Maori All Blacks legend Waka Nathan (Ngapuhi, Te Roroa, Tainui) has been made a life member of the New Zealand Maori Rugby Board.
Waka Nathan. Photo: PHOTOSPORT
Nathan received the honour in recognition of the exceptional services he has rendered to Maori rugby.
The 77-year-old's contribution to Maori rugby has been constant since he made his debut for Auckland before his 19th birthday in 1959 and toured the Pacific with the New Zealand Maori team later that year.
"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," NZMRB Chair Dr Farah Palmer said.
Nathan was not able to attend the meeting to receive his life membership, which was accepted on his behalf by Board member Bernard Te Paa.
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).
Nathan also appeared 37 times for the All Blacks including an unbeaten run of 14 tests between 1962 and 1967.
