New NZRL Playgroups Manager Appointed
Marissa Holland brings her background in sports, health and education to her new role as NZRL community playgroups
manager.
Born and raised in Auckland, Marissa graduated from Auckland University with a Bachelor of Science, majoring in sport & exercise science. Later, she studied Pacific nutrition at AUT and qualified in the Heart Foundation’s “Train the
Trainer” programme.
Most recently, she has applied her knowledge in roles with Sport Northland, where she led the Active Families team, and
Counties Manukau Sport, as health promotor and Fundamental Movement Skills co-ordinator across 120 early childhood
education (ECE) centres in largely Pacific Island communities.
That experience makes her an ideal choice for the NZRL playgroups assignment, which is poised to expand beyond its
current South Auckland focus.
“ECE’s and playgroups are quite different,” explains Marissa. “One is run by a teachers, while the other is driven by
parents, but the skills are definitely adaptable.
“I really enjoy being in that 0-5 age group, and look forward to working with both parents and children in a holistic
way.
“After all, the parents are the decision makers, buying and preparing food, and doing the activities with their
children.”
Marissa’s arrival at NZRL comes at a time when, two years in, the playgroups programme is about to go national.
“Casey Smith did a great job establishing these groups among our South Auckland clubs and that has attracted quite a bit
of interest from government agencies, who recognise the benefits of our work in this space,” says NZRL community general
manager Jacob Cameron.
“We’re now at a very exciting stage of the programme, where we can start expanding into the regions.
“Marissa’s skillset should prove ideally suited to the challenge ahead and I’m sure she’ll quickly establish herself as
an influential member of the rugby league community.”
ENDS