Cunningham was very physically fit and strong, and was "remarkably agile" according to writer Matt Elliott. He was very popular with his teammates and possessed a good sense of humour. Like Billy Stead, the other Māori in the 1905–06 All Black side, Cunningham was able to speak the language. Outside of rugby he spent his early working-life as an axeman, and spent some time as a miner before later working for the Auckland Harbour Board. At the time of his death he was working at an Auckland freezing works. Cunningham died suddenly from acute meningitis at Auckland in September 1927, and his funeral was attended by a number of dignitaries, including representatives of the New Zealand, Auckland, New South Wales and Thames Rugby Unions. His pallbearers were all former All Blacks, and included fellow Original All Blacks George Tyler, George Nicholson and George Gillett. After his casket had been lowered into its grave at Hillsborough Cemetery, an Auckland representative jersey was thrown on top. Books and newspapers  Web