Former Black Fern and Kiwi Fern, Cross-Code Commentator
HONEY
HIREME-SMILER
Raukawa, Ngaati Hauaa, Ngāti Whakaue.
Honey is one of New Zealand’s most celebrated and multi talented athletes.
Hailing from Putāruru, South Waikato, Honey excelled in both rugby league and rugby union – wearing the silver fern in league, rugby, sevens and nines, and winning four World Cup titles. She was one of the first women to play professional rugby in Aotearoa and captained the Kiwi Ferns.
Blessed with speed and a mean fend, Honey’s league career began at five with the Putāruru Dragons. Over 20 years, she played both codes for clubs and provincial teams across Waikato, Bay of Plenty, Counties and Auckland. She was New Zealand Rugby League’s Player of the Year three times, was top try scorer and named in ‘Dream Teams’ at multiple World Cups, and was selected in the NRLW Team of the Decade. She’s a Member of the NZ Order of Merit for services to rugby league.
Alongside her sporting career Honey has worked in various roles in youth justice, mental health, disability and now in palliative care for Hospice Waikato. Blazing a trail for wāhine, Honey also works in sport broadcasting – presenting and commentating on both the men’s and women’s rugby and league and holds director roles on sports governance boards including vice chair of New Zealand Rugby League.
Honeys whānau are her world, with her wife, 3 sons and 2 mokopuna and recently publishing her autobiography – Honey: My Story of Love, Loss and Victory.