From the moment they met, it was clear that rugby, culture, and family would be the guiding themes in their relationship. Their paths crossed on multiple occasions, each encounter revealing the deep connections they shared, often unbeknownst to them at the time.
Kafu’s roots in rugby began with his time at Belfast, where he not only played but also contributed as a coach for Puhi Teaewa's team. This connection became the first thread woven into the fabric of their relationship.
Whitney, on the other hand, worked for Youthtown's holiday program, which operated out of the Belfast Rugby Clubrooms. There, she would often see Kafu training, unaware of how intertwined their lives truly were.
Their shared journey took another turn when Whitney secured an internship at Canterbury Rugby, while Kafu was in the mix for the Under 20's Canterbury team, just prior to facing a significant injury. The overlapping circles of friends and shared interests made it feel inevitable that they would find each other.
One memorable day, an unexpected car breakdown turned into an unplanned family introduction. As Whitney and Kafu attempted to plan a "secret getaway," her sister and father came to their rescue, leading to Kafu’s surprise introduction to Whitney’s family. Little did they know, Whitney's father had already had an inkling about this guy through the “coffee dates” they would regularly go on in the beginning, affectionately bestowing Kafu with the nickname “Coffee” – a name that reflects the light-hearted beginnings of their romance.
A year and a half later, they were overjoyed to welcome their son, Ardie, into the world. Three years after that, they celebrated purchasing their first home, only to be graced the very next day with the birth of their beautiful daughter, Myra.
Throughout their journey, sports, rugby, culture, and family have remained the cornerstones of their lives together. The love they share is boundless and reflected in the incredible community that surrounds them.
As they embark on this new chapter as The Misiuatas, they invite you to celebrate with them the love that unites them and the journey that lies ahead. Here’s to love, laughter, and a lifetime of cherished memories!