Far North Districts Rugby League Kerikeri, Moerewa, Kaikohe, Whanau, Otaua, Waima, Pawarenga, Muriwhenua, Tehiku, Ngati Kahu, the Academy
Far North Districts Rugby League Kerikeri, Moerewa, Kaikohe, Whanau, Otaua, Waima, Pawarenga, Muriwhenua, Tehiku, Ngati Kahu, The Academy PO Box 546 Kaitaia 60 North Rd Kaitaia 09 408 1800 Monday 23 November 2015 To the Member Clubs of the Far North District Rugby League Rugby League Northland’s (RLN) rejection of our proposals in favour of a structure that has always favoured Whangarei clubs over the clubs of the Far North is disappointing, but not surprising given that the Board is essentially made up of people who live in and around Whangarei. The cost of travel means there has never been a level playing field for Rugby League in Northland. The 6 Whangarei clubs travel no more than 30 minutes for 70% of their games; the far north clubs travel up to 5 hours for 70% of theirs. RLN has done nothing to remedy the situation. Even when we offered solutions, RLN rejected them. They: Rejected our proposal for a two-division competition that would make it easier for Far North clubs to participate in Rugby League. Rejected our proposal to have the Top 8 clubs in both Whangarei and the Far North play off in a high-profile high-quality Finals Series. Rejected our proposal for a north-south competition that would help build district rivalry, provide a trial series for the Northland Swords, and help promote the game. Refused to set up a group of 3 from the Far North, 3 from Whangarei and a representative of the Board to see how our proposal might actually work. Refuses to recognise that we have 5 new clubs wanting to join our 5 existing clubs, because they are excited about playing in a 10-team Far North competition.
[Show full text]