Kua hinga te tōtara i Te Waonui a Tāne - A tōtara has fallen in the great forest of Tāne.

Pakuranga Rugby is saddened to learn of the passing of Waka Nathan. Waka has been a great supporter and friend of PURC over the last couple of decades.  

While Waka’s club roots were firmly in the Otahuhu red and black, Waka, through family connections and living in our community, has been a huge supporter of PURC and was a familiar and regular sight around Bell Park. 

Special thoughts and wishes go out to his whānau, especially his daughter and son-in-law Janine and Kyle and their family.

On his relationship with Pakuranga, PURC General Manager John East commented, “Waka will always have a special place here at Pakuranga Rugby. 

“There are many photos around our club of Waka with either a player draped over him or a supporter wanting a selfie! His approachability, his incredible mana and dignity made him accessible to all and everyone loved him.”

“We appreciate that the last year or two have been a struggle for him and his family, we know that he will be at peace.”

Waka made his debut for Auckland at 18 and played 88 games in the blue and white Hoops, scoring 51 points. He debuted for the All Blacks in 1962 on a tour of Australia where he played both tests against the Wallabies. He was a member of the All Blacks tour of Britain in 1963-64, despite having a broken jaw, he scored 11 tries in 15 matches.

A world-class flanker, Waka played 14 tests for the All Blacks with 14 wins in the black jersey. 

After retiring from the game, Waka remained actively involved in several roles. The Auckland pre-season club competition has a trophy named in his honour, the Waka Nathan Cup. Pakuranga has been privileged to win the Cup on two occasions.

Article added: Friday 24 September 2021