Profile Text
Birth Name: Thomas Tekanapu Rawakata Perenara
Place of Birth: Porirua, Wellington, New Zealand
Date of Birth: 23 January, 1992
Ethnicity: Māori (roughly one quarter), English, Scottish, likely some Cornish
TJ Perenara is a New Zealand rugby union player. A half-back and first five-eighth, he plays for Ricoh Black Rams. He was previously with Wellington, Hurricanes, and NTT Red Hurricanes, as well as for Barbarian F.C., the New Zealand national team, North Island, Māori All Blacks, and All Blacks XV.
TJ is the son of Fiona Margaret (Farrow) and Thomas Te Kanapu Rawakata Perenara. His parents have represented New Zealand Softball teams ( Black Sox and White Sox ). TJ is a cousin of rugby league players Marcus Perenara and Henry Perenara, who is also a referee. TJ is married to Greer.
TJ’s paternal grandfather was Edward Tokona “Boy Boy” Perenara (the son of Rawakata Te Kanapu “Ra” Perenara and Ngarongoa “Rose/Rosie” Tokona). Edward was born in New Zealand. Rawakata was the son of Māori parents, Perenara Rawakata and Heni Menehira. Ngarongoa was the daughter of Te Taupe Maaka Parauta “Harry” Tokona, who was of Māori, and one eighth Scottish, descent, and of Ripeka Mereaira Tangitutu Tokona Pahau, who was Māori.
TJ’s paternal grandmother is named Patricia Laurel Bastian. Patricia was born in Broken Hill, New South Wales, Australia. Her surname is likely of Cornish origin.
TJ’s maternal grandfather was Terrence George “Terry” Farrow (the son of Terrence John “Terry” Farrow and Thelma May Hutchinson). Terrence was born in Wellington, New Zealand. Thelma was English, from Liverpool, Lancashire.
TJ’s maternal grandmother was Patricia Thompson (the daughter of Duncan William John Thompson and Annie Dawson). Duncan was the son of John Thompson and Alice.
Source: Genealogy of TJ Perenara – https://www.geni.com