Nate Boness

My Pa: A Tribute to Waka Joseph Nathan by his grandson, Nate

2022

Location: Level 6, University of Auckland Stand

Waka Joseph Nathan (1940-2021), All Black #627, was one of the most outstanding players in the vintage decade of 1960s rugby.

Nathan was only 19 when he first played for Auckland and for New Zealand Māori in 1959. He entered Ranfurly Shield folklore with his last-minute try at the end of the 1960 season, which enabled Auckland to snatch victory from the verge of a loss to a strong Canterbury challenge – right here at Eden Park.

Nicknamed the Black Panther during his impressive career, he played 37 games, including 14 tests for New Zealand, never being on the losing side. Following his playing days, Nathan went on to serve the game as a coach and administrator and remained an active member of the NZ Barbarians club.

A man of mana, and always with a pleasant, cheerful demeanour, he was a rugby legend to many. But to his whānau and grandson Nate, he was just ‘My Pa’.

This touching tribute poem was unveiled following Waka Nathan’s Memorial Function which took place in September 2022 at Eden Park.