Robert Trathen.
When former All Blacks Sevens star Karl Te Nana and his son Renata Roberts-Te Nana celebrate Father’s Day this weekend, they won’t be playing their beloved rugby – instead, they’ll be competing against each other in a completely different sport.
“Dad’s got a place up north where there’s a nice beach, so we’ll probably have a barbecue and then try to sneak away from my sisters to play golf,” laughs Renata, 33.
For Karl – known to friends and family as KT – hitting the links is a great way to bond with his boy.
He adds, “Any time you can spend three or four hours with your kid, that’s a good thing.”
Bria in Fiji.
An extra-special Father’s Day
This Father’s Day is extra-special for KT as it’s his first with a mokopuna. Daughter Kaiya, 23, gave birth to Kikiwa six months ago.
“I’m one of the last in my friend group to be a grandfather, so I’ve been hanging out,” he says. “It’s a different kind of love from your kids and it’s nice to have a baby back in the family.”
Making memories with his kids – including his youngest daughter Bria, 20 – is important for KT, who tours the globe eight months of the year working as an associate producer and commentator for World Rugby, the sport’s governing body.
Birthday celebrations
Last year, they went away as a family to Fiji to celebrate his 50th birthday.
“After a big stint overseas, being able to chill out was amazing,” enthuses KT, who is of Nga¯puhi descent. “We were right next to the golf course! Renata and I would bugger off in the morning for a walk and a game, then we’d hook up with the girls for a few strawberry daiquiris.”
While family comes first, rugby is his other great love. When the opportunity arose to commentate NPC games on Saturdays for TVNZ, KT jumped at the chance. The competition holds a special place in his heart as four generations of his whānau – his grandfather, dad, himself and Renata – have all played in the NPC.
“It was a great refresh to be able to be part of a competition that needs to come back to the people,” says KT. “Having rugby free to air is massive. Especially at these times, when people can’t afford to pay for extras. Sport is a connector for our families, but it’s also a connection for a lot of other people as well.”
Starting early
For Renata, his relationship to rugby started at just three years old, while growing up in Ruatōria.
“My whole family played where I was born and raised, and it’s been part of our DNA,” says Renata, who also has Nga¯ti Porou heritage. “In Ruato¯ria, rugby’s kind of the only thing there is outside of work, so on the weekends, everyone congregates at the rugby field.”
After shifting north and playing in Auckland Grammar School’s top team, Renata then signed with North Harbour Academy, travelling overseas for about six years playing sevens tournaments for Northcote. He then moved to Whanga¯rei, splitting his time playing for Northland Taniwha in the NPC with Major League Rugby in the US.
Just before Renata retired from professional rugby at 29, his grandfather got to see him play. It’s a treasured memory for KT, who says, “He got to watch his grandson be part of his beloved Northland team. It was special to be able to drive the old man up to watch the young fella play and share in that moment.”
New career beginnings
After hanging up his boots, Renata worked as a property developer, before becoming a business manager for his aunt Charmeyne’s indigenous healthcare platform iAwhi.
He says it’s his whakapapa that’s helped him succeed and he’s grateful for his dad’s unwavering support.
“He’s given me every opportunity – whether I took those is on me. A lot of people don’t get the opportunities I’ve had, so I’m just extremely appreciative of everything my dad and parents have provided for me. It’s nothing to do with money, notoriety or sports. It’s just about being my dad.”
KT, meanwhile, is proud of the man his son has become.
He says, “As a father, my job primarily is to protect and provide. As long as I bring up children who add positively to society and go about their business in a respectful way, I’ve done my job.
“Renata is respectful to everyone. He takes his shoes off when he goes into people’s houses, says please and thank you, looks people in the eye and shakes their hand. You can’t ask for more than that.”
The NPC streams 7pm Saturdays on TVNZ+.
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