In the wake of calls for an overhaul in the governance of Hawke's Bay rugby clubs this week, female board members have been put forward as a possible solution for the Hawke's Bay Rugby Football Union to adopt.
Governance New Zealand and Women on Boards chief executive Linda Noble said women had "much to offer" any board regardless of the sector, and advocated for leadership from a diverse group of people rather than an "old boys network".
"Any board needs to reflect the community that it represents. Women make up over 50 per cent of that community, many of whom are just as passionate about our national game as men are!"
On top of their passion women also have a lot to bring to the table, with soft skills such as picking up on nuances often overlooked by their male counterparts, Ms Noble said.
"Women's social networks tend to be wider and more diverse than men's and as a result women bring a broader range of perspectives and life experiences to decision making,