2010 START YOUR ENGINES!

WELCOME BACK — As League was first constituted back in April 1910, this year marks the 100th anniversary of national administration in this country. With a big year in store and much still to do, it’s time to get things started with our first Newsletter of the year...

What’s In This Issue Pages 2 - 3: Update from CEO Jim Doyle PageS 4 -5: Department Update Page 6: Community Programmes Update Page 7: Community Notice Board Pages 8: 2009 International Masters Page 9: Warriors in Wellington—’Vikings Big Day Out’ Page 10: IRD Tips—Helping your club donors get tax rebates 100 1 Update from NZRL CEO Jim Doyle - January 2010 I hope you all had a relaxing festive season and are ready for what shapes as an exciting year of . I have returned refreshed and keen to complete the reform we started in 2009 at both national and regional level.

We recently completed the restructuring of the national staff with confirmation that Kiwi icon has been appointed to the High Performance Manager position vacated by following his appointment as Football Manager.

In early February the Football department also welcomed Daniel Floyd who started his tenure as our new Coaching & Development Manager.

Daniel’s arrival follows the departure of Dennis Ward, who elected to return to at the end of his three year contract.

The NZRL would like to acknowledge Dennis for his contribution to the game in this country and wishes him and wife Cheryl, all the very best for their return home.

One legend arrives, as another departs. Ruben Wiki (above) signs on as NZRL’s new High Performance Manager while Dennis Ward heads home to Australia after three years. Ward a former Kangaroo, is pictured (right) in his days as the Manly- Warringah half back. The Medal winner as man of the match in the Manly’s 1972 grand final win, he also had stints with Canterbury-Bankstown and Widnes.

The new football team is rounded out by two seasoned campaigners in Competitions Commissioner Kevin Bailey and National Referees Coordinator Ian Macintosh.

The football department in conjunction with Community Programmes Manager Dain Guttenbeil, have some exciting initiatives planned for the coming season with some of these outlined later in this newsletter.

Two other key appointments arriving in February will be Marketing & Sponsorship Manager Trina Tamati and Communications Officer Phillipa Ivory. As you may have seen in a previous release, both bring exceptional skills, experience and strong links to the game.

These roles will play a significant part improving our communications with stakeholders so expect to see more positive changes in the near future. This is likely to include the format of this newsletter so watch this space.

[continues…]

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2 [CEO Update continued…]

Another significant change at NZRL HQ has been a more literal restructure of the office. The removal of central walls now has programme delivery and support staff at open plan work stations (pictured). An area previously described as a ‘rabbit warren’ now offers a better work environment, with the added advantage of improving internal communications.

NZRL HQ gets a makeover. Daniel Floyd (foreground) takes his place in the NZRL Football Department, adjacent to the desk soon to filled by Ruben Wiki. Opposite him sits Kevin Bailey (left) and Ian Macintosh (right) with the team’s skipper Tony Kemp in the background.

At a regional level, the Zone Boards have been busy engaging with their district and club members in preparation for formal Zone establishment meetings commencing in February. Those involved in governance and administration at all levels of the game will be anxious to get these formalities concluded to ensure a smooth start to season 2010.

I was fortunate enough to be part of the club meetings convened by the three Zone Boards covering the greater region and Northland. This was the first chance for those boards to engage direct with their member clubs and also a great opportunity for NZRL to update the Auckland and Northland clubs on game plan progress.

These three Zone Boards will now work with the existing Auckland District Rugby League to develop an agreement that will guide the delivery of competitions, development programmes and club support across the region. Shaping an Operational Heads of Agreement that covers three Zones obviously makes this a complex but critical task.

I have recently been in Australia finalising hosting arrangements for the 2010 Four Nations tournament later this year. Following those discussions we have been able to confirm that New Zealand will host four of the seven test matches in this year’s tournament, including a historic double header at the redeveloped .

This is a fantastic result for the game in this country with the added bonus of hosting the prestigious Rugby League International Federation annual awards dinner at Eden Park during the week of the double header. This is a very satisfying result for the NZRL and a fitting finale for a year that marks the 100th birthday of the national body.

Given the significance of this milestone, you can be sure there is much more in store for future updates.

Jim 3 FROM THE FOOTBALL DEPARTMENT

While Football Manager Tony Kemp has only just assembled his new team, they have been busy gearing up for season 2010. Kemp himself is working closely with Coach Kearney on planning for the May 7 ANZAC Test in and expects to thread his new High Performance Manager into that programme at the appropriate time. The remaining team members have summarised their key focus and activity as follows:

Referees – Ian Macintosh ( [email protected] )

The NZRL football department approached senior Warriors coaching and management staff in late 2009 with a proposal to assist with his new captaincy role. Specifically the proposal was to run a referees course tailored for Simon in order to assist him to:

• Gain competence and confidence as a captain by developing a clear understanding of all laws of the game. • Fully understand NRL ‘Key Indicators’ and ‘Decision Making Processes’ used by referees. • Potentially reduce infringements and lower penalty counts for the Warriors. • Open a line of continuing dialogue with relevant NZRL personnel to seek clarification of new rules and interpretations as necessary.

