a day for a week. He is hugely supportive,” Piacun said.
Fundraising efforts exceed expectations
A Givealittle page established to support Apolosi, his wife Kerri and their three younger children — aged 8, 14 and 16 — has attracted widespread backing from the community.
Robertson said the family anticipated support but had not expected the scale of the response.
“We knew immediately we would get support from the community, but we didn’t realise to the extent how amazing it would be. It’s pretty exceptional,” she said.
The fundraiser raised more than $70,000 within 10 days.
Support has also extended beyond financial donations. Around 90 Queenstown truck drivers are expected to take part in a convoy procession past the family home, reflecting Apolosi’s standing within the local transport industry.
“That number in itself tells you who Junior is,” Robertson said.
Fundraising auction planned in Arrowtown
A charity auction is scheduled for June 5 at the Arrowtown Rugby Clubrooms, with proceeds aimed at helping the family manage living costs after both Apolosi and Kerri stopped working following the diagnosis.
“Both of them worked long hours to survive in Queenstown. We’re raising this money so they can survive whatever the next period looks like,” Robertson said.
Apolosi was due to begin chemotherapy this week, with treatment focused on slowing the progression of the disease.
Despite the devastating diagnosis, family members say their focus remains on spending meaningful time together while navigating the extraordinary support coming from across the Queenstown community.
“It’s pretty overwhelming,” Robertson said. “How do you thank so many people?”
Alexander Donovan writes for News Collective, covering news, politics, business, technology, sport, entertainment, and lifestyle. He focuses on clear, reliable reporting and useful information, helping readers stay informed about current events, emerging trends, and stories that matter.