New Zealand Rugby (NZR) is committed to Diversity and Inclusion and welcomes people from all walks of life.
While we respect that people have different views and beliefs, we expect that any opinions and views are expressed in a respectful way.
Making a meaningful contribution to New Zealand society beyond 80 minutes of rugby is a responsibility New Zealand Rugby takes very seriously. We are proud to be the first National Sporting Organisation to receive the Rainbow Tick Certification, demonstrating our commitment to making rugby a game for everyone, regardless of sexuality.
Our commitments to doing the right thing revolve around the safety and welfare of those involved in the game; backing the Official Charity of New Zealand Rugby and our teams in black, the Graeme Dingle Foundation; supporting rugby to make a difference when Kiwis most need it, like we did in Canterbury after the earthquakes and aftershocks as well as on the West Coast following the Pike River Mine disaster; and doing our bit to help the environment.
In November 2016 we committed to an independent Respect and Responsibility Review (RRR) to understand how NZR can lead, develop and support people within rugby to be better people and create better rugby players, teams, volunteers and experiences. Ultimately the goal is to replicate the excellent work NZR does with on field performance, and do this with off field behaviour.
The RRR panel reported to the NZR Board through Brent Impey, NZR Chair, and was directly supported by Steve Tew, former NZR CEO and Tracey Kai, GM Communications.
The RRR Panel comprised: Kathryn Beck (Chair, Jackie Barron, Lisa Carrington, Kate Daly, Liz Dawson, David Howman, Sir Michael Jones, Keven Mealamu and Dr Deb Robinson.
Robyn Cockburn is the research and author of the Review.
The RRR was carried out from November 2016 to August 2017. Six recommendations were made and the theme of each is focused on: Inclusive Leadership, Better People, Wellbeing, Gender Equality, Engagement and Communications and Accountability and Independence.
It was clear to the Panel that collectively NZR is doing a lot of good work in this area, however there is no room for complacency.
The recommendations provide all of rugby with a pathway to continue to ensure everyone involved in the game has the right information and understanding with regards to respect and responsibility to enable them to make the right decisions. This includes ensuring that our attitudes towards women in rugby, diversity, respect, responsibility and inclusiveness are in keeping with a world leading sports organisation.
Undertaking a significant culture change in any organisation is complex and takes time and NZR will be setting a long-term programme for action to affect the RRR recommendations.