24 June 2024

New Zealand Rugby League is sad to announce that at the 2024 Annual General Meeting on Saturday 22 June, Howie Tamati stood down from his role as NZRL President after 11 years of service.

One of the game’s great servants, Tamati has dedicated years of service and made significant contributions to the game of rugby league and NZRL as a player, coach, Life Member, and President.

In 1990 Tamati was awarded the New Zealand 1990 Commemoration Medal and in the 1994 New Year Honours, he was appointed a Member of the Order of the British Empire for his services to rugby league.

Tamati was later awarded the honour of NZRL Life Membership in 2009 before being appointed NZRL President in 2013, a role he faithfully filled for over a decade.

Most recently Tamati was inducted into the Legends of League in 2022, a testament to his on-field achievements including 24 Test appearances and captaincy for the Kiwis from 1979-1985, followed by two years of Kiwis coaching duty in 1992-1993.

New Zealand Rugby League CEO Greg Peters says, “We owe a debt of gratitude to Howie for his unfaltering service to the game of rugby league and NZRL as our President over the past 11 years. Thank you, Howie, we are incredibly grateful for you and your work.”