Pacific peoples have long contributed to rugby in New Zealand. At both fifteens and sevens level, some exceptional players of Pacific heritage have worn the black jersey, and the game is enjoyed by Pasifika players and fans all around the country.

NZR celebrates this outstanding legacy, but also recognises that on-field success for Pasifika has not translated to equitable representation in non-playing roles such as coaching, refereeing, administration and governance within rugby.

This strategy is NZR's dedicated plan to enable, embrace and empower positive outcomes and experiences for Pasifika at all levels of rugby.

For enquiries, please contact our Diversity and Inclusion team. 

Book a Cultural Competency Workshop

Grounded in Culture, Growing in Game

NZR’s Pasifika Cultural Competency workshops are practical, face‑to‑face sessions designed to strengthen understanding of Pasifika cultures and worldviews, and to support rugby organisations to work confidently and respectfully with Pasifika players, whānau, colleagues and communities.

In Aotearoa rugby, performance and connection go hand in hand. Our ability to support people to thrive depends not just on what we do - but how well we understand the cultural contexts we work within.

 What you’ll gain

These workshops are highly practical and grounded in lived experience. Participants develop:

• A stronger understanding of Pasifika values and ways of relating
• Increased confidence when engaging with Pasifika players, whānau and communities
• Practical tools for culturally responsive communication and leadership
• Stronger relationships built on trust, respect and shared understanding
• Clear alignment with NZR’s commitment to inclusion, belonging and culturally grounded practice

2026 workshops – limited availability

NZR will deliver a limited number of Pasifika Cultural Competency workshops in 2026. Demand is expected to be strong, and early expressions of interest are encouraged.

Confirmed Provincial Union / Super Rugby Club workshops:

• Monday 13 and Wednesday 15 April - booked for Auckland region
• Thursday 30 April 
• Wednesday 13 May
• Wednesday 3 and Friday 5 June - booked for Wellington region
• Thursday 11 June
• Thursday 25 June
• Tuesday 21 July
• Thursday 30 July
• Tuesday 20 October - booked for Wellington region
• Friday 23 October
• Tuesday 3 November
• Friday 6 November

More dates will be added. If these dates do not suit, please get in touch to discuss options. You can also express interest in a date that's showing as booked in a region near you. 

How to book or attend a workshop

• Provincial Unions and Super Rugby Clubs:
  Contact NZR or email culturalcompetency@nzrugby.co.nz to host a workshop.
• Rugby clubs:
  Please contact your local Provincial Union in the first instance, or email culturalcompetency@nzrugby.co.nz to register interest.

To find out more or express interest, contact Eroni Clarke at culturalcompetency@nzrugby.co.nz.

Additional reading

Navigating Two Worlds is a research report prepared for New Zealand Rugby by AUT University, which helps provide further context into Pacific Island experiences and contributions to non-playing participation in rugby.

You can find the Navigating Two Worlds Report on the AUT website here.