Who runs NZ Rugby
In the 124- year history of New Zealand Rugby, the organisation has never had a female chief executive or board member. So who are the nine men in charge of the national game? ( Appointed) Former chief executive of MediaWorks, the head of the table is the second- longest serving member of the board. Impey owns a consultancy business called Man Cave and has had a raft of other directorships, including Pumpkin Patch, Yellow Pages and Hutchwilco.
Before being appointed in 2012, Impey was part of a 2011 NZR review of Super Rugby franchises. NZR says he is “closely involved in many broadcast and sponsorship issues”. ( Appointed) The former investment banker was appointed to the NZR board last year after returning to the country from 14 years working overseas.
Has a Masters of Business Administration from Cambridge University and is a qualified barrister, solicitor and accountant. ( Elected) A lawyer specialising in employment, dispute resolution and commercial matters.
Golightly, joined the board of the Northland Rugby Union in 2007 before taking over as chairman between 2008- 14.
Golightly joined the NZR board two years ago. ( Appointed) Kean has a 30- year history at major food and drinks company Lion — owner of Steinlager, one of NZR’s biggest sponsors.
Managing director of what was then known as Lion Nathan between 2003- 11, Kean remains with the company as managing director of the dairy and soft drinks division.
He joined the board in 2014. ( Elected) An accountant and human resource consultant by trade, Mitchell is described by NZR as having more than 20 years of experience in governance, working with councils and board positions on in both the public and private sectors.
Before getting a seat at the main table in 2014, Mitchell chaired the Canterbury Rugby Football Union between 2012- 14 and was a member of the Crusaders board between 2008- 14. ( Elected) An animal science professor at Massey University, Morris is the newest face at the NZR table. After failing to be elected to the board in 2015 he stood again this year, and six months ago, eventually got the seat he was after.
Morris was previously chairman of the Manawatu Rugby Union ( 2010- 16) and board member of the Hurricanes ( 2011- 12). ( Maori representative) Winston Peters’ brother joined the NZR board in 2009, making him the longest- serving director. A highprofile lawyer, Peters’ background in rugby includes playing for Otago, Northland, New Zealand Universities and the New Zealand Juniors.
Before taking a seat in the NZR boardroom, Peters was chairman of the Northland Rugby Union between 2006- 08, during which he also had a seat on the board of the Blues. ( Elected) The first former professional rugby player to reach the boardroom when he was elected in April 2013, Robinson played nine games for the All Blacks during the early 2000s.
The general manager of a freight company, Robinson was chief executive of the Taranaki Rugby Union between 2007- 2012. ( Elected) The general manager of a furniture company and former referee whose career with the whistle saw him take charge of six test matches.
Has held a number of rugby directorships, becoming an Auckland Rugby Union board member in 2003 and taking the chairman’s seat in 2011, when he also became a director of the Blues. Also a former chairman of the NZ Rugby Referee selection panel.