Manawatu¯ union steadies the ship
The Manawatu¯ Rugby Union has steadied the ship financially.
The union announced a $151,884 profit at its annual meeting on Thursday night, a big turnaround from last year’s $237,982 deficit.
Last year’s deficit had been a shock after a run of six years of good financial results, so this year’s surplus was well received.
Union board member and finances man John Whitehead said it was a pleasing turnaround.
‘‘The total income received was very similar to last year – a small increase of $15,000 – but there was a reduction in expenditure of $300,000.’’
Whitehead said savings were made across administration and governance ($40,000), employee costs ($220,000), and commercial and match day expenses ($80,000).
‘‘Attempts by staff to save money allowed us to come out on the right side.’’
He said new chief executive Shannon Paku had ‘‘some very tight reins’’ in his first year in the job.
‘‘The board is confident and we have reason to be more confident than 12 months ago,’’ Whitehead said. ‘‘The union is a going concern and will be operating for the long term.’’
The union’s financial report was prepared in December, when costs are there, but little money is coming in.
Board chairman Tim Myers said he was optimistic about the future.
‘‘We’ve had to stabilise the ship. Things had become a bit unsteady,’’ he said.
‘‘When you make a $200,000 loss it is hard to do anything when that’s your financial platform.’’
The union conducted two reviews last year, one of the entire organisation, from professional to community rugby, and another of the Manawatu¯ Turbos, and Myers said they would be implementing the findings.
He also said things were changing at the union so they would be more approachable and so all parts worked in alignment.
A lack of Ma¯ ori and Pasifika representation was something else that would be looked at.
In other matters, Mark Gleeson and Terry Clare were reappointed to the board. Also on the board are president Bruce Hemara, Josh Bradnock, Sarah Vining, Barry Roche and Justin Leck.
Roger Heatley, Matt Booth and Damian Peeti were appointed to the club rugby executive.