Countless world leaders including Nelson Mandela, Queen Elizabeth II and many of her children have paid courtesy visits to Te Arikinui and the people of the Kīngitanga.
Educated at Forest View High School in Tokoroa, John first played league for local club the Pacific Sharks and the Turangawaewae team in the Ngaruawahia Māori rugby league competition.
Shaun Kenny-Dowall - (Turangawaewae, Ngaruawahia Panthers) *Kiwis, NZ Maoris, Waikato Rugby League, Sydney Roosters, NRL All Stars