• 19 cases remained open at year’s end COLLABORATION AND PARTNERSHIPS Collaboration across the rugby and health systems remains central to our work. During the year, we strengthened relationships through the Board’s participation on the New Zealand Rugby Stakeholders Panel, a vital collection of organisations intertwined in rugby. Engagement continued with eight international counterpart charities and World Rugby, involvement in national brain health working groups, and ongoing collaboration with the Auckland University Brain Bank. We are so grateful for the strong relationship we maintain with New Zealand Rugby, and we thank Provincial Unions and clubs across the motu for their partnership when serious injuries occur. CHAMPIONING AND SYSTEM INFLUENCE Advocacy remains a core function of the Foundation. During the year, 14 cases were actively progressed with or against ACC, of which four achieved successful outcomes. We also continued to raise concerns regarding cumulative concussion exposure and systemic gaps affecting players who sit between the ACC and Health New Zealand frameworks. Financial Stewardship and Sustainability are key. The Chair of the Business Committee, Mark Peters, provides further detail in the Financial Report. LOOKING AHEAD Our focus for the years ahead is on embedding the Foundation’s strategy across everything we do – delivering lifelong support for VIPs and their whānau, strengthening support for Near Miss players, growing sustainable funding, and continuing to advocate for injured players across the rugby and health systems. We are very focused on increasing awareness of the NZRF’s work, so more players, families, and communities know where to turn when serious injury occurs. It is surprising how many people do not know about us until they need us. This is a key focus for 2026. CLOSING THANKS We acknowledge the extraordinary support given to us by our Patron, Sir Graham Henry and Raewyn Lady Henry, whose commitment and generosity of time far exceed the expectations of the role. Finally, we thank the Board and staff for their dedication during a year of continued progress and organisational change. Lisa Kingi-Bon Head of VIP Support & Partnerships Andrew Golightly Board Chair, NZ Rugby Foundation NEW ZEALAND RUGBY FOUNDATION INC. CC42547 9
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