When you look across a sea of hundreds of kids playing rugby league at Rotorua’s Puketāwhero Park in the peak of winter, a good part of that is thanks to the work of Jenny Nahu.
Nahu has been made a member of the New Zealand Order of Merit (MNZM) in
New Year 2026 Honours: Rotorua rugby league stalwart Jenny Nahu in a league of her own
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Her involvement has spanned tournaments, administration support, and event organisation, underpinned by a desire to see rugby league thrive in changing and challenging times.
Despite her thousands of hours of volunteer service, she admitted she was confused when she got word of her award.
“I actually wondered ‘Have you got the right person?’”
Since Nahu has had time to let the news sink in, she said she now felt proud to receive such an acknowledgement.
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“Not in a million years did I think I would be considered for an award like this. But now I am rather proud that I am being recognised for what I have done. To me, it feels amazing and very humbling.”
Her legacy has been her vision - particularly developing Puketāwhero Park into what it is today.
That work involved developing six fields and the logistics of moving the Carlaw Park administration building, gifted by Auckland Rugby League, on a large truck to Puketawhero Park.
Fundraising at least $500,000 to develop the buildings and get floodlighting for the fields followed.
The grandstand and buildings are now the central hub for rugby league in Rotorua, and the facility is used by other community organisations.
“I was in my element, and I knew I was good at getting the money to do it.”
She recalled the administrative process of applying for funding often put a lot of people off. But not her.
With perseverance, Rotorua now has league facilities that are the envy of other regions.
Alongside her every step of the way has been her children - including Paul, who is the current Bay of Plenty District Rugby League vice chairman - and husband, Nick.
She said her family had also given hours of free labour and volunteer service to the game they love.
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Her service
Nahu and her family have been involved with rugby league since the 1960s.
She has held executive roles with the Ngongotahā Rugby League Club for 55 years and Bay of Plenty District Rugby League for 40 years.
Despite officially retiring from the Bay of Plenty District Rugby League board this year, she isn’t quite ready to hand over her “baby” and continues to serve as the Puketāwhero Park’s property manager.
Her New Year’s Honour citation said: “She has established rugby league as a vehicle for mentorship, youth engagement and community pride, nurturing generations of young people on and off the field, particularly Māori and Pacific youth.”
She is a Life Member of both the Ngongotahā and Bay of Plenty Rugby League Clubs, has received the New Zealand Rugby League Distinguished Service Award in 2022, the Zonta Award for Contribution to Sport in 2013 and a Sport Bay of Plenty Award in 2010.
It’s been a labour of love that’s lasted decades - and if Nahu had her time over again, she wouldn’t change a thing.
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“I do still enjoy the game, even now I am not involved with any teams.”
Kelly Makiha is a senior journalist who has reported for the Rotorua Daily Post for more than 25 years, covering mainly police, court, human interest and social issues.