• Auckland Maori Rugby’s Rick Steedman named to NZMRB
• Maori rugby has experienced strong growth

Auckland and Maori All Blacks legend Waka Nathan (Ngapuhi, Te Roroa, Tainui) has been made a life member of the New Zealand Maori Rugby Board (NZMRB).

The 77-year-old’s contribution to Maori rugby has been significant and constant since making his debut for Auckland in 1959 and touring with the New Zealand Maori later the same year.

Auckland Maori Rugby’s Chairperson, Rick Steedman (Te Hiku O Te Ika), was also named to replace outgoing Board member Jim Wetere as Chair of Te Hiku O Te Ika.

Steedman has long been an active promoter and contributor to Maori rugby in Auckland, and now is recognised with his appointment at national board level.

NZMRB Chair Dr Farah Palmer spoke in glowing terms of Nathan’s contribution to Maori rugby.

“Waka’s record speaks for itself and he holds a special place in Maori rugby folklore for both his deeds on the field and his personality and contribution off it.”

Nathan represented the Maori All Blacks in 1959, 1960, 1961, 1965, 1966 and was awarded the Tom French Memorial Maori Rugby player of the year in 1962 and 1966.

After hanging up his boots, he became a Maori All Blacks selector (1971-1977), was the team’s Manager on its tour to Wales in 1982 and served as a New Zealand Rugby (NZR) Councillor (1980-82).

Dr Palmer said Maori rugby remained in good health with a 3.9 percent increase in registrations between 2016 and 2017 to 41,626 players, representative of 26 percent of rugby’s total playing population.

“I would like to thank NZR, Provincial Union staff and our regional Maori Boards for their substantial support in ensuring our young Maori players have the chance to develop and remain in rugby.”