SPARC appoints an football commissioner

2nd May

Media release

SPARC appoints an independent commissioner to work with NZ Football

SPARC has appointed Nelson Cull as the independent commissioner who will work with NZ Football (NZF) to ensure the organisation is sustainable and working towards achieving long-term goals.

The independent commissioner will help NZF achieve long-term financial and operational sustainability. He will also monitor NZF’s financial and operational performance to ensure the organisation is accountable for the Government’s investment in it.

Earlier in April 2008, SPARC provided a $300k cash injection and also made available up to $300k to help NZF meet the interest costs on a bank loan of $1.5million.

As part of this emergency package it was agreed that an independent commissioner would report back to SPARC to ensure there was accountability for the management of NZF’s finances.

“When we provided New Zealand Football with a financial boost, we had some very clear conditions. By appointing an independent commissioner who reports back to SPARC’s Board, it helps ensure that the taxpayers’ investment in the sport is making a real difference,” says SPARC Chief Executive Peter Miskimmin.

“Football is an important sport for New Zealand. It is one of the highest participation sports, especially for kiwi kids, and SPARC wants to ensure that the sport is given the best possible chance moving forward in a sustainable manner,” says Miskimmin.

Nelson Cull was on Netball NZ’s Board for eight years as chairman of its Finance and Audit Committee and is currently the chairman of directors at MSC Consulting Group.

“We are fortunate to have someone as experienced as Nelson contracted into this role. His experience in the sport sector and his commercial and governance expertise will be invaluable and we really look forward to working with him,” says NZF Chairman John Morris.

“We greatly appreciate the significant financial contribution and the capability support SPARC has invested in NZF. We look forward to working with SPARC on developing a five-year operational plan to look at what direction the sport takes from here,” says Morris.

SPARC is the Crown entity responsible for promoting, encouraging and supporting sport and physical recreation in New Zealand. For more details, visit www.sparc.org.nz.

ENDS

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