In a region where rugby reigns supreme, one Eastern Bay woman is stepping up – whistle in hand – to change the game.

With a shortage of referees and only one female official active in the area, Shinoa Nikora decided it was time to make a difference.

It’s a huge step for Nikora to take with very few female referees around, although she’s got great people to look up to in Tiana Ngawati, Estelle Whaiapu and Eastern Bay’s own Noi Elmiger.

“I decided to give refereeing a go because we have a big shortage in the Eastern Bay,” she said.

“It was concerning that a lot of our senior teams had either no referee or had to rely on community members who just understood the game.”

Having served as an associate referee for the past two years, she decided in 2026 to take the next step – earning her full referee qualification with the encouragement of local referees Grant Moore, Jaco Brouwer and Elmiger.

Balancing her role as a player for the Ōpōtiki women’s team with her new responsibilities on the other side of the whistle, she says the transition has been both challenging and rewarding.

“I’m really enjoying the journey so far. The local competition started a few weeks ago and it’s been good to get out there on Saturday afternoons,” she said.

Her first senior men’s game brought the expected nerves, but she came away encouraged.

“Both men’s teams were great and understood my position. The communication was good and the positive feedback I received from players, coaches, management and spectators was overwhelming.”

Though she didn’t initially set formal goals, Nikora’s motivation was simple: to give back to the sport she’s loved since the age of 15.

“One of my goals now is to finish this first year with more knowledge, confidence and growth, so I can build on it next season.”

Her message to other women, especially younger ones, is clear – refereeing opens doors.

“Being a referee can take you on a worldwide journey. We have female refs like Estelle Whaiapu, who’s covered the Six Nations, and Tiana Ngawati, who’s been on the Sevens circuit.

“It’s also a great way to stay involved in the game if you can no longer play.”

Mentoring and support are a big part of rugby refereeing and Nikora’s got some great help to aid her progression. She credits the support of experienced mentors such as Tony Dunlop, Greg Steele and Bay referee manager Jamie Bell.

“They’ve been huge for my development, always watching, supporting, and offering feedback,” she said.

Fellow referee Elmiger has also been a constant source of encouragement.

Although this is her first year as a rugby referee, she’s no stranger to officiating, having refereed rugby league and touch rugby in the past – alongside teaching her own kids about the game’s laws.

As the Eastern Bay continues to struggle with referee numbers, Nikora hopes others – especially women – will take up the whistle.

“It would be awesome to see more people in the Eastern Bay get involved. We need more referees at all levels, so we can keep the game alive and well for future players.”

From the sideline to the centre field, her story is one of passion, community, and breaking ground for women in sport – proving that leadership in rugby doesn’t always wear a jersey.