Following last night’s 99th Annual General Meeting, we at the North Otago Rugby Football Union (NORFU) are proud to reflect on a defining and highly positive year for rugby in our region.
During 2025, the Union undertook a deliberate and focussed program to maximise income, reduce expenditure, and enhance the value of services delivered to affiliated clubs, the wider community, and the region. Revenue grew 8% and accumulated funds also increased 8%, while expenditure was reduced by 4%. The Union recorded a surplus for the year, significant turnaround from the previous year’s deficit, representing a $95K improvement. This stronger financial position provides a stable platform for future growth and investment in North Otago Rugby.
On the field, our teams secured four Heartland trophies, with participation up 4%, including women and girls’ rugby, sevens, and school-based initiatives. These gains reflect a strong, connected pathway from grassroots to senior rugby. In 2025, 12 of our youth players were involved in national development programs and international tournaments, with three selected for the NZ Heartland team, demonstrating NORFU’s impact in preparing the next generation of talent.
Off the field, we continue to lead with purpose. In 2025, we played a key leadership role in advancing player welfare through medical support initiatives, contributing to a New Zealand Rugby pilot programme during the Heartland competition. This work is already influencing national thinking and strengthening academy and development pathways, reinforcing North Otago’s position as a contributor to the future of the game in Aotearoa.
Our community remains at the heart of everything we do. From over 96,000 monthly digital engagements to the delivery of key infrastructure projects, including Phase One of the North Otago Rugby Stadium & Sports Hub, we continue to bring people together. Phase Two is now progressing through community-led funding, representing a significant regional investment with no burden on ratepayers.Significant progress has also been made in governance and leadership. The adoption of a revised constitution that formally includes the opportunity for schools to become members, alongside a skills-based board composition, and the reset of the Governance Manual, Board Charter, and Code of Ethics, ensures we are aligned with national standards and best practice. Strengthened committee structures further support effective decision-making and delivery. The integration of Te Tiriti o Waitangi principles reinforces our commitment to a strong and inclusive future. This period has also marked the first year of our Chief Executive, including a historic milestone as the first Pasifika woman to lead a New Zealand Rugby provincial union. Alongside the continued leadership of the Board and Chair, this reflects our collective commitment to service, stability, and laying strong foundations for the future of the Union.
None of this progress happens without our people. The growth of NORFU, both on and off the field, including a strengthened national profile and more than 2.2 million digital impressions during the Heartland season, reflects the collective effort of our local players, clubs, schools, volunteers, referees, coaches, medics, staff, families, community groups, sponsors, and partners across the Highlanders region, our Otago Rugby shared service, Hanan partnership and the wider New Zealand Rugby network. From grassroots to governance, it is this shared commitment that has enabled the Union to move from rebuilding into a period of growth, achievement, and pride. Looking ahead to 2026, we are focused on continuing this momentum, completing key infrastructure projects, growing participation across all levels, strengthening capability, and preparing for the Union’s centenary in 2027.
2025 represents a genuine turning point. NORFU is financially stronger, operationally sound, and deeply connected to its community. We are well positioned to lead, grow, and inspire rugby in North Otago for generations to come.
Warren Prescott, Chairman, North Otago Rugby Football Union
