9 April 2025

New Zealand Rugby League mourns the passing of Mere Miki, Kiwi Fern #28, who proudly represented New Zealand between 1997 and 2004.

Originally from Whakatāne, Miki moved to Auckland where she played for the Manukau and Otāhuhu rugby league clubs before finding a home with the Grey Lynn Richmond Roses—a pioneering team for women in rugby league at the time. Throughout her years with the Roses, Miki honed her talents and skills, becoming a prominent centre and fullback, especially known for her speed.

The Kiwi Ferns were officially formed as a national representative team in 1995, and two years later, Head Coach Janie Thomson selected Miki to join the squad. Her debut Ferns campaign in 1997 was against Australia in the first-ever formal tour of a national women’s rugby league team to New Zealand. The Ferns defeated Australia in two Test matches, with Miki starring in the centres and scoring in both games.

In 2003, Miki went on to represent her Māori heritage by playing for the New Zealand Māori women’s team in the second-ever Women’s Rugby League World Cup. Following impressive performances for the Māori side, Miki was again selected to join the Kiwi Ferns for their 2004 tour of Australia, where they defeated Australia twice in Brisbane.

Miki is fondly remembered by her past teammates as a talented player whose strength and resilience were second to none, both on and off the field. New Zealand Rugby League extends its heartfelt condolences to Mere’s family, friends, and beloved club, the Richmond Rovers. Her loss will be deeply felt, but her legacy and contributions to the Black and White jersey will live on.