SPARC meets with NZRL to discuss review

23rd May 2008

Media release

SPARC meets with NZRL to discuss review

SPARC had a positive meeting with NZRL yesterday to discuss its offer to undertake an extensive independent review of the sport.

Earlier in May, SPARC wrote to NZRL registering its concerns about the current health of the sport. The letter highlighted that rugby league was an important sport to New Zealanders, and that an independent review would be a good first step in strengthening public and stakeholder confidence in the sport.

“Both SPARC and NZRL are seeking the same outcome – for rugby league to be a strong, healthy and vibrant sport. We are suggesting NZRL undertake a comprehensive review which would be broader than the past reviews it has conducted, but would capture their findings. We were really encouraged NZRL were so open to what we had to say, and we acknowledge that NZRL has already made good progress,” said SPARC’s Chief Executive Peter Miskimmin.

Attending the meeting was SPARC’s Chairman John Wells, Chief Executive Peter Miskimmin and Manager of Stakeholder Relationships Dave Adams. NZRL officials were Chairman Ray Haffenden, General Manager Peter Cordtz and Financial Controller Alex Hayton.

This meeting was originally scheduled for Friday 16th May but was postponed due to fog in Auckland.

Both parties will work towards a terms of reference for the review which will be discussed at the next NZRL board meeting.

Sport and Recreation New Zealand (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.

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