It’s official! Caren Rangi and Keven Mealamu join NZR Board

New Zealand Rugby has officially ratified eight members for its new board, including two leaders from the Pacific community.

Among the eight members are All Blacks great Keven Mealamu MNZM and independent board chair Caren Rangi ONZM, the first Pacific people to secure seats.

Earlier this month, the NZR’s Appointments and Remuneration Panel (ARP) confirmed the selection of Mealamu and Rangi and seven other candidates for the board.

The candidates included Catherine Savage, David Kirk MBE, Doug Jones, Grant Jarrold, Greg Barclay, Julia Raue, Rowena Davenport, Rangi, a Cook Islands accountant and former public servant, and Mealamu, the grandson of Sāmoan immigrants.

Former All Blacks captain David Kirk has been appointed chair-elect. His formal inauguration is expected at the board’s first meeting in 2025.

Although Sport NZ Director Rowena Davenport received a strong endorsement from the panel, her appointment was not ratified on Wednesday.

Panel Chair Rachel Tauleilei expressed her excitement over the new appointments.

Panel chair Rachel Taulelei says the selection process was "challenging but rewarding". Photo/Blake NZ

“We are over the moon to have eight exceptional candidates ratified for appointment to the NZR Board. They are extremely capable, motivated and ready to start a new chapter for the organisation and game.

“The process has been challenging but rewarding, and the result is a testament to everyone’s commitment to move forward positively.

“Our only disappointment is that Rowena Davenport’s appointment was not ratified.

"Rowena has contributed an immense amount to the Board and to the game, and we felt her skills and experience complemented the rest of the Board well.”

The Panel selected the NZR Board candidates after an extensive process supported by the recruitment firm Sheffield.

Each appointment required the approval of most of NZR’s voting members, including the 26 Provincial Unions and the New Zealand Māori Rugby Board (NZMRB).

NZR will now work on appointing a ninth board member to ensure that the new candidate meets the constitutional requirements of NZR.

The new board will officially take office by 1 February 2025, while the current board will continue in a caretaker role until then.

Kirk has expressed his enthusiasm about joining the New Zealand Rugby Board.

“I am honoured and excited to be appointed to the Board of NZR. We have an excellent board, and I look forward to the work ahead.”

Former All Blacks skipper David Kirk is the new NZR Board chair. Photo/file