Palmer’s NZ Rugby board first female
Wellington: Former Black Ferns captain Farah Palmer has become the first female elected to the board of New Zealand Rugby (NZR). Palmer, who led New Zealand to three World Cup titles between 1998 and 2006, has replaced recently retired Maori representative Wayne Peters and was a unanimous choice by NZR’s voting members.
The 44-year-old’s elevation comes after a difficult year off the field for NZR, where a lack of diversity at board level was highlighted several of incidents, including the Chiefs’ stripper scandal that involved allegations of sexual assault. Those claims were ultimately unfounded by a NZR-led investigation and the matter was not pursued by police, but the game’s governing body was widely criticised for their handling of the affair. Along with her rugby expertise, Palmer is a senior lecturer in Massey University’s School of Management and director in the university’s Maori business and leadership centre.
She is relishing the opportunity to offer an alternative view to the male-dominated board.
“While it’s not without its challenges, rugby is in good heart in New Zealand with our national teams excelling on the world stage, record numbers of women playing and increased pathways for Maori to play at the highest level,” Palmer said in a statement.
“I’m looking forward to offering a different perspective on the NZR Board and contributing to robust discussion and effective decision-making; ensuring NZR continues to meet the high expectations of not just Maori, but all New Zealanders.” Palmer has an impressive CV having been made an Officer of the New Zealand Order of Merit in 2007 for services to women’s rugby and sport. In 2014 she was inducted to the World Rugby Hall of Fame, while earlier this year the women’s provincial championship was renamed the Farah Palmer Cup in recognition of the former Black Fern’s contribution to women’s rugby. - Stuff