Latest news with #NewZealandRugby
Otago Daily Times
18 hours ago
- Sport
- Otago Daily Times
Pasifika advocate work recognised
A love of community and a love of rugby have been the driving forces behind a Timaru lawyer's recent recognition. Aoraki Legal director and lawyer Pauline-Jean Luyten was the co-founder of the South Canterbury Tongan Society and has been a stalwart advocate and trailblazer for the Pasifika community in the world of New Zealand rugby. For her services to rugby and the Pacific community she has been made a Member of the New Zealand Order of Merit (MNZM) as part of this year's King's Birthday Honours. She joked that she felt a bit too young to be receiving the honour. "Compared to some who normally might get this, I still haven't finished my tenure and all the things that we're trying to achieve." It felt a bit weird, or even premature, she said. "The stuff we do is never for ourselves, it's always for your community and to see what differences you can make. "For me personally, it's validation, I guess, that I'm on the right track and responding to what our communities need. "It's also exciting to be sharing it with Sina Latu, to both be put forward with the Pacific community aspects of it is pretty cool." Ms Luyten has led several strengths-based cultural, social and wellbeing initiatives across South Canterbury and in the rugby world became the first Pacific woman appointed to the South Canterbury Provincial Rugby Union Board and in 2022 the first Pacific woman to be appointed to the New Zealand Rugby (NZR) Board as an emerging director. She was appointed to the NZR Pasifika Advisory Group and elected co-chair in 2021 and in 2024 helped secure Pacific representation within the NZR's new governance structure. Ms Luyten said her work centred around trying to normalise cultural differences. "Just because people come from different cultures doesn't mean you actually haven't got the common ground or the common goals." She said receiving the honour made her reflect on the work she had done and how great it had been to combine her passions. "It's actually been pretty amazing doing that. "It's kind of almost gone full circle, because when I first started, I was looking at being a sports lawyer. "It never eventuated, but it's kind of gone full circle where I've been doing it in sports governance and applying some of those skills and assets to it." She said her current goal was working with the New Zealand Pasifika Rugby Council to have them become a voting member of New Zealand Rugby. "On the 8th of May, there was a vote, we got 61% and we needed 61.3% to pass muster, so we're hoping that could happen by the end of the year. "The value of being effectively a stakeholder or shareholder is huge. "One day I'll also do my PhD, but I don't think anyone can make me do it right now." She was very grateful to everyone that had played a part in her receiving the honour. "I want to thank my immediate family, my kids, my twin sister, my firm and the Pacific Advisory Group. "I also want to acknowledge my late father Henry, who couldn't be here to see this — he would be blown away. "Also my mum, she is one of the elders and she's been here as one of the first Tongans to arrive in 1970." She wanted to acknowledge everyone who had welcomed and had worked with her and her family. "I'm born and raised here, so I've lived in both worlds but so many people were warm and welcoming."
RNZ News
2 days ago
- Business
- RNZ News
New Zealand Rugby signs sponsorship deal with Gallagher Insurance
Beauden Barrett will be an ambassador for Gallagher Insurance. Photo: PHOTOSPORT New Zealand Rugby (NZR) has signed sponsorship agreement with Gallagher Insurance. The global insurance brokerage, risk management and consulting company will have its branding on both the training and match day shorts of all NZR's national teams, including the All Blacks, Black Ferns, Māori All Blacks, and Sevens sides. NZR chief executive Mark Robinson said the partnership "reflects the scale, ambition and passion for rugby both our organisations have." "We couldn't be more excited to align with Gallagher Insurance, who already have deep expertise in elite sport, along with a key business focus in New Zealand and globally. This partnership helps solidify where we're heading, not just with our teams on field, but as a sporting brand off the field too." Gallagher Insurance said it sees New Zealand Rugby as a "natural extension of its global sports strategy". "We believe in the power of sport to build stronger communities and foster leadership on and off the field," said Christopher Mead, Chief Marketing Officer, Gallagher Insurance. "Partnering with New Zealand Rugby-an institution that stands for integrity, respect, and excellence-aligns perfectly with our values. We are proud to stand with the All Blacks, the Black Ferns, and all NZR teams as they inspire fans and unite communities around the world." New Zealand Rugby said it will work with Gallagher to deliver "create unforgettable matchday experiences for clients and fans around the world. " Gallagher Insurance becomes a regional partner of multiple All Blacks Clinics a year, and the jersey partner for New Zealand referees across all domestic competitions from 2026 including Super Rugby Pacific, Sky Super Rugby Aupiki, and Provincial Rugby. Gallagher is headquartered in Rolling Meadows in the US. The All Blacks play a test against Ireland Chicago in November as part of New Zealand's end of year tour.
