Jack Hemi
Quick Facts
Biography
Jack Raharuhi Hemi (23 August 1914 – 1 June 1996) was a New Zealand freezing worker, rugby union and league player, shearer. Of Māori descent, he identified with the Ngati Kahungunu and Rangitane iwi. He was born in Te Whiti-o-Tutawake, Wairarapa, New Zealand on 23 August 1914.
Early years
Hemi attended Te Whiti School. He worked at a freezing works and, when his father died in 1936, Hemi assumed responsibility for his mother and four siblings.
Rugby union career
Hemi played rugby union for the Gladstone club and first represented Wairarapa in 1933, aged only 18. He played for New Zealand Māori in 1934 and toured Australia with the team in 1935. He was also an All Blacks trialist in 1935.
Rugby league career
In 1936 Hemi switched codes, joining the new Manukau rugby league club in the Auckland Rugby League competition. He represented New Zealand that year against Great Britain and also played for Auckland. He represented New Zealand Māori in 1937, being part of the team that defeated Australia 16–5 at Carlaw Park.
He toured Australia in 1938, slotting a goal against Queensland from 17 yards behind the halfway line. Hemi toured Great Britain in 1939, but World War II ended the tour without a test match being played. Exempt from War duty, Hemi played for Manukau in 1943.
In 1945 he represented Wellington alongside his younger brother, Lou.