THE PLAYBOOK NEW ZEALAND RUGBY LEAGUE STRATEGIC PLAN 2014-17

NEW ZEALANDRUGBY LEAGUE®

There has been tremendous growth in the game across the country. We can look back proudly on our achievements and now begin to look forward to the exciting opportunities ahead of us with the pinnacle being, co–hosting the 2017 World Cup.

Our “more than just a game” philosophy has seen us establish innovative social development programmes using rugby league to help our community improve their lives off the field. It has been compelling and has set us apart.

PHIL HOLDENCHIEF EXECUTIVE

The Game Plan now evolves into “The Playbook”, where we delve further into the detail of how we can achieve our goals and fulfil our aspirations. We have developed The Playbook on the back of an exhaustive consultative process, where we asked you, our key stakeholders, about what has worked over the last period and what needs continued focus. That feedback has helped shape our way forward.

Here, then, is our Playbook, the new basis for NZRL to continue to serve and lead our sport into a bright future.

UNDER “THE GAME PLAN”, NEW ZEALAND RUGBY LEAGUE HAS BECOME A HIGHLY REGARDED ORGANISATION IN THE EYES OF OUR KEY STAKEHOLDERS, WHICH IS THE LITMUS TEST IN TERMS OF VALIDATING THE LAST FOUR YEARS OF WORK.

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HOW WE GOT HERE

OUR STRATEGIC PLATFORM & GUIDING

PRINCIPLES

OUR VISION, MISSION &

VALUES

OUR STRATEGIC PRIORITIES

STRATEGIC LEADERSHIP PRIORITIES

STRATEGIC SERVICE

PRIORITIES

THE 2017 SCOREBOARD

OUR STRATEGIC PLATFORM & GUIDING PRINCIPLESTHE FOUNDATION OF OUR ACTIVITY

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OUR VISION, MISSION & VALUES ARE THE FOUNDATION OF THE CULTURE & FOCUS FOR NZRL

OUR GUIDING PRINCIPLES

FOCUS We will be single minded to drive momentum & results

VALUES Our values will anchor our decisions

LEADERSHIP We will lead but we will also engage

OUR VISION

TE IWI KIWIBUILD A STRONGER FAMILY, COMMUNITY & GAME

TE IWI KIWIFrom grassroots to the Kiwis, love of the game binds us together — one people, one game.

BUILD STRONGERWe want to be a stronger, more united community. Everyone in our game, from the Kiwis captain to the person putting out flags on a country field, has to help improve the game.

FAMILYRugby league is built on a family-based culture. It is strong, emotive and inclusive – it is ours.

COMMUNITYRugby league builds communities across New Zealand. It brings people together, enriches lives and makes a difference.

GAMEEverything depends on the game experience, on and off the field. We must evolve the game to create an inclusive and welcoming environment, where more Kiwis participate, support and win.

OUR MISSION

TO SERVE & LEAD OUR PEOPLE TO SUCCESS THROUGH RUGBY LEAGUEIT’S MORE THAN JUST A GAME

TO SERVEWe are here to serve the game, the people of the game and our stakeholders, to listen, support, encourage and promote, and to be values driven.

TO LEADWe are also here to inform, communicate and motivate, to make decisions for the good of the game, provide direction, be courageous and be the leader.

OUR PEOPLE The game is by the people and for the people. It is our clubs, districts and zones. Everything we do is to improve and protect their experience and enjoyment of the game. It is our duty to our community, as guardians of the game.

SUCCESSEnjoyment of rugby league depends on achieving a sense of fulfilment at all levels and in all roles. Fulfilment builds confidence and leads to opportunities within and beyond the game. It makes a difference.

THROUGH RUGBY LEAGUEWe are about rugby league — this is our game. Its growth and advancement is in our interest, so let’s be proud of it. All we achieve is through the game.

MORE THAN JUST A GAMEThrough rugby league we can effect change. We can inspire and unite people because rugby league speaks to our people in a language they understand.

OUR VALUES

THROUGH OUR ACTIONS & PROFESSIONALISM WE WILL STRIVE TO ENSURE THAT EVERYONE INVOLVED IN THE GAME OF RUGBY LEAGUE WILL EMBRACE & ALIGN WITH OUR CORE VALUES

INTEGRITY IN EVERYTHING WE DO

RESPECT EARNING AND GIVING RESPECT

LEADERSHIP FROM THE TOP DOWN WILL MAKE US WINNERS FROM THE GROUND UP

COURAGE WE WILL HAVE THE COURAGE TO THINK DIFFERENTLY

PASSION NOTHING GREAT GETS ACCOMPLISHED WITHOUT PASSION

I WILL RESPECT THE TRADITIONS OF OUR GAME, I WILL PLAY HARD AND I WILL PLAY FAIR IN ANY ROLE THAT I HAVE, AND I WILL ALWAYS ACT WITH HONOUR BOTH ON AND OFF THE FIELD.

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“THE NZRL PLEDGE”

I WILL RESPECT THE TRADITIONS OF OUR GAME, I WILL PLAY HARD AND I WILL PLAY FAIR IN ANY ROLE THAT I HAVE, AND I WILL ALWAYS ACT WITH HONOUR BOTH ON AND OFF THE FIELD.

