Gender diversity takes back seat as New Zealand select board

New Zealand Rugby (NZR) has revealed the new board members who will take office in the New Year.

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

According to the Herald, the provincial unions did not vote for Davenport to continue on the board because many believe she did not act in their best interests during her last three terms.

In an official statement released by NZR, Davenport expressed her disappointment.

“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.”

Davenport’s rejection also means all five previous provincial union board representatives – Bailey MacKey, Stu Mather, Ajit Balasingham and Wayne Young – are not returning to the new NZR board.

*Article continues below…

The new NZR Board members are Caren Rangi, Catherine Savage, David Kirk, Doug Jones, Grant Jarrold, Greg Barclay, Julia Raue and Keven Mealamu.

“We are over the moon to have eight exceptional candidates ratified for appointment to the NZR Board,” Panel Chair Taulelei said.

“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 a 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.

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 February 1, 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.