NZ Herald
2 days ago
- Business
- NZ Herald
New Zealand Rugby and Gallagher Insurance announce multi-year global partnership
New Zealand Rugby (NZR) have announced a new sponsorship with American company Gallagher Insurance with the company logo to appear on both the training and match day shorts of all NZR's national teams including the All Blacks. It comes two months after NZR and previous sponsor Ineos settled after the
Yahoo
2 days ago
- Business
- Yahoo
New Zealand Rugby and Gallagher Insurance announce multi-year global partnership
Gallagher named Official Insurance Broker for the All Blacks, Black Ferns, and more AUCKLAND, New Zealand, June 3, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- New Zealand Rugby (NZR) and Gallagher Insurance, a global insurance brokerage, risk management and consulting services company, today announce a landmark partnership at a special launch event held at the All Blacks Experience in Auckland. The partnership brings together two globally recognised brands united by shared values of integrity, excellence, and community impact. Gallagher becomes the Official Insurance Broker of NZR, and the brand will appear on both the training and match day shorts of all NZR's national teams, including the All Blacks, Black Ferns, Māori All Blacks, and Sevens teams. The multi-year agreement with New Zealand Rugby strengthens the commitment from Gallagher Insurance to growing rugby's fan base across the world. The partnership will see Gallagher Insurance branding featured prominently on player shorts across multiple global match days each year and includes a robust schedule of fan activations. "This is a partnership that reflects the scale, ambition and passion for rugby both our organisations have," said Mark Robinson, CEO of New Zealand Rugby. "We couldn't be more excited to align with Gallagher Insurance, who already have deep expertise in elite sport, along with a key business focus in New Zealand and globally. This partnership helps solidify where we're heading, not just with our teams on field, but as a sporting brand off the field too." Gallagher Insurance sees New Zealand Rugby as a natural extension of its global sports strategy, connecting with elite organisations that are shaping the future of high-performance competition. "At Gallagher, we believe in the power of sport to build stronger communities and foster leadership on and off the field," said Christopher Mead, Chief Marketing Officer, Gallagher Insurance. "Partnering with New Zealand Rugby—an institution that stands for integrity, respect, and excellence—aligns perfectly with our values. We are proud to stand with the All Blacks, the Black Ferns, and all NZR teams as they inspire fans and unite communities around the world." Gallagher has proudly served clients in New Zealand for more than a decade, and this partnership reflects a deepened commitment to the communities and businesses that call Aotearoa home. While Gallagher officially entered the New Zealand market in 2014, its merger partner has roots in New Zealand dating back nearly 50 years—underscoring a long-standing legacy of local trust and service. Through this new partnership, Gallagher will work alongside NZR to deliver local impact and create unforgettable matchday experiences for clients and fans around the world. Gallagher Insurance becomes a regional partner of multiple All Blacks Clinics a year, and the jersey partner for New Zealand referees across all domestic competitions from 2026 including DHL Super Rugby Pacific, Sky Super Rugby Aupiki, and Bunnings Warehouse Provincial Rugby. This reflects Gallagher Insurance's commitment to protecting the rules and fairness of the game at all levels in New Zealand. Gallagher Insurance have also signed All Black and two-time World Rugby Player of the Year Beauden Barrett as one of their global ambassadors. Barrett's role as an ambassador will see him supporting Gallagher's community commitments in New Zealand and around the world. Gallagher also continues their ambassador relationship with Kendra Cocksedge, a Black Ferns legend. Gallagher is headquartered in Rolling Meadows, USA and with the All Blacks v Ireland test in November the partnership will be showcased to a US audience and to its UK market during the upcoming Northern Tour. An event celebrating the partnership will be held at 3pm at the All Blacks Experience in Auckland, New Zealand. About New Zealand Rugby New Zealand Rugby (NZR) strives to inspire and unify through rugby. Since 1892, NZR has led, supported and grown New Zealand's national game at all levels. From ensuring rugby is at the heart of Kiwi communities to engaging, fan-centric competitions and content, and Teams in Black* representing New Zealand with mana, our goal is to be world-leading on and off the field. We're guided by our Rugby Way values, which ensure we put the game and the people who love it at the heart of everything we do. *NZR's Teams in Black – All Blacks, Black Ferns, All Blacks Sevens, Black Ferns Sevens, Māori All Blacks, All Blacks XV, and New Zealand Under 20s. About Gallagher Insurance Gallagher (NYSE: AJG) is one of the world's largest insurance brokerage, risk management and consulting firms. As a community insurance broker and trusted local consultant, we help people and businesses move forward with confidence. With more than 55,000 people working around the globe, we're connected to the places where we do business and to every community we call home. Managing risk with customized solutions and a full spectrum of services, helping you foster a thriving workforce, and always holding ourselves to the highest standards of ethics to help you face every challenge—that's The Gallagher Way. Media contacts: Caitlin Madden Head of Communications – Fans at New Zealand Rugby + 64 21 242 1631 Chris Tropeano Prosek Partners on behalf of Gallagher Insurance ctropeano@ +1 718-986-8156 View original content to download multimedia: SOURCE Gallagher Error in retrieving data Sign in to access your portfolio Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data
NZ Herald
3 days ago
- Sport
- NZ Herald
New Zealand Rugby board visits Heartland unions in Gisborne and Ruatōria
New Zealand Rugby board members enjoyed glorious weather for their visit to Gisborne and trip to Ruatōria for the Ngāti Porou East Coast-Poverty Bay derby. Pictured are (from left) Marise James, Doug Jones (of Gisborne), Julia Raue, 132-test All Black Keven Mealamu, Catherine Savage, Caren Rangi, Grant Jarrold, 1987 Rugby World Cup-winning skipper and board chair David Kirk, Gisborne-born, eight-test All Black Matthew Cooper and New Zealand Rugby president Greg Barclay (of Gisborne). Photo / Paul Rickard The new board of New Zealand Rugby may be dominated by metropolitan residents and a Sydney-based chairman, but the board members valued the opportunity to experience the culture of Heartland rugby in Poverty Bay and East Coast over King's birthday weekend. A large New Zealand Rugby (NZR) entourage
