Sir Peter Leitch Joins NZRL Life Members

Monday, June 27, 2016
Sir Peter Leitch Joins NZRL Life Members

New Zealand Rugby League has made Sir Peter Leitch a life member at its annual meeting in Auckland today, recognising his passionate support of the game across the past five decades.

Sir Peter (aka “The Mad Butcher”) began his association with rugby league through the Mangere East Hawks during the 1970s, but has more recently contributed to NZRL, the NZ Kiwis and NZ Warriors.

The Warriors have retired the #19 jersey in his honour, he has been NZRL patron since 2011 and was proud manager of the Kiwis’ successful 2005 Tri-Nations campaign.

Sir Peter is a driving force behind the NZRL League 4 Life Foundation, as well as representing a variety of health-related causes in the wider community.

He was awarded the Queen’s Service Medal for community service in the 1991 Queen’s Birthday Honours, and was knighted in 2010 New Year’s Honours for his services to business and philanthropy.

“Sir Peter has assisted various league communities around the country raise funds for local needs,” says new NZRL chief executive Alex Hayton. “No-one knows how much money he has raised or assisted the game with.

“He has been a confidante to various NZRL CEO’s and boards, providing a respected independent voice. He has singlehandedly raised the sport’s profile in New Zealand, and is internationally respected by the Australian Rugby League and the Rugby Football League.

“Sir Peter’s contributions are outside the normal life membership criteria, but his exception service to the game deserves the ultimate recognition by the game.”

For once, Sir Peter was near speechless in accepting the honour.

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