In February 2025, North Otago Rugby hosted a community-led strategy day at the long-serving sponsor, Road Metals, brining together stakeholders from across the rugby ecosystem, including schools, clubs, referee officials, players, coaches, teachers, volunteers, life members, partners, patrons, and community supporters. CEO Sene Naoupu and the team, brought the community together and created the space for expert facilitators Jono Brent (In Your Corner) and Lisa Clancy (Ireland’s Clansult) to guide discussions and workshops that empowered the community to develop NORFU’s strategic priorities and co-create the 5-year strategy.
The event was welcomed by NORFU Chairman Warren Prescott, attended by President Duncan Kingan, and addressed by Mayor Gary Kircher, reflecting the Union’s commitment to ensuring the voices of the entire rugby ecosystem were central to long-term decision-making.
This strategy day, together with internal staff workshops, branding sessions, and board workshops, established a clear purpose for North Otago Rugby: to serve as kaitiaki (guardians) of the game, uniting the community, nurturing talent, and fostering lifelong participation. It also reinforced the Union’s values; Inclusion, Fun, Brave, Excellence, Respect, and Integrity, and articulated a vision to be a leading Heartland region, creating inclusive, accessible, and positive experiences for all.
Strategic Pillars
Through this collaborative process, NORFU developed five strategic pillars to guide the Union’s work over the next five years:
Grow Participation & Strengthen Pathways: Expand opportunities for all to play, with inclusive, structured pathways from juniors to seniors.
Grow the Mana of Our Brand: Strengthen engagement, visibility, and the reputation of North Otago Rugby.
Strengthen Our Rugby Community: Support coaches, officials, volunteers, and players through safe, enjoyable environments and quality competitions.
Financial Sustainability & Governance: Maintain strong governance, effective partnerships, and sound financial management.
Leadership & Legacy: Foster leadership at all levels, enhance community impact, and ensure the Union’s long-term sustainability.
These pillars now guide NORFU’s 2025-2030 strategic plan, aligned with New Zealand Rugby’s national strategy, providing a framework to grow participation, strengthen pathways, support coaches and volunteers, and build a legacy.
Chairman Warren Prescott emphasised that the strategy day reflected NORFU’s commitment to community-led initiatives, while President Duncan Kingan highlighted how the plan ensures clubs, players, volunteers, and schools remain central to the Union’s future. CEO Sene Naoupu praised the collective energy and insight of attendees, and Mayor Gary Kircher acknowledged the critical role rugby plays in uniting the North Otago community. NORFU encourages all attendees, from life members and patrons to coaches, teachers, volunteers, and partners, to continue driving this vision forward as kaitiaki of the game.
