The Hurricanes organisation, and players past and present, have come together in a fundraising effort to support Hurricanes wider training group member Nui Muriwai and his partner, Mereana Pearce.

Mereana, 20, was recently diagnosed with SCCOHT (Small Cell Carcinoma of the Ovary, Hypercalcaemic Type), a rare and aggressive form of ovarian cancer that only affects one in 10 million women worldwide.

Since her diagnosis, Mereana has undergone intensive rounds of chemotherapy, two major abdominal surgeries, high-dose radiation, and ongoing immunotherapy – all while being told she may have months to live.

Given how few women are impacted by this type of cancer, the treatment Mereana requires is extremely limited, costing an average of $60,000 to $70,000 for every four doses.

To help support Mereana, the Hurricanes welcome contributions to Mereana’s Givealittle page, and are hosting a Trade Me auction, thanks to the kind donations of Sky Stadium, NZ Super Rugby clubs, Hurricanes players and Alumni in an effort to raise funds for her ongoing treatment and recovery.

Among the items on offer in the auction include:
A corporate box alongside two Hurricanes legends at the All Blacks v South Africa test at Sky Stadium in Wellington on 13 September
A test match-worn jersey donated by Tyrel Lomax – worn in his 39th test for the All Blacks against Australia in Sydney, 2024
A signed test match-worn jersey donated by Brad Shields – worn in his fifth test for England against Australia at Twickenham in 2018
An All Blacks jersey signed by Dane Coles and embroidered with his career stats
A round of golf with Jordie Barrett and Christian Cullen for two people in Wellington/Kapiti Coast
Five fully-signed Marvel jerseys from each of the New Zealand-based DHL Super Rugby Pacific teams
Lunch with three of the Hurricanes’ All Blacks in Wellington, plus captain’s run and hospitality access
A 2025 Hurricanes heritage jersey signed by this year’s squad

“This is not an easy thing for us to ask,” Mereana said. 

“My family has always managed quietly, without seeking help. But more recently, with the news that I potentially have a couple months left to live, we humbly reach out.

“If you are in a position to offer support, no matter the size, please know that we are deeply grateful. Your support means more than words can express.”

“We were devastated to learn of Mereana’s diagnosis,” Hurricanes chief executive Avan Lee added. 

“Nui has been great to have at the Hurricanes, and Nui and Mereana are a lovely young couple. It was amazing to see them both at our awards night recently. We just want to show our support for them, so hopefully the rugby community get behind this as well.”

Anyone interested in providing to Mereana’s Givealittle page can do so here. Items on the Trade Me auction are live now and can be bid for here.

Terms & Conditions for the auction can be found here.

D'Arcy Waldegrave lives and breathes sport. He loves motorsport and revels in the torment of being a Warriors and Black Caps fan. Whatever the sport, big or small, he’s got a view. His non-stop enthusiasm sees him battle it out with a diverse selection of armchair commentators resulting in a sometimes explosive, but always compelling show weeknights 7pm-8pm on Newstalk ZB.

D'Arcy Waldegrave lives and breathes sport. He loves motorsport and revels in the torment of being a Warriors and Black Caps fan. Whatever the sport, big or small, he’s got a view.

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Avan Lee: On the Hurricanes fundraising effort for Mereana Pearce

https://api.omny.fm/orgs/7784f840-c291-422a-924b-ad9000bbad71/clips/225826f1-3ba8-4ca0-b83b-b3090088cb3e/transcript