After agreement from the Warriors, Simon participated in the three week course delivered by Ian Macintosh during January. At the completion of the course, Simon successfully negotiated and passed the Level 1 NZRL Referees examination and was subsequently awarded his accreditation certificate (pictured below receiving his Level 1 qualification from Ian Macintosh).

Macintosh said “Simon surprised me with his good general knowledge of the rules of Rugby League. He showed a good deal of maturity during the course and by taking the content seriously, I believe he learnt a great deal. We involved experienced NZRL Test referee Leon Williamson in part of the course to help mentor Simon and to give him an appreciation of what he can expect from referees in his new role“. Keep an eye out for Captain Mannering confidently questioning referees’ calls this year with the help of his new found knowledge of the rules and appreciation of the whistle-blower’s role. [continues...]

4 [Football Update continued]

Competitions – Kevin Bailey ( [email protected] )

Kevin has been working on the scheduled to kick off at the end of August following district club competitions. The competition will see 15s, 17s and Open grades competing in an inter-Zone format culminating in mid October finals. Draft draws and budgets have been completed with preliminary work now underway on logistical arrangements. The draft draw is expected to be released in February.

Coaching & Development – Daniel Floyd ([email protected] )

Dan is currently working with the relevant personnel to review the content and delivery of the LeagueSmart programme, Modified Games coaching course and the overall coaching structure. He has also been contacting the key district personnel to assess current levels of activity and assess development priorities in the regions. This district contact coincides with the planning required to ensure Modified and International Games courses are up and running throughout the country. At this stage course dates have been confirmed in , Wellington, Tauranga and Auckland during February/March.

Contact your district league or Daniel at the NZRL office should you require any specific information about these courses.

A commitment to coaching excellence is equally important whether you are taking on the world… or taking up the challenge of teaching Rugby League to kids through the modified games programme.

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COMMUNITY PROGRAMMES

Community Programmes Manager Dain Guttenbeil has worked closely with the Football Manager Tony Kemp, CEO Jim Doyle and NZRL business partner KooGa apparel, to develop an exciting new initiative.

In line with its strategic plan League is launching the KooGa “Roots” Community Camps programme throughout the country during February and March. The camps are a one day programme aimed at increasing participation through education of the community about rugby league fundamentals. All attendees will have the opportunity to be up skilled through the League Smart Level 0 programme and newly developed Mini and Mod certification.

The course is designed for Coaches, Managers, Trainers, Players, Referees and Administrators with camps already confirmed for Northland, Auckland, Waikato, Wellington and Caterbury during the coming months. Participation packs will be distributed on the day for all those involved. Keep an eye out for information through your zone/districts shortly.

2009 LeagueSmart Providers Course—This programme is in for a significant upgrade in 2010.

PROUDLY SUPPORTED BY:

6 LEAGUE COMMUNITY NOTICE BOARD

Masters Chairman Phil Campbell has provided a wrap up of the 2009 International Masters tournament held in Auckland in late 2009 (page 8).

Wellington recently hosted the Vodafone Warriors at their very own ‘Big Day Out’. General Manager Jason Hemson has provided a summary of this very successful and well supported event (page 9).

The Vodafone Warriors play their first pre-season match against City Roosters on Saturday 13th of February at Rotorua International Stadium. Earlier that same day the Bay of Plenty District Rugby League will hold a Junior Muster at Puketawhero Park, Vaughans Rd, Rotorua from 10am to 12pm. Kids will get a taste of rugby league and the chance to sign up for their local club. Vodafone Warriors' players will be in attendance to run skills and drills sessions with young players and sign autographs.

For more information please contact Rachael Beresford on 021 116 8452

Auckland Zone Chair Samuelu Sefuiva recently received an article from IRD’s Charities Education Programme. It was forwarded to him his capacity as National Chair of the Community and Voluntary Sector Taskforce and he passed it on to NZRL suggesting it may be helpful information for clubs. Specifically the article provides clarity to charities and donee organisations around the receipting requirements to make it easier and quicker for donors to claim donation tax credits. Refer full article attached (page 10).

Please forward any relevant news or notices to [email protected] or fax to (09) 525 5596

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2009 INTERNATIONAL MASTERS TOURNAMENT

On Saturday 10th October 2009 at the Auckland Domain we saw an enormous crowd of up to 5000 people witness the opening of the 16th Heart Children NZ Masters Rugby League Tournament 2009. This was a historical occasion, at this very same venue back in 1910 England played New Zealand for the very first time at the same ground, not only that but it was the ’s Centennial this year as well.

