Laura Mariu, of Auckland, MNZM, for services to rugby league
Laura Mariu has represented New Zealand in karate, softball, touch rugby, tag football, and rugby league. She debuted as a Kiwi Fern at 19 and has since represented New Zealand in all five Women’s Rugby League World Cups, including as Captain of the 2017 squad. She has represented Auckland and Counties Manukau Zone at the National Women’s Tournament and with the New Zealand Māori Wahine Toa team. She has coached and played on the Papakura Women’s team and has been involved with the Otahuhu and Papakura rugby league clubs. Mrs Mariu has volunteered her time to coach the Te Kura Māori o Ngā Tapuwae school girls’ rugby league team.