REFEREE DEVELOPMENT LEAD
Contract: Part-time (0.2 FTE)
Location: North Otago
Reports to: Competitions and Game Development Mananger
Start Date: 12 January 2026
Role Purpose:
NORFU is seeking an enthusiastic and experienced Referee Education & Development Officer to lead the recruitment, development, education, and management of referees across North Otago. This role supports safe, inclusive, and high-quality rugby experiences for players, coaches, officials, and the community.
Key Responsibilities:
Referee Development & Education: Recruit, mentor, and retain referees; deliver training and workshops; lead education initiatives on Laws of the Game and referee pathways; promote NZR safety and officiating standards.
Match Official Management & Appointments: Coordinate appointments for competitions, tournaments, and representative fixtures; maintain records; identify talent for advancement pathways.
Judicial & Administrative Support: Assist with judicial/disciplinary processes; support planning, budgeting, and programme design; represent NORFU at regional and national rugby forums.
Skills & Attributes:
Strong knowledge of rugby laws and referee practices.
Experience in referee mentoring, coaching, or education.
Excellent communication, presentation, and facilitation skills.
Strong organisation, coordination, and problem-solving abilities.
Ability to engage positively with volunteers, clubs, schools, and community.
Passion for sustainable sport pathways and community development.
Preferred Experience:
Relevant tertiary qualification.
Minimum five years’ refereeing experience.
Experience delivering training or education programmes.
Experience with competitions administration, judicial processes, or game management systems.
Additional Requirements:
Some evening and weekend work may be required.
Full New Zealand driver licence preferred.
Police Vetting may be required.
Why Join Us: This is a unique opportunity to shape the future of refereeing in North Otago. You will build capability, foster community engagement, and contribute to a sustainable and inclusive rugby environment.
How to Apply: Submit your CV and cover letter outlining your experience, skills, and vision for referee development to recruitment@norfu.nz
Applications close: Wednesday 10 December 2025. For a copy of the position description, click here. Don’t wait until the closing date to apply, as we will be reviewing applications as we go.
WOMEN & GIRLS RUGBY LEAD
Contract: Part-time (0.5 FTE)
Location: Oamaru, North Otago
Are you passionate about growing rugby for girls and women? North Otago Rugby is seeking a motivated and dynamic Head of Girls & Women’s Rugby to
lead the growth and development of female participation across our region.
About the Role:
You will work closely with NORFU’s teams in competitions, pathways, coach development, events & club capability, and referees to deliver engaging rugby programmes, festivals, and competitions for girls and women.
This role includes:
Leading the implementation of NORFU’s Girls & Women’s Rugby Action Plan 2025-2030, in alignment with NORFU’s overall Strategy 2025-2030 and NZR Strategy 2023-2033.
Building strong relationships with clubs, schools, and the community to increase female player registrations.
Supporting player, coach, and referee development pathways.
Planning and delivering community rugby events, festivals, and competitions.
Helping clubs strengthen their capability to deliver sustainable women’s rugby programmes.
Key Attributes:
Passion for community rugby and female participation.
Strong collaboration, communication, and relationship-building skills.
Ability to inspire and engage players, coaches, and volunteers.
Practical experience in coaching, facilitating, or sport development.
Self-motivated and adaptable, able to work independently and as part of a small team.
Preferred Experience:
Relevant experience in sport development, education, or coaching.
NZR coaching or development accreditation (or willingness to obtain).
Full driver’s licence and flexibility to work evenings and weekends.
Reporting to: Head of Competitions & Game Development
Location: NORFU Office, Oamaru
How to Apply: Please submit your CV and a cover letter outlining your experience and passion for developing women’s and girls’ rugby, to recruitment@norfu.nz by Wednesday 10 December 2025.
Don’t wait until the closing date to apply, as we will be reviewing applications as we go. For a copy of the position description, click here
JUNIOR RUGBY & PARTICIPATION LEAD
Contract: Part-time (0.2 FTE) Location: North Otago
Reports to: Head of Competitions & Game Development
Role Purpose:
NORFU is seeking an organised and enthusiastic Junior Rugby & Participation Coordinator to manage junior competitions, support clubs and schools, and promote participation pathways across North Otago.
This role ensures safe, inclusive, and high-quality rugby experiences for children and community participants.
Key Responsibilities:
Manage junior rugby competitions, including draws, scheduling, and registrations.
Oversee and maintain the RX registration and competition management system.
Liaise with clubs, schools, and community groups to support participation and development.
Coordinate events, tournaments, and festivals for junior players.
Maintain records and provide updates on junior rugby participation and competition outcomes.
Skills & Attributes:
Strong organisational and administrative skills.
Experience in sports administration, program coordination, or event management.
Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
Ability to work effectively with volunteers, schools, clubs, and community stakeholders.
Proactive, flexible, and solution-focused approach.
Passion for youth participation and inclusive sport.
Preferred Experience:
Previous experience in rugby or school/community sports administration.
Familiarity with RX or similar registration/competition systems.
Experience coordinating junior sports programs or events.
Additional Requirements:
Some evening and weekend work may be required.
Full New Zealand driver licence preferred.
Why Join Us: This is a unique opportunity to influence the growth of junior rugby in North Otago. You will help shape pathways, enhance player experiences, and support a sustainable and inclusive rugby environment for young participants.
How to Apply: Submit your CV and cover letter outlining your experience, skills, and vision for junior rugby to recruitment@norfu.nz.
Applications close: Wednesday 10 December 2025.Don’t wait until the closing date to apply, as we will be reviewing applications as we go.
