Horowhenua-Kāpiti Rugby Union chairman John Mowbray steps down

Horowhenua Kapiti Rugby Union chairman John Mowbray at Mowbray Collectables in Otaki, New Zealand on Wednesday, 4 July 2018. Photo: Dave Lintott / lintottphoto.co.nz

The longest serving Chairman in the 127-year history of Horowhenua-Kāpiti Rugby Football Union will step down from the post at the HKRU Annual General Meeting this week.

John Mowbray has held the position for the last 15 years and is one of the longest serving chairmen of all provincial unions in the history of NZ Rugby.

Although not a player of great note, a flanker during his time at Scots College, his biggest contribution to the game came off the field, firstly with the Waikanae club committee more than 20 years ago.

It didn't take long for Mowbray to be shoulder tapped to higher posts.

It is expected the AGM tonight, held at the Paraparaumu Rugby Football, will provide an
opportunity for the HKRU to reflect on Mowbray's successful tenure which kept the books consistently in the blue.

The 72-year-old leaves with the HKRU in a sound financial position and his legacy also led to the development of women's rugby in Horowhenua-Kāpiti, the Union's investment in the Hurricanes, and the formation of a new system of governance.

The union appointed a six-person Board of Directors to the HKRU, with legal, managerial and accounting expertise, with the majority support of club delegates.

"The board has worked extremely well and has added another dimension and is important to sound governance," he said.

HKRU has a record high number of registered players with 4304, and has produced 12 consecutive financial surpluses, a feat which is believed to be unrivalled by
other provincial unions.

"It's a small surplus this year. But it's a surplus," he said.

John Mowbray, who was estimated to have attended more than 600 meetings during his time, said he was enthusiastic about the future of the HKRU and rugby in the province.

"I'm confident our Union is in good shape to face the challenges ahead and look
forward to still being a part of the rugby community in Horowhenua Kāpiti," he said.

"It's been a priviledge and I've enjoyed every minute of it."

Mowbray pointed out that the two current All Black hookers Dane Coles and Cody Taylor were products of the union, and that small unions remain an integral part of New Zealand rugby.

Meanwhile, he commended the HKRU Chief Executive Corey Kennett and staff at the HKRU who he said worked hard and were contributing to the growth of the game in the province.

Kennett thanked to Mowbray for his service.

"I'd personally like to thank John for his dedication, hard work and vision for our Union in being Chairman for the past 15 years," he said.

"John has overseen the Horowhenua Kāpiti Rugby Football Union become one of the leading Heartland Unions and we will be forever thankful to him for that."