EP 6 - Matiu Makiha: Rugby, Resilience & The Fight to Leave People Better Than You Found Them
At six years old, Matiu Makiha lost his father. What followed was a life shaped by loss, community, and the discovery that sport, and the brotherhood that comes with it can save a life.
In this powerful conversation, host Vickie Simos sits down with Matiu Makiha, a proud son of Aotearoa raised in Te Tii, Bay of Islands, former Junior Kiwis Rugby League development player, one-time housemate of the late Jonah Lomu, mentor, coach, and community leader.
From playing alongside future NRL and All Blacks legends like Tana Umaga, Ruben Wiki, and Stacey Jones as a teenager, to working in rail, youth justice, disability support, and community services — one purpose has remained constant: honouring his mum's sacrifices by living a life of service.
In this conversation, Matiu shares:
How losing his father at six shaped every choice that followed
Growing up in Te Tii and on the family farm in Waima, Hokianga
His mum: his rock, hero, and reason why
The mistakes of his youth — and why he sees them as lessons
Being selected for the 1990 Junior Kiwis Rugby League Development Squad
Sharing a home with the late Jonah Lomu before the world knew his name
Playing alongside Tana Umaga, Ruben Wiki, and Stacey Jones
Why he says "rugby saved my life"
Lessons from his legendary coach Ox Nathan and the late Norman Berryman
A career spanning rail, education, youth justice, disability support, and health & fitness
Why "our past does not define us — our choices do"
Caring for his mum and honouring her sacrifices
The inner fight that drives him to leave people better than he found them
Topics Covered:
Growing up without a father — grief and searching for direction
Māori culture, whānau, and the values of Te Tii, Bay of Islands
The role of rugby and team brotherhood in healing and belonging
Playing alongside NZ rugby legends as a young man
Career pivots across rail, education, youth justice, and community services
Mentoring young people who are struggling
Leadership across diverse environments
Caring for aging parents and honouring their sacrifices
Breaking cycles and choosing a different path
About Matiu Makiha:
Born in Otahuhu, Auckland in 1973, Matiu Makiha is a mentor, coach, and community leader with a rugby background that includes selection for the 1990 Junior Kiwis Rugby League Development Squad, representing the Waikato Māori team, and playing club rugby alongside future Chiefs stars Damien Karauna, Richard Kahui, and Liam Messam. Now based in Melbourne, Matiu captains the Old Blacks in Vic Masters Rugby. His professional career spans rail, education, youth justice, community services, disability support, residential care, and health and fitness.