Rugby league star Tawera Nikau lost a leg from complications after a motorcycle accident in 2004 but overcame that to return to the sport in a coaching role and is now the president of New Zealand Rugby League. Photo / Alan Gibson
Rugby league star Tawera Nikau lost a leg from complications after a motorcycle accident in 2004 but overcame that to return to the sport in a coaching role and is now the president of New Zealand Rugby League. Photo / Alan Gibson
The 2025 East Coast Farming Expo is a two-day gathering (February 19-20) for sheep and beef producers, focusing on farming smarter. The annual event includes exhibits, outdoor demonstrations and seminars. It’s a chance for farmers to talk one-on-one with industry innovators and leaders and has become a go-to for the region’s farmers, as well as attracting some from further afield.
New Zealand rugby league great turned farmer Tawera Nikau is set to inspire, celebrate and entertain at the East Coast Farming Expo later this month.
Nikau will be speaking at the Property Brokers Evening Muster on February 19.
New Zealand and Australian league fans will know Nikau for his exploits on the field, which in recent years he converted to off-field roles — 19 tests for the Kiwis, captain of the New Zealand Māori team at the Rugby League World Cup, an NZ Legends of League inductee, current New Zealand Rugby League president, Kiwis selector and Melbourne Storm life member (he won the NRL title with the Storm in 1999).
But at the very heart of all that drives him, is family.
“Everyone goes through tough times, but for me, having some focus in your children and the next generation is key,” he says.
“I had a great family upbringing and as you get a bit older you start to think about what your parents said to you when you were growing up — not that you listened at the time — about respect and family values.”
He grew up in a farming community that taught him about people, community and helping.
“I love speaking at events like the Expo because it is talking to like-minded people and sharing our stories … everyone has a story.
“Community starts at home for me. There are always challenges to get through, but what doesn’t kill you makes you stronger.”
Nikau encourages farmers to take time for themselves, and most importantly, always have someone to talk to.
Tawera Nikau will be the guest speaker at the East Coast Farming Expo's Property Brokers Evening Muster.
“Most Kiwi men don’t like talking about stuff, but it is important to put your hand up and ask for help when you need it. My coach got me to go to counselling. I resisted it — like a typical male — but I had to go and I know I wouldn’t be in this space if it wasn’t for someone coming along and helping.”
Nikau is heavily involved in his whānau farms in the Waikato, including dairy and cropping farms, and they’re now developing a solar farm.
All the farms are close by and he visits them daily.
“My life has come full circle.”
He always knew he would come home. His grandmother had a vision about what he would do and be, and everything she predicted has come true.
“I am now back on the land where I was brought up by her.”
Nikau’s world changed dramatically in 2003 when he lost a leg following complications from a motorbike accident.
It took him on a different journey to his high-performance sport world, but one that has been hugely rewarding.
He is an ambassador for the Achilles Foundation, which gives people with disabilities an opportunity to take part in mainstream events.
He has done the New York Marathon three times and completed the Oxfam 100km Taupo Trail Walker, raising funds for the charity.
Nikau was appointed a Member of the New Zealand Order of Merit (2006) for services to rugby league and the community, and was recognised as an emerging leader by the Sir Peter Blake Trust (2011).
He’s looking forward to his trip to Wairoa, which will include a visit to his aunt.
