New Zealand stakeholders come to governance reform agreement

NEWS: New Zealand Rugby stakeholders advised that they have a reached agreement on the implementation of the most significant governance reform to New Zealand Rugby in recent times.

Following discussions after NZR's AGM in July - with the stakeholder group coming to an agreement to work together on the implementation of the new governance framework and process for appointing the NZR Board that had been approved at a SGM in May.

The stakeholder group included representatives from New Zealand Super Rugby sides, New Zealand Mãori Rugby Board, Rugby Players Association, Provincial unions and Tausoa Fa'atasi (Pacifika Advisory Group).

Canterbury Chair and spokesperson for the Provincial Unions Peter Winchester said:

“This has been a constructive process that has considered the various rugby stakeholder perspectives. We believe this governance framework and appointment process will result in an independent NZR Board that has the required skills to govern in the best interests of the game.”

Rugby Players Association CEO Rob Nichol said:

“This agreement is significant and ensures high-quality candidates who believe they have the required experience, skills and competencies can trust the appointments process. We want people to know that if they are successful they will be joining an NZR Board that has the capability and mandate to govern the game on behalf of all stakeholders.”

New Zealand Māori Rugby Board representative Ahorangi Professor Anne-Marie Jackson said:

“We acknowledge the passing of Kiingi Tuheitia Pootatau Te Wherowhero VII and the ascent of Kuini Nga Wai Hono i te Po. The Kingitanga at this transitional moment has brought kotahitanga to Aotearoa New Zealand, and as stakeholders of rugby, we have worked collectively to bring kotahitanga across rugby that will have positive benefits for everyone”.

Tausoa Fa’atasi (Pasifika Advisory Group) Co-Chair Tauanu'u Nick Bakulich said:

“The Pasifika Advisory Group has enjoyed working effectively with fellow stakeholders in achieving not only a way forward but with a sense of collective unity.”

Crucially, the NZR Board appointment process can commence immediately, starting with the formation of the new stakeholder panel, followed closely by the formation of the NZR Appointments and Remuneration Panel (ARP).

Three people will be appointed by the Panel to the six person ARP, with the NZR Board appointing one and nominating two independent members in consultation with the Institute of Directors, of which one will be Chair.

The voting members of NZR are set to approve amendments to the constitution as soon as possible, which will bring it in line with what has been agreed.

The key constitutional changes would see:

1. The Panel formally re-named to the Stakeholder Panel to better reflect its role and membership.

2. The membership of the Panel expanded to include NZ Schools Rugby Union and the NZ Rugby Foundation.

3. The decisions of the Panel requiring a 75% majority vote. These include the nomination of three people to the NZR Appointments and Remunerations Panel and admissions of new Stakeholder Panel members.

4. Adjustments to the requirements for Māori knowledge and experience on the Board.

5. The requirement that at least three members of the NZR Board must have “PU Board experience” to be expanded to include “PU executive management” experience.

The last phase of the implementation process will involve a formal review of the constitutional changes after two NZR Board appointment cycles have taken place.

The new independent NZR Board is expected to be in place by the end of the year.