The opening of the tournament was officiated by the Right Honourable His Worship the Mayor of Auckland Mr. John Banks, and 58 teams took part in the march pass lead by the NZ Army team then followed by the national anthems of those competing nations. We then had the welcoming challenge haka by 200 Maori Warriors and then had the reply haka by our visitors Guildford Owls from Sydney. Overall the opening was a huge success.

The games during the week attracted huge crowds both at the Auckland Domain also at Cornwall Park grounds as well all games were play in right spirit, the ball skills by most of the masters players were amazing, and there was a special guest appearance by , ex Manly and Australian Representative player.

After match functions were held at the Ellerslie Convention Centre at the end of each day and the entertainment was great, karaoke was won by the New Lynn Stags, and the Helensvale Stingers from , Australia. The international matches on the Friday were played at Mt Smart No 1 ground home of the Vodafone Warriors. A crowd of around 4000, witnessed four tremendous games of NZ and Australia sides. The ball skills on display were excellent, and the crowd soaked up every moment of it…this was Masters Rugby League at it's greatest.

Heart Children of New Zealand Inc was our charity, and in total Masters of Rugby League raised just over $10,000 for this fantastic cause.

On behalf of the Masters Rugby League International Committee we would like to thank everybody who was involved with the tournament. Thank you very much for a enjoyable week. Lara Siddell, CEO of Heart Children NZ receives a cheque from Peter Clark (left) and Phil Campbell (right) for funds raised at the tournament.

Remember Masters Rugby League is simply the best, it's better that the rest. For a more detailed report on the tournament go to www.mastersrugbyleague.com

Phil Campbell | Chairman MRLNZ Inc.

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WELLINGTON’S ‘BIG DAY OUT’

Porirua Vikings president Bernie Wood was instrumental in the Warriors coaching staff attending the Big Day Out. Over 200 kids took part in a fun day of skills, drills and interaction with head coach , assistant , club Community and Welfare Manager, Jerry Seuseu and , recruitment manager. The day started with volunteers setting up from 7am in mild Wellington winds. Around 60 under 12’s were taken through a fun session by David Lomax, former Kiwi and head coach at the Vikings. The Warriors team arrived around 9.30am and were set upon for autographs and photos. Next up the boys took 50 Wellington coaches through their paces in a series of defensive and attacking drills with Wellington representative players. The coaches then had their turn at applying their techniques with local junior players. After lunch and more autographs and photos the Warriors got a glimpse of the local talent with a match between 15 and 16 year old rep players. 2 players from the Petone Club, Kurt Robinson and Tyler Tane caught the eye of Dean and Ivan and have been invited to Auckland for a trial. The day was a huge success for both the Vikings and Wellington Rugby League. The support of local business, all the clubs of the region and the hard work of the many volunteers ensured the Warriors had a great day. A special thanks goes to Sue Kerr from the Vikings for getting the day organised. I’m sure this is the start of a closer relationship between the Warriors and Wellington Rugby League.

Jason Hemson General Manager Wellington Rugby League

Former Warriors and Kiwis tough guy Jerry Seuseu at the Vikings Big Day Out pictured with Wellington Rugby League Life Members Tyrone Paikea (left) and Wi Kapua (right).

9 How you can help donors claim their tax credit

Anyone who makes a donation of $5 or more to an approved “donee” organisation can claim a tax credit from Inland Revenue – provided the claim is supported by a valid receipt.

If you’re a donee organisation, how do your receipts measure up? Will your contributors be able to quickly make a successful claim at the end of the year?

You can help them by issuing valid receipts – like the example below: Note:

You can find a list of donee organisations at www.ird.govt.nz, keyword

Please note what you must have on your receipt: Definition: • The date the receipt is issued A payment is a “donation” • The donor’s full name if the payer receives no • The amount donated direct benefit in return. • Confirmation that the payment was a donation • The signature of an authorised person • The official stamp of the donee organisation. (Not needed if the receipt is printed on the organisa- tion’s official letterhead.)

Now the ‘nice to haves’:

It’s a good idea to make sure the name of your organisation appearing on your receipts matches the name recorded in Inland Revenue’s list of donee organisations. Consistent use of your name will help Inland Revenue’s checking process, and may result in your contributor getting their tax credit sooner.

Including your organisation’s IRD number and/or Charities Commission registration number on the receipt will also help speed the process up.

Are you a school? School fees qualify as a donation, provided they go to the school’s general fund. Payments that provide a direct benefit to the student are not classed as donations. Examples of non-qualifying payments are: wood- work fees, camp fees, payments for a school trip, and tuition fees.

It will help parents with their claim if you provide a breakdown of the school fees on the receipt, and clearly identify the portion that qualifies as a donation.

Any questions? You can find more information about the donations tax credit at www.ird.govt.nz, keyword “donations”.

Please note there are different rules for donations made through payroll giving. There’s more information at www.ird.govt.nz, keyword “payroll giving”.

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