Rugby league great Tawera Nikau to speak at East Coast Farming Expo

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

Rugby league great and now farmer Tawera Nikau is set to inspire, celebrate and entertain at the East Coast Farming Expo this month.

Nikau is guest speaker at the Property Brokers Evening Muster on Wednesday, February 19.

League fans will know him well for his on-field exploits, but in recent years he has also done a lot for the sport and other organisations off the field.

He played 19 tests for New Zealand, was captain of the New Zealand Māori team at the 2000 Rugby League World Cup, is an NZ Legends of League inductee, is president of New Zealand Rugby League, Kiwis selector and life member of the Melbourne Storm, including winning the NRL final in 1999.

At the heart of all that drives him are his 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.”

Tawera Nikau is guest speaker at the East Coast Farming Expo's Property Brokers Evening Muster on February 19.

Nikau 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.”

He encourages farmers to take time for themselves and, most importantly, always have someone to talk to.

“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. A solar farm is in the development stage.

“It is pretty awesome,” he says.

All the farms are close by and he visits them daily.

“My life has come full circle.”

Nikau 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 in 2003, when he lost a leg due to complications after a motorbike accident.

It took him on a different journey in the world of high performance, but one that has proved personally rewarding.

He is an ambassador for the Achilles Foundation, which gives people with disabilities an opportunity to take part in mainstream events.

He’s done the New York Marathon three times and completed the Oxfam 100km Taupō 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 that will include a visit to his aunt.

“I am excited to see her and connect with the local community.”

And he says if one person walks away from his chat with a few takeaways that can help, then that’s a big win.

Nikau will attend the Wairoa event courtesy of Gisborne-based Corson Maize.

“We know times have been tough on the East Coast for the last couple of years,” Corson Maize national business manager Graeme Austin said.

“Tawera is an outstanding individual who, as a sportsperson, family man and farmer, has also been through his own triumphs and tragedies.”

“Getting farmers and growers together at events like this reinforces that each farmer is not on their own,” Corson Maize national research manager Mike Turner says.

“We are all in this together and can work alongside each other to move forward in these times of uncertainty.”

- Diana Dobson is a freelance writer for the East Coast Farming Expo