New Zealand Rugby mourns the passing of Mackie Herewini
New Zealand Rugby is mourning the death of All Black and Maori All Black MacFarlane Herewini, who passed away this week, aged 73.
“It is with sadness that we mark the passing of Mackie Herewini,” said New Zealand Rugby President Ian MacRae.
“I had the privilege of playing and touring with Mackie for a number of seasons. He was a useful player with a deceptive turn of speed and impressive boot as well as being a good man and a very proud All Black.
“I am sure that in coming days Mackie will be fondly remembered across New Zealand, in particular by the Māori and Manukau rugby communities, for his performances for the All Blacks and Māori All Blacks as well as his continued contributions to the game as a selector and coach.
“Our thoughts are with his family and friends at this sad time.”
Herewini was 21 when he made his All Blacks Test debut in September 1962 against Australia in Auckland. He was just 17 when he made his provincial debut for Auckland and in 1960, at 19 years old made his debut for the Maori All Blacks and joined that team for its tour to Tonga and Samoa.
Able to play in a range of backline positions and valued for the accuracy of his boot, Herewini turned out 32 times for the All Blacks, including 10 Tests, and scored 95 points for the team. He played in all four of the Tests against the 1966 British and Irish Lions and scored two dropped goals during that series.
Herewini also made an invaluable contribution to the Maori All Blacks for over a decade. He made 24 appearances for that side, including nine against international teams that included South Africa and the Lions. In 1970 he captained the team in three matches, against North Auckland and Fiji. Herewini twice received the Tom French Memorial Trophy for Maori Player of the Year.
Following his retirement from playing, Herewini continued to remain involved with the game as a selector for Northern Maori and coach of the Manukau RFC. His son Mackie also went on to represent New Zealand at age grade levels.
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