Waimarama was born at Waipawa. At the age of eight, she moved with her family down to Christchurch where she was educated at Avonhead Primary School and Riccarton High School. She graduated with a B.A. in History from the University of Canterbury and a Diploma of Teaching from Christchurch Teachers’ College. She has taught at Upper Hutt College and Wellington High School. In 1981 Waimarama became a member of the New Zealand Netball team. In 1990 she became a programme manager for Māori Sport in the Hillary Commission. In 1991 she was awarded Māori Sports Personality of the Year and an MBE in the 1992 New Year Honours list.
Biographical sources
- Correspondence and phone conversation with Waimarama Taumaunu 17 Feb. and 23 Mar. 1998, and 12 Oct. 2004.
- My Father and Me: New Zealand Women Remember. Penelope Hansen. Auckland, N.Z.: Tandem, 1992. 205.
Reviews
- "Best in the World." Photographs by Karen Angus. School Journal 4.1 (1990): 42-45.
- Titahi Bay Intermediate School netball players interview Waimarama Taumaunu about her introduction to netball at primary school and her selection for the New Zealand netball team. Taumaunu discusses issues of fitness, preparation for a test match, and the role of a captain.
- "Goal Shooting." Photographs by Karen Angus. School Journal 4.1 (1990). 46-48.
- A step-by-step guide on goal shooting.
- "Letter To My Dad." My Father And Me: New Zealand Women Remember. Ed. Penelope Hansen. Auckland, N.Z.: Tandem, 1992. 202-204.
- Taumaunu writes a glowing tribute to her father, Hone Taumaunu, and recalls endearing memories of him.
Other
- Romanos, Michael. "Waimarama Taumaunu." Tu Tangata 23 (Apr./May 1985): 16-17.
- A profile on the netball career of New Zealand Netball Team member Waimarama Taumaunu.