Far North farewells rugby trailblazer Cheryl Waaka

Far North District Council is mourning the passing of Cheryl Waaka MNZM, a proud Kaikohe local whose contribution to the Far North extended from international rugby to supporting her community and creating opportunities for future generations.

Waaka, who passed away on Sunday, was a two-time Rugby World Cup-winning Black Fern and a respected mentor whose work helped open doors for women and girls in sport. She was also part of the council whānau for many years through her role as Sport Northland Community Connector.

Mayor Moko Tepania says Waaka’s passing is a significant loss for Kaikohe and the wider Te Tai Tokerau community.

“Whaea Cheryl was more than a remarkable rugby player. She was a trailblazer, a mentor and a champion for women’s rugby. Her contribution to our people and our province will be felt for generations,” Mayor Tepania says

While Waaka achieved success on the international stage, much of her legacy was built through her work with people in her own community.

She played 20 tests for the Black Ferns between 1997 and 2004, helping New Zealand win Rugby World Cups in 1998 and 2002. She also broke new ground in 2005 when she became the first woman to coach a Northland senior men’s club rugby team, taking charge at Kaikohe.

Her commitment to growing the game continued beyond her playing career. In 2019, she became a coach of the Northland women’s team in the Farah Palmer Cup, alongside fellow Black Fern Susan Dawson.

Waaka’s contribution was recognised nationally when she was appointed a Member of the New Zealand Order of Merit for services to rugby in the 2023 New Year Honours. She was named in Northland Rugby’s Women’s Team of the Century in 2024 and inducted as a Northland Legend of Sport in 2025.

For those who worked alongside her, her influence reached well beyond these achievements.

As Sport Northland Community Connector, Waaka was part of the council’s wider whānau, and her passing will be felt by colleagues who worked closely with her.

“Despite everything she achieved, Whaea Cheryl’s passion was always grounded in her love for rugby and the people who made it special,” Mayor Tepania says

The council will fly its flag at half-mast on the day of Waaka’s funeral, as a mark of respect for her life and contribution to the community.

The council extends its aroha and deepest condolences to Waaka’s whānau, friends, former colleagues and all those whose lives she touched.

Moe mai rā, e te rangatira.

Rest peacefully, Cheryl.