Update on New Zealand Rugby Board ratification process

New Zealand Rugby’s (NZR) voting members have ratified eight candidates for the Board.  

The NZR Board members who will take office in the New Year are:

• Caren Rangi ONZM
• Catherine Savage
• David Kirk MBE (Chair-elect)
• Doug Jones
• Grant Jarrold
• Greg Barclay
• Julia Raue
• Keven Mealamu MNZM

Eight of the nine people put forward by the NZR Appointments and Remuneration Panel (the Panel) have been confirmed, with Rowena Davenport not ratified.

Panel Chair Rachel Taulelei said:

“We are over the moon to have eight exceptional candidates ratified for appointment to the NZR Board. They are extremely capable, motivated and ready to start a new chapter for the organisation and game. The process has been challenging, but rewarding, and the result is testament to everyone’s commitment to move forward positively.

“Our only disappointment is that Rowena Davenport’s appointment was not ratified. Rowena has contributed an immense amount to the Board and to the game, and we felt her skills and experience complemented the rest of the Board well.”

The Panel has confirmed that a process will be run as soon as practicable in early 2025 to appoint a ninth and final Board member. 

Any new candidate will need to allow the Board to meet its Constitutional requirements, including gender diversity and Provincial Union experience. 

Rowena Davenport said:

“While naturally I'm disappointed by the outcome, I remain committed to the organisation and future of New Zealand rugby. I joined the Board with great optimism, and it’s that perspective I take forward.

“The appointments panel ran an incredibly well-managed and robust process, and the eight ratified Directors are outstanding. I’m excited for what they will bring to NZR and have no doubt they will be able to pick up the mantle quickly and with great effect. As someone who has spent the past decade dedicated to inclusion and governance of rugby in New Zealand, I will continue to be involved with the game through the New Zealand Rugby Foundation Board and as an avid supporter of both the community and professional games.”

NZR Board candidates were selected by the Panel after an extensive process that was supported by recruitment firm Sheffield.

Each appointment required the support of a majority of NZR’s voting members; the 26 Provincial Unions and New Zealand Māori Rugby Board (NZMRB). The Ratification ballot closed yesterday at 5pm.

The new NZR Board is set to take office no later than 1 February 2025, with the existing Board to continue in office in a caretaker role until it does.

The Board-elect has indicated that its decision to appoint David Kirk as its Chair will be formalised at the Board’s first meeting in 2025.

Chair Elect David Kirk said:

“I am honoured and excited to be appointed to the Board of NZR.  We have an excellent board and I look forward to the work ahead.”

David Kirk (New Zealand Rugby Players Association), Doug Jones (NZMRB) and Grant Jarrold (Crusaders) have all confirmed they will step down from those governance roles to meet Constitutional requirements for NZR Board members to be independent. 

The NZR Board is required to appoint a representative to the NZMRB, and this will occur following consultation between the two Boards in the New Year.