Governance is all about people and remembering who we serve.
Reading through both the NZ Rugby Governance Review and New Zealand Rugby Players’ Association’s Proposal for the Adoption of the NZR Governance Review Recommendations I’m left considering – are we doing enough to support those who serve on our local governing boards?
The ensuing debate over NZR’s governance structure has reached a new point of tension, and may well be somewhat resolved at the NZ Rugby SGM (Special General Meeting). However, considering the time and money invested into this process, it surely will leave a lasting and unpleasant impression on how not to govern.
Perhaps a wiser use of money and time may have been to invest in growing the talent within rugby’s governing levels, and support boards with best practice tools, so they can govern effectively and contribute to board decision-making at all levels. Growing board talent within the ranks (which is the same approach to growing future All Blacks, they come from club or school rugby circles) adds a lot of value on and off the field.
How this plays out will remain to be seen. Overall, those leading at the top may well be on the losing side of the conversation.
I have a little bit of insight: A mum to two boys who played club rugby for many years 😊.