FINANCE & ADMINISTRATION MANAGER
Position: Finance & Administration Manager
Hours: 20 hours per week (flexibility required for match/event days)
Location: North Otago Rugby Union Office, Oamaru
Reports to: Chief Executive Officer
Start Date: 12 January 2026
Purpose of the Role
The Finance & Administration Manager is responsible for delivering efficient day-to-day financial processing, administrative support, and operational coordination that enables North Otago Rugby to function effectively and meet the needs of its clubs, teams, and stakeholders.
With high-level financial reporting managed by an external accounting firm, this role ensures all operational finance and administration tasks are completed accurately, on time, and to a professional standard.
Key Responsibilities
1. Financial Administration & Processing
(Operational finance up to accountant-ready stage)
Manage Xero daily functions including coding, data entry, and reconciliations.
Process accounts payable and receivable and support timely debtor follow-up.
Complete GST, PAYE, bank feeds, and month-end processing.
Prepare monthly financial reports for the CEO and Risk & Audit Committee.
Maintain cashflow reporting and monitor operational expenditure.
Administer payroll and maintain leave and personnel financial records.
Liaise with external accountants for monthly reports, year-end financial statements,
audits, and compliance.Prepare grant applications, budgets, reconciliations, and required reporting to
funders.Reconcile and report on all Representative Team budgets.
Maintain accurate, secure, and organised financial records in accordance with NZR/NORFU policies.
2. Administration & Office Management
Provide efficient administrative support to ensure smooth daily operations of
the Union office.
Maintain office systems, supplies, filing, and documentation.
Manage distribution of ticketing, car park passes, and stakeholder allocations.
Assist in compiling and distributing the Annual Report.
Support sponsorship administration, ensuring accurate revenue and renewal tracking.
Complete NZR compliance reporting, registrations, and statistical requirements.
3. Event & Game Operations Support
(Delivered collaboratively with the CEO, Head of Events & Club Capability, and Team Managers)
Support the Head of Events & Club Capability with match-day operations and event delivery across all grades.
Liaise with visiting teams at all levels to coordinate logistics and match requirements.
Oversee trophies and cups for club and representative matches
Prepare match-day information for the President, Chair, CEO, and key stakeholders.
Assist in organising home and away Heartland fixtures and representative games.
Ensure compliance with NZR competition rules including eligibility and registrations.
Liaise with New Zealand Rugby regarding scheduling and operational requirements.
Coordinate travel, accommodation, and logistics for all representative teams, including supporting budgeting and grant submissions.
Prepare and distribute pre-arrival information packs and checklists for visiting provincial unions.
Support planning and delivery of hosted match days, promotions, and Union events.
Assist with arrangements for the North Otago Rugby AGM as required.
4. Policies, Compliance & Health & Safety
Implement and uphold North Otago Rugby’s policies and procedures.
Contribute to a safe and compliant working environment by identifying and reporting
hazards and incidents.Support emergency preparedness, risk management, and rehabilitation processes.
Ensure administrative and financial practices meet NZR, NORFU, and legal
requirements.
5. General Requirements
Maintain strong, positive relationships with clubs, community members, players, referees, sponsors, and stakeholders.
Represent North Otago Rugby professionally and uphold the Union’s values.
Keep the CEO informed of emerging risks, issues, or irregularities.
Contribute to a collaborative “One Team, One Voice” culture.
Support special projects and additional duties as required.
Ensure accurate and timely reporting when required by the CEO or Board.
Skills & Experience
Experience in finance administration, accounts processing, or bookkeeping.
Proficiency with Xero and strong general financial literacy.
Excellent organisational and administrative skills with strong attention to detail.
Ability to work independently, balance priorities, and meet deadlines.
Strong communication and relationship-management abilities.
Experience in sports administration, events, or not-for-profit environments (advantageous).
Understanding of grant applications and reporting (preferred).
How to Apply: Please send your CV and a brief cover letter to: recruitment@norfu.nz
Applications close: Wednesday 10 December 2025. For a copy of the position description, click here. Don’t wait until the closing date to apply, as we will be reviewing applications as we go.
BOARD SECRETARY
Location: North Otago (flexible/remote options possible)
Hours: Part-time. Approx. 5-10 hours per month (flexible, may vary during peak periods)
Are you organised, proactive, and passionate about supporting rugby governance in North Otago?
North Otago Rugby is seeking a motivated and reliable Board Secretary to provide administrative and governance support to our Board and CEO, helping ensure the smooth operation of rugby across the region. This role may also involve occasional support for Board committees on an as-needed basis.
As Board Secretary, you will:
Prepare agendas and take accurate minutes for Board meetings.
Distribute minutes, reports, and relevant documentation to Board members.
Maintain official records and correspondence for the Board.
Assist with communication between the Board, clubs, regional and national rugby
bodies.
Support Board committees with administrative tasks as required, such as taking
minutes, distributing documents, or coordinating meetings.
Assist with compliance and reporting requirements.
Key Attributes:
Strong organisational and administrative skills.
Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
Ability to work independently and manage deadlines.
Attention to detail and professionalism.
Preferred Experience:
Experience with meeting administration, document management, or similar roles.
Familiarity with rugby administration or club structures is a plus.
Time Commitment:
Approx. 5-10 hours per month (flexible).
Meetings typically held monthly, with additional time for follow-up, documentation, and occasional committee support.
Benefits:
Paid part-time role.
Flexible working arrangements.
Opportunity to contribute to rugby development in North Otago.
How to Apply:
Please submit your CV and a brief cover letter outlining your relevant experience to: recruitment@norfu.nz
Applications close: Wednesday 10 December 2025
For a copy of the position description, click here
Don’t wait until the closing date to apply, as we will be reviewing applications as we go.