Tawera Nuieia Nikau[4] MNZM (born 1 January 1967) is a New Zealand former professional rugby league footballer who played in the 1990s and 2000s.

[5] A Waikato and Auckland representative, Nikau played his early club football for the Otahuhu Leopards, Sheffield Eagles, York Wasps (1990-1) and Castleford Tigers.

Tawera Nikau played loose forward in New Zealand's 0–17 defeat by Great Britain at Wembley Stadium on Saturday 16 October 1993.

[6] Tawera Nikau played loose forward in Castleford's 12–28 defeat by Wigan in the 1992 Challenge Cup Final during the 1991–92 season at Wembley Stadium, London on Saturday 2 May 1992, in front of a crowd of 77,386.

[7] Tawera Nikau played loose forward in Castleford Tigers' 33–2 victory over Wigan in the 1993–94 Regal Trophy Final during the 1993–94 season at Headingley, Leeds on Saturday 22 January 1994.

He won in a charity boxing match in June 2002 against Samoan rugby union footballer Peter Fatialofa, supporting the Yellow Ribbon Fight for Life to prevent youth suicide.

He is the chief executive of Aotearoa Construction and owner and managing director of Team One Corporate Development, a training company.

[20] In 2023, Nikau participated in season 3 of Match Fit, where former rugby league players return to play against the Australian counterparts.

In the 2006 Queen's Birthday Honours, Nikau was appointed a Member of the New Zealand Order of Merit, for services to rugby league and the community.