Waikato Rugby welcomes two new directors voted in by affiliated members at the Annual General Meeting in late March. Blair Currie and Chris Steffert replace outgoing directors Steve Shale and Rena Schuster. Sarah Hogan also ends her term as an Emerging Director, with a replacement being sought currently.

Blair Currie is the Managing Director of BCD Group Limited, where his day-to-day role can vary from company management, mentoring, client liaison and strategic planning. Blair takes the vacant position left by Steve Shale who stood down part way through his current term to focus on senior club rugby coaching following an 11-year commitment on the Waikato Rugby Board, including two as Chairperson.  

Chris Steffert is the Managing Director at Steffert Property. He brings a wealth of experience and knowledge of the property sector. Chris was nominated by Morrinsville Rugby and Sports Club where he follows his passion for grassroots sports, currently working on the club committee.

Waikato Rugby CEO Carl Moon said, “I would like to firstly thank and recognise Steve and Rena for their contributions to Waikato Rugby over the past few years. Both men have added a great deal of advocacy and expertise to the direction of Waikato Rugby, and we thank them for their service. Sarah Hogan also added a great perspective to discussions and decision making as an emerging leader in the rugby community. All three were recognised at the AGM in late March”.

Furthermore, “Both Blair and Chris bring a very strong background in club rugby leadership and administration, as well as a significant playing history at their respective clubs. On top of this, both bring strong business acumen, broad and strategic thinking, strong advocacy for the club game, and articulate themselves really clearly. They have joined a very functional board that has developed a reputation for challenging the norm and providing genuine clarity of purpose on behalf of our stakeholders”.

At the first meeting following the AGM, Diane Hallifax and Howie King were re-elected as Chair and Deputy Chair respectively for another year.

Hallifax said, “I am honoured to be re-elected as Board Chair of Waikato Rugby and to have the continued support of the Board.  It is a pleasure to welcome Chris and Blair to our team. I am looking forward to working closely with them both to deliver on our strategy.”

Article added: Friday 19 April 2024