Following an historic special general meeting, the New Zealand Pasifika Rugby Council have been voted in by current New Zealand Rugby Union members as an affiliated body and voting member to the NZRU. After the addition of Pasifika voting rights to the Horowhenua Kapiti Rugby Football Unions constitution, the NZRU have made similar strides acknowledging the huge part Pasifika have on our game nationwide and admit this was well overdue.
HKRFU Chief Executive Officer Corey Kennett was delighted to be able to support this motion and reflects on the impact this will have on the Pasifika community: “We are extremely honoured to support the New Zealand Pasifika Rugby Council motion as a reflection of deep respect for the vital contribution Pasifika communities make to rugby at all levels in New Zealand. The Pasifika Rugby Council’s inclusion aligns with a broader commitment to inclusivity, equity, and honouring the diverse voices that shape the future of rugby in New Zealand. I would like to thank Brent Metson & the Auckland Rugby Union for seconding the motion, as well as all the Provincial Unions that supported it’”
Pasifika Rugby Council co-chair Pauline Luyten was lost for words when the news of their new affiliation broke this morning “We are totally overwhelmed and excited about the future Pasifika have moving forward at New Zealand Rugby. The impact this decision will have on the Pasifika community is groundbreaking. A massive thank you to Horowhenua Kapiti and Auckland for putting this motion forward, and to all our PU partners that have supported us. The future is bright for Pasifika.”
The impact Pasifika have, not only on our community, but our nation, is hugely recognised and this is only the first of many acts of gratitude we can show to acknowledge how important it is to give Pasifika their own voice. We at HKRFU are excited to see the steps that the Pasifika Rugby Council take on the big stage and look forward to following the processes other Unions take in acknowledging their communities.