A Community in Mourning: Farewell to Mereana
The Australian and New Zealand rugby community is united in grief following the tragic death of Mereana, the 21-year-old wife of Hurricanes halfback Nui Muriwai. Mereana lost her battle with an exceptionally rare and aggressive form of ovarian cancer, small cell carcinoma of the ovary, hypercalcaemic type. She was believed to be the only known case of this specific cancer in all of New Zealand.
Wellington Rugby announced her passing, confirming she died recently surrounded by her loving whanau, or family. Her funeral was held on Thursday, where tributes poured in for the young woman described by the union as a loving, thoughtful and fiercely supportive young wahine whose warmth uplifted everyone around her.
A Story of Courage and Unbreakable Love
Nui Muriwai paid a moving tribute to his late wife at her funeral, expressing the profound impact she had on his life. He told those gathered that she will always have a special place in my heart.
He spoke of the incredible strength she displayed throughout her illness, saying, This past year you’ve shown me what true courage, bravery, resilience, and grace looks like. Nui credited Mereana with changing his perspective on life and making him a better man.
The couple's love story culminated in their marriage in October, a decision made after they received the devastating news that her cancer had progressed. Mereana herself shared the joy of their wedding day on social media, posting a series of photos with the caption, My husband. Words couldn’t explain all the feelings that have been felt this past week and a bit. I love you into the afterlife.
A Heartbreaking Farewell and Overwhelming Support
Just five days after her wedding post, Mereana shared a gut-wrenching update with her followers. She revealed she had accepted her fate, writing that there was simply nothing out there for me except for suffering from this cancer.
She expressed that she could no longer handle the pain, confirming the cancer had spread and she had been given only months to live. It’s just so hard, she wrote, while thanking everyone for their belief in her.
In a powerful show of support, the community rallied around the couple. A fundraiser launched to help explore overseas treatment options raised an incredible more than $NZ83,000. This was bolstered by a charity auction supported by the Hurricanes organisation, which added nearly $NZ50,000 to the cause.
The Hurricanes club shared its own poignant tribute, writing, The cold wind of loss rests on our hearts as we mourn your loss, Mereana. Your whanau here at the Hurricanes are devastated by the news. They promised to watch over Nui, assuring Mereana that her husband would be cared for.
