Waikato Rugby is pleased to announce the appointment of three new members to its Board of Directors and the reappointment of an existing Director following its Annual General Meeting (AGM) on the 26^th of March. These appointments are part of the organisation’s ongoing efforts to strengthen its leadership and continue the growth and success of rugby in the Waikato region.

The new appointees bring a wealth of experience and expertise across a range of fields, including governance, business, legal, property and facilities management, community rugby and Tikanga Maaori. Their diverse skill sets will be invaluable in supporting Waikato Rugby’s strategic objectives and enhancing its commitment to the development of rugby from grassroots to elite levels.

The following individuals have been appointed to the Waikato Rugby Board:

• Renika Siciliano, Independent Director (2 year term)

Renika is a lawyer at McCaw Lewis.  She specialises in Treaty settlements and post-settlement governance advice for iwi groups.  She is the Executive Director at McCaw Lewis and has previously held positions on the National Executive for Te Hunga Rōia Māori o Aotearoa, and the Board of Northern Districts Cricket Association. She brings legal, governance and tikanga experience and expertise to the Board.

• Conor Croke, Club Nominated Director (3 year term)

Conor is an experienced manager who works in property and facilities management and is currently the Contract Manager for MOE properties for Downer.  Recognised as Volunteer of the Year at the NZ Rugby Awards in 2024, Conor has been pivotal in increasing players numbers at Pūtaruru Rugby from 80 to 220.  Conor brings knowledge of active play, participation, facilities management and community.

• David Sako, Nominated Director (3 year term)

David is the General Manager at Global Digital Solutions, a technology business that provides digital transformation initiatives for efficiency and productivity.  He is the Treasurer for Toitukiterangi Charitable Trust and has previously worked in banking.  David has played rugby since he was a child and brings a player perspective to the Board table together with business strategy, governance and commercial expertise.

In addition to the appointment of 3 new Directors, Howie King has also been reappointed to the Waikato Rugby Board in the position of Independent Director (3 year term). A longstanding and valued board member who has most recently held the position of Deputy Chair, Mr. King is an experienced Chief Financial Officer, qualified accountant, past player and coach, and as such, brings a rugby-centric perspective, financial, governance and high performance expertise to the Board table.

Chairperson of Waikato Rugby, Diane Hallifax, expressed enthusiasm about the appointments: “We are excited to welcome our new board members, who will bring fresh perspectives and valuable skills to help shape the future of rugby in the Waikato. Their expertise in governance, sport, and business will be key as we work towards our long-term goals and continue to elevate the game in our region.”

These new appointments come as Waikato Rugby continues its commitment to building a strong foundation for future success and engaging with the community to grow the sport at all levels.

The 2025 AGM also saw the elevation of Colin Groves from Vice President to the role of President of Waikato Rugby, following the retirement of current President, Allen Grainger – a passionate and committed community rugby volunteer and stalwart of rugby in the Waikato.

Waikato Rugby would like to thank the outgoing board members and President for their contributions to the organisation’s achievements over their tenure.

For further information, please contact:
Diane Hallifax
Chairperson
Waikato Rugby
Email: diane@everestpeople.co.nz
Website: https://www.mooloo.co.nz/

About Waikato Rugby:
Waikato Rugby is the governing body for rugby in the Waikato region, responsible for the development of rugby from grassroots to elite levels. With a rich history of success, Waikato Rugby is committed to fostering the growth of the sport while supporting its players, coaches, and communities.

Article added: Friday 28 March 2025