LEAGUE LEGEND TAWERA ‘I'M THANKFUL FOR WHAT I HAVE'

Despite tragic loss, the sporting hero is now focused on giving back

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It's nearly 20 years since rugby league legend Tāwera Nikau lost his leg in a devastating motorcycle accident - a moment that plunged him into a deep despair. Still grieving the loss of his wife Letitia, who died by suicide just a few years earlier, the former athlete found himself questioning whether he would ever feel true happiness again.

He recalls, “I remember sitting on the edge of my hospital bed, feeling sorry for myself, having a cry and thinking, ‘What does a one-legged former rugby league player do with his life?’”

But with the support of his whānau, Tāwera has come through the darkness to rebuild a life filled with purpose and meaning. At 58, he is a passionate advocate for his family, community and environment, and says giving back is what drives him.

"What I've learned is that shit happens to all of us," he says. “We all go through different challenges at different times, but it's really about how you see it and what you decide to do about it.

"You have to ask for help, hold on to optimism and eventually the sun will come out again. But you can't do it alone - you have to surround yourself with your people."