28 Mar 2009

NZRL accepts SPARC proposal for change

6:26 pm on 28 March 2009

The New Zealand Rugby League has voted to accept the governance plan proposed by SPARC with members overwhelmingly supporting game-wide constitutional reforms.

At a special general meeting in Auckland, NZRL members fully endorsed findings and recommendations by the Independent Review Committee released last month.

NZRL chairman Ray Haffenden says to survive and grow it was critical for their members to endorse SPARC's proposals but it is still a brave decision to take the game in this new direction.

SPARC CEO Peter Miskimmin says the NZRL and its members have acted in the best interests of the sport to help league grow and prosper.

As a result of adopting the new constitution, the existing board will continue to hold office until it is dissolved in late May for the election of a new board.

To assist with costs involved in implementing the proposals, SPARC will invest 450 thousand dollars in the transitional phase over the next six months before considering ongoing financial assistance.

Today's meeting also confirmed the two rugby league representatives on a four-man appointment committee.... Peter Kerridge of West Coast and Cameron McGregor of Auckland join SPARC's appointees Sir John Wells and Sir John Anderson.