Mark Robinson, CE
“Our vision is to inspire and unify through rugby. We know that thriving people at all levels help make rugby a welcoming and positive space for all. Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion continue to be a core part of our mahi, with four key focus areas: Women, Māori, Pasifika and LGBTTQIA+/Rainbow communities. We have achieved gender balance on our Executive Leadership team, set a goal of 50% overall diversity on all rugby governance boards, , and maintain a commitment to the principle of 40/40/20 gender representation in our head offices.
We know we haven’t always got it right for women and girls in our game. Rugby World Cup 2021 (played in 2022) showed us the love people have for the game, with the event being the first live rugby experience for 50% of attendees. Off the back of this amazing success, we will continue to supercharge the women’s game, with the release of our Women & Girls strategy coming in 2023. Working closely with our Pasifika Advisory Group, we are developing a Moana Strategy to guide our efforts to take a culturally responsive approach to working with Pasifika in rugby. We’re still early on the journey but are proud of the steps we have taken with our LGBTTQIA+ communities and partners.
We recognise Māori as Tangata Whenua and treaty partners. By working with the Māori Rugby Board, we are exploring what partnership really means for this relationship. We will also continue to build our knowledge of te reo Māori, tikanga Māori and Te Tiriti principles. NZR is invested in this journey from governance to our staff on the front line.
We see a future that is equitable and inclusive, where people any gender, ethnicity or sexual orientation can see a place for themselves in rugby. Rugby is a game for all.”