Rugby League author leaves significant legacy

1st May 2013

Rugby League author leaves significant legacy

Bernie Wood died on Sunday 28 April 2013 and leaves behind a significant contribution to the history of Rugby League in New Zealand.

In conjunction with John Coffey, he researched the history of Rugby League in New Zealand and together they wrote 'The Kiwis: 100 Years of International Rugby League' (2007). The following year they completed '100 Years: Māori Rugby League 1908–2008' (2008) and the next year they finished 'Auckland: 100 Years of Rugby League 1909–2009' (2009), these latter two titles published by Huia Publishers.

As Bernie said on completing the last title 'This book completes a comprehensive research into the history of rugby league in New Zealand which the authors conducted over many years.'

And the research provided its own highlights for Bernie, 'The discovery of long-lost illustrations and articles in very old newspapers and/or magazines invariably provided a thrill, knowing they would otherwise have been gone for all time had it not been for the commissioning of this book.'

Brian Bargh of Huia Publishers remembers Bernie as a great author to work with. 'He and his friend and co-author John Coffey were energetic and did not flinch from doing whatever it took to get their two books '100 Years: Māori Rugby League 1908–2008' and 'Auckland: 100 Years of Rugby League 1909–2009' out to as many league enthusiasts as possible. They made our job as a publisher so much easier.

Bernie's passion for and knowledge of Rugby League came through his extensive involvement. He Was on the Board of the Wellington Rugby League for 24 consecutive years, finishing in 1992 to become Deputy Chair of the NZRL where he remained a director for 10 years. From 1971, for a period of 20 years, he was rugby league correspondent for the Dominion, the Sunday Star-Times and for a local radio station. From 1977 to 2002 he edited, published and produced 25 NZRL Annuals.

In 2000 Bernie was awarded the MNZM, and in 2008 he received Life Membership of the NZRL.

Rugby League is left the poorer with the passing of Bernie Wood.

ENDS

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