The New Zealand Māori Rugby Board has backed New Zealand Rugby’s governance proposal and has urged all those voting in tomorrow’s special general meeting to “put aside our differences and be brave”.
In a statement released to the media this morning, the NZ Māori Rugby Board (NZMRB), who will have voting rights tomorrow, said: "The NZMRB unanimously agree to vote in favour of Proposal 1 which essentially adopts the recommendations of the independent governance review referred to as the “Pilkington Report”.
“In essence, we support a fully independent board, appointed by a panel of experts in governance and rugby leadership, for the benefit of the sport as a whole.
“Rugby governance in Aotearoa New Zealand is at a crossroads, and we need to work together to navigate into the future as one.”
It appears that the majority of the provincial union representatives will vote for their watered-down version of NZR’s proposal (Proposal 2), effectively allowing them to maintain their influence despite the Pilkington Report finding that the governance status quo was not fit for purpose.
If there is a deadlock, the New Zealand Rugby Players' Association has threatened to pull their support and attempt to run the professional game here themselves.
Today's NZMRB statement said that while Proposal 1 no longer requires a Māori representative on the NZR board, the proposal, “through a fully independent board and the skills and competencies framework provides opportunity for more Māori to be considered for the NZR board."
"Rugby is facing some headwinds and we need the very best people with the right mix of skills and competencies on the Board to give our game and our people the greatest chance of flourishing. Ultimately, Proposal 1 reflects best governance practice. Let’s put aside our differences and be brave.”
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