Janelle Riki-Waaka

Anei au, tētahi uri nō Tainui waka e mihi ana ki a koutou katoa. Janelle is an avid rugby league fan and long time supporter of Canterbury Rugby League. She has managed various teams for CRL during her son’s playing career here in Canterbury and has been a manager for Canterbury Māori Rugby League also. Janelle aspires to grow rugby league here in Canterbury and seek to ensure our young players have pathways into professional careers that provide the support and guidance they require to be successful.

Janelle is a trained teacher by trade and has been an education consultant for 10 years, specialising in supporting organisations to strengthen their cultural capabilities and uphold their responsibilities to Te Tiriti o Waitangi. A fluent speaker of Te Reo Māori and an advocate for culturally responsive ways of working, Janelle will support the board to ensue we are meeting the cultural needs of all of our players. Janelle has several positions on other boards over many years and has a wealth of expertise and experience in governance.

With a long association with the Hornby Rugby League club, Janelle looks forward to our sport continuing to flourish and grow and she is honoured to be part of the CRL Board. Ngā mihi nui.