New Zealand Rugby (NZR), one of New Zealand’s leading sporting organisations, has an exciting governance opportunity available in 2023 for an Appointed Board Member. This position represents an opportunity to work with other passionate people, play a pivotal role in governing the future of rugby across New Zealand, and contribute to the continued success of our teams in black.

We invite applications for one Appointed Board Member position on our Board.  The vacancy relates to a three-year term commencing on or about 27 April 2023, and the successful applicant will be selected by our Appointments and Remuneration Committee. 

NZR’s purpose is to lead, grow, support and promote New Zealand’s game. It represents New Zealand on rugby organisations internationally, has ultimate responsibility for the performance of the All Blacks, Black Ferns and other men’s and women’s teams in black and, in partnership with the 26 Provincial Unions, contributes to the health of rugby at all levels. 

In 2022 NZR assigned its income-generating assets to New Zealand Rugby Commercial Limited Partnership, a majority-owned NZR entity, with NZR retaining the right to appoint two of its Board Members to NZRCLP Board. 

General requirements for the role:

• Diversity: Contributes to a diverse NZR Board culture through demographic diversity and diversity of thought. Brings expertise and/or awareness of gender and/or cultural issues through lived experiences.
• Broad business and leadership experience: Has proven experience in managing and contributing to businesses at a senior level
• Strong Governance Skills and Experience
• Commercial Acumen: Has experience contributing to the creation and preservation of commercial value, and the ability to recognise and respond to opportunity and risk
• Courage: The strength of character and boldness to pursue one's own convictions, and to probe, penetrate and achieve full understanding, in the face of adversity.
• Commitment: The energy, commitment, motivation and the time to properly meet the Board's requirements and discharge its responsibilities

Specific requirements that have been identified:

• Human Resources/Health and Safety/Risk - broad experience in HR/H&S/Risk functions and operational high-performance, specifically specialist human resources to assist with meeting NZR’s “Thriving People Thriving Game” goals.
• International Sports Business Experience and Networks - international business development and sports business marketing experience, the capability and credibility to promote the interests of NZ Rugby on the International stage, and the ability to develop commercial introductions and connections with international entities, whether business, governmental or other, including in emerging rugby markets.
• Brand / marketing – specialist experience to oversee NZRC’s strategy and contribute towards NZR’s goal of “Loved Game, Loved Brands”. 
• Broadcast/Media/Digital/Technology – knowledge regarding broadcasting, media (traditional and new) and digital content. 
• Corporate Financial Management – specialist financial skills and relevant corporate experience relevant to the preservation and growth of funds realised in NZR’s recent capital raise.

All applications should include a CV, confirmation of the matters referred to above, and a covering letter. Applications are to be made via New Zealand Rugby’s careers site or sent to AppointedBoardApplications@nzrugby.co.nz

Nominated and Elected Board Members 

NZR is also seeking one Nominated Board Member and one Elected Board Member. 

Nominated Board Members are nominated by Provincial Rugby Unions and the successful nominee is selected by the NZR Appointments and Remuneration Committee. 

Elected Board Members are nominated by Provincial Rugby Unions and the successful candidate is elected at the Annual General Meeting. 

It is possible to seek two different positions in the same year (either the Appointed and Nominated positions, or the Nominated and Elected positions), although a person can only be appointed/elected to one position.  Both vacancies relate to three-year terms commencing on or about 27 April 2023. 

Persons interested in either of these positions should contact a Provincial Rugby Union to discuss a nomination in the first instance.

Across the three positions available, two incumbent Board members are expected to re-stand, while Stewart Mitchell will retire after three consecutive terms on the Board.

Applications and nominations close Tuesday 14 February 2023 at 5.00pm.