Governance specialist Caren Rangi and Former All Black Kevin Mealamu are among nine candidates to be confirmed for the new New Zealand Rugby Board.
The NZR and remuneration panel confirmed the candidates will be required to confirm the appointment by the NZR’s voting members, the 26 provincial unions and the New Zealand Maori Rugby Board.
The ballot closes next Tuesday on December 17. Each appointment will require the support of a majority of the voting members to be confirmed with one vote per voting member.
Panel Chair Rachel Taulelei says, “ We believe we have selected nine exceptional candidates and are confident our recommendation meets constitutional requirements, the requisite skills and needs, and the desire for both continuity and a fresh perspective.
Ms Taulelei says while the process has been a challenge they are optimistic for the future of rugby in New Zealand.
Two members of the Pasifika community are set to make up the new look board.
Caren Rangi is an experienced governance professional with a passion for community-focused leadership.
Of Cook Islands heritage, Caren has built her governance career across public, private, and not-for-profit sectors. She has served on over 20 boards with expertise in financial management, strategic planning, and cultural competency.
Keven Mealamu is a former professional rugby player with a career that includes 132 tests for the All Blacks from 2002 to 2015.
Since retiring from a 15- year professional rugby career in 2015, Keven has focused on fostering community well-being, business innovation, and sports governance.
Of Samoan heritage, Keven’s governance experience includes serving as a director of Auckland Rugby since 2018 and as a board member for Drug Free Sport NZ from 2017 to 2024.
Once the new NZR Board is confirmed they will take office no later than Feb 1 2025.