OUR STRATEGIC PRIORITIESTHE WAY FORWARD

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STRATEGIC LEADERSHIP PRIORITIES

• COMMERCIAL GROWTH & RE-INVESTMENT • GOVERNANCE & LEADERSHIP• INTERNATIONAL SUCCESS• STRONG PARTNERSHIPS

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COMMERCIAL GROWTH & REINVESTMENTEARN & INVEST MORE THROUGH DIVERSIFIED REVENUES

• $10M revenue and $2M surplus by 2017

• Strong suite of new commercial, government and NGO partnerships by 2016

• Host the most commercially successful World Cup in 2017

• Strong Maori support and investment from 2017

• Zones financially independent by 2017

• Strong and consistent NZRL brand

OBJECTIVES

GOVERNANCE & LEADERSHIPEVERYONE KNOWS THEIR ROLE WITH AGREED PRIORITIES

• Zones financially independent by 2017

• Within zones/districts and NZRL, everyone knows their roles with agreed priorities by 2015

• Consistent outputs delivered nationally from 2015

• Strong alignment between NZRL and zones on budgets, priorities and KPIs from 2015

• Zones feel engaged with NZRL

• Consistent good governance practices across all levels of the game

• NSO of choice for employees

OBJECTIVES

INTERNATIONAL SUCCESSLEAD OFF THE FIELD & WIN ON IT

• National selection at all levels is revered as the pinnacle of player achievement

• Te Iwi Kiwi (heart and performance) embedded into culture of Kiwis/NZRL

• 50/50 win ratio across all international grades from 2016

• Kiwis are Four Nations winners in 2016

• Kiwis and Kiwi Ferns are world champions in 2017 and 2021

• NZ referees feature at all Four Nations and World Cup tournaments

• Commercial growth through stable long term international calendar

• Secured representation on RLIF board and relevant sub boards/committees

OBJECTIVES

STRONG PARTNERSHIPSSTRONG & DEEP PARTNERSHIPS WITH STAKEHOLDERS

• Improved and increased investment in facilities for the game across NZ

• Strong suite of new commercial, government and NGO partnerships in place by 2016

• SNZ and HPSNZ are strong, committed long-term partners

• Strong Maori support and investment from 2017

• NRL regard NZRL as a strong, key strategic partner, increasing support and investment

• Key partners goals achieved through NZRL relationship

• NZRL a valued, respected and influential partner and brand

OBJECTIVES

STRATEGIC SERVICE PRIORITIES

• GRASSROOTS CAPABILITY • QUALITY RUGBY LEAGUE EXPERIENCE• PATHWAYS & OPPORTUNITIES• MARKETING & COMMUNICATIONS

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GRASSROOTS CAPABILITYSTRONG & VIBRANT CLUB ENVIRONMENT

• Stronger, sustainable clubs by 2017

• Enhanced game experience for all by 2017

• Growth in volunteer and participation numbers from 2015

• Every game has an appointed referee by 2017

• League 4 Life club programme embedded into the fabric of the game by 2017

• Consistent outputs delivered nationally

• Strong suite of new commercial, government and NGO partnerships in place by 2016

OBJECTIVES

QUALITY RUGBY LEAGUE EXPERIENCESA STRONG, POSITIVE & INCLUSIVE GAME

• A positive, inclusive rugby league experience for all by 2017

• Positive, social outcomes delivered through League 4 Life Foundation by 2017

• Key social partners goals achieved through NZRL/L4L Foundation relationship

• Strong growth and presence of women, families and kids in the game by 2017

• League 4 Life club programme embedded into the fabric of the game by 2017

• Every game has an appointed referee by 2017

• NSO of choice for employees

OBJECTIVES

PATHWAYS & OPPORTUNITIESA ROLE & OPPORTUNITY FOR EVERYONE

• More than 55,000 participants engaged in the game by 2017

• Kiwis are Four Nations winners in 2016

• Kiwis and Kiwi Ferns are world champions in 2017 and 2021

• Strong and vibrant national/zone and district game by 2017

• Strong, sustainable NZ Maori presence and programme in place from 2016

• Recognised, sustainable womens competition in place by 2017

• Growth in number of coaches, trainers managers and administrators through RLWC 2017

• Every game has an appointed referee by 2017

OBJECTIVES

MARKETING & COMMUNICATIONSSTRONG, CONSISTENT & INFLUENTIAL BRAND

• $10M revenue and $2M surplus by 2017

• Strong suite of new commercial, government and NGO partnerships by 2016

• Three million social media followers by 2017

• Database of 200,000 highly engaged fans by 2017

• Host the most commercially successful World Cup in 2017

• Strong and positive media engagement and relationships from 2014

• A valued, respected and influential partner and brand

OBJECTIVES

THE 2017 SCOREBOARD

$10M revenue and $2M surplus

More than 55,000 participants

Kiwis are Four Nations winners

Kiwis and Kiwi Ferns are world champions

Delivered the most successful World Cup ever

Zones financially independent

Within zones/districts and NZRL,everyone knows their roles with agreed priorities

Key partners goals achieved through NZRL relationship

Stronger clubs

Every game has an appointed referee

Positive, social outcomes delivered through League 4 Life Foundation

Growth in number of coaches, trainers managers and administrators through RLWC 2017

Three million social media followers

Database of 200,000 highly engaged fans

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“HIINEI TAKU WHARE — KIA TUPATO KEI MATE” HERE STANDS MY HOUSE, BE CAREFUL FOR I WILL DEFEND IT TE IWI KIWI

CONTACTNew Zealand Rugby League

PO Box 12712 Penrose Auckland 1642 New Zealand

P: +64 9 525 5592 F: +64 9 525 5596

www.nzrl.co.nz

LOCATIONNew Zealand Rugby League

Rugby League House 7 Beasley Avenue Penrose Auckland 1061