New Zealand Rugby (NZR) is committed to Diversity and Inclusion and welcomes people from all walks of life.
Rugby is a game where everyone belongs. New Zealand Rugby (NZR) is committed to diversity and inclusion and welcomes people from all walks of life.
Making a meaningful contribution to New Zealand society beyond 80 minutes of rugby is a responsibility NZR takes seriously. We’re proud to be the first National Sporting Organisation to receive Rainbow Tick certification, reflecting our commitment to making rugby a game for everyone.
Our commitment to doing the right thing includes the safety and welfare of everyone involved in the game and supporting rugby to make a difference when Kiwis need it most — as we did in Canterbury after the earthquakes and on the West Coast following the Pike River disaster — as well as doing our bit for the environment.
In November 2016, NZR commissioned an independent Respect and Responsibility Review (RRR) to look at how we could lead, develop and support people within rugby to be better people, and create better players, teams, volunteers and experiences on and off the field.
The RRR panel reported to the NZR Board through then-Chair Brent Impey, and was directly supported by former CEO Steve Tew and GM Communications Tracey Kai.
The 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 was the review’s researcher and author.
Carried out between November 2016 and August 2017, the review made six recommendations, covering inclusive leadership, better people, wellbeing, gender equality, engagement and communications, and accountability and independence.
The panel found NZR was already doing good work in this space, but that there was no room for complacency. The RRR became the foundation for the culture change work we’ve built on ever since, including our ongoing work on diversity, equity and inclusion.
For what that looks like today, see Te Ara Rangatira.