The Human Rights Commission is urging New Zealanders to stand for their local sports boards and committees as AGMs get underway across the country.
“Representation at our highest levels begins at the grassroots level and we encourage women and people of all ethnicities, particularly Maori and Pasifika Kiwis, to stand for their local sports committee,” said Dr Jackie Blue, EEO Commissioner.
“Our governance boards should reflect the people they represent and I urge everyday Kiwis to put their hand up and get involved.”
This week, rugby’s national code announced a panel to look into rugby’s culture and the Commission wished them well.
“NZ Rugby can learn a lot from heartland rugby where boards and management do a better job of diversity than the national organisation,” said Dr Blue.
“Diversity on their national board should be top of the agenda, like it already is in provincial rugby unions and international sporting bodies such as FIFA who have recently appointed Kiwi woman, Sarai Bareman, as their Chief Women’s Football Officer.
“The Auckland Rugby Union has two women directors, two of Wairarapa Bush’s board members, one of which is deputy chair, are women, Buller Rugby Union has two women on its board and King Country and Wanganui have women chief executives.”
