The contribution Wiremu ’Ned’ Tehoka Parata (Ngāi Tahu) made to Māori rugby is unequalled. After having petitioned the NZRU to establish the New Zealand Māori Men’s Rugby Team in 1910, the following year Parata became the founding President of the Bay of Plenty Rugby Union until 1925. He managed four New Zealand Māori tours to Australia and held the same position for their epic tour to Australia, Ceylon, France, England, Wales and Canada in 1926–27. He was also the first President of the Māori Advisory Board and represented Māori interests for four years on the NZRU Board. Outside of rugby, Parata was an active member of the Ngāi Tahu Trust Board. He was awarded an OBE in 1948 and passed away the following year.