CRL becomes full voting member of NZRL via Connected Game Plan
Canterbury Rugby League has become a full voting member of the New Zealand Rugby League, following an NZRL SGM vote on Monday night.
In 2009, the NZRL adopted a zonal structure, which incorporated Canterbury Rugby League into the newly formed Southern Zone Rugby League (one of seven zones). The NZRL’s new constitution – specifically the Connected Game Plan – proposed a shift to six regions, with 13 votes among 20 members.
The 13 voting members under the Connected Game Plan proposal are: Northland Rōpū (Whangārei District, Te Tai Tokerau), Auckland, Counties Manukau, Waikato, Bay of Plenty, Upper Central Rōpū (Coastline, Tairāwhiti, Hauraki District), Hawkes Bay, Manawatū, Taranaki, Wellington, Canterbury, Southern Rōpū (Tamsan, West Coast, Otago, Aoraki, Southland District) and Aotearoa NZ Māori.
NZRL secured the two-thirds majority vote at the SGM required to enact the Connected Gameplan’s proposed changes.
READ: A HISTORIC SHIFT AS NZRL MOVES TO MODERNISED MEMBERSHIP AND DELIVERY MODEL
For Canterbury Rugby League, this marks the culmination of four years of advocacy for a return to a district model and genuine standalone status. It builds on the milestones of having our Canterbury boys and girls teams playing in the red and black jersey under the CRL banner at National Youth Tournaments again over the past two years.
Fundamentally, Canterbury Rugby League had lost its identity – along with its voting rights – with no direct line of sight through to NZRL. The Connected Gameplan completes the recuperation of our identity.
“This is a significant and proud day for Canterbury Rugby League and rugby league in New Zealand,” Canterbury Rugby League CEO Malcom Humm says.
“Over the past four years, CRL have advocated to return to model where we are recognised for our contribution to the game and, as the second largest district in New Zealand, becoming a voting member of NZRL.
“We are thrilled that we are now recognised as a member of NZRL and that our red and black will return as a permanent fixture at all NZRL competitions and tournaments. Players from CRL clubs aspire to wear the red and black and they will be able to do so with pride in the future.”
By becoming a voting member of NZRL, CRL will benefit from the development opportunities outlined within the Connected Game Plan.
CRL’s direct line of sight through to NZRL also makes operational matters more efficient. Meanwhile, changes will be required to CRL’s recently adopted Constitution.
“I’d like to take this opportunity to thank previous Chairpersons Wally Wilson and Dr Phil Borell for their mahi in terms of advocacy, influence and inspiration to the wider NZRL network,” Humm adds.
“I have no doubt their voices were heard.
“I would also like to thank NZRL, who have – against much resistance at times – continued the journey in a respectful, professional and pragmatic manner. A special thanks goes to outgoing NZRL CEO Greg Peters and NZRL Chair Justin Leydesdorff.
“CRL will now work directly with NZRL on the development of a pioneering MoU between the two entities.”
