Referee Development Manager

More Than A Game

New Zealand Rugby League exists to transform lives and strengthen community hauora through rugby league. Grounded in community, identity and purpose, we are building a game that is inclusive, innovative, safe and thriving across every region of the motu.

We are seeking an experienced, strategic and values-driven Referee Development Manager to lead the national development of referees and match officials across Aotearoa.

About the Role

Reporting to our GM Football & High Performance, you will play a key leadership role within the game, leading the design and delivery of a consistent national framework for referee and match official education, accreditation and development.

You will strengthen pathways from community football through to performance grades, ensuring officials are well prepared, supported and connected to clear opportunities for growth. Working closely with Districts, Referee Associations, educators and high-performance personnel, you will turn national direction into practical programmes that respond to local needs.

Key Responsibilities

Your mahi will include:

• Leading the national delivery of education and accreditation for referees and match officials, from community football through to performance grades.
• Developing strategies that strengthen referee recruitment, retention and clear pathways for growth.
• Establishing a high-performance development programme for leading referees.
• Building and supporting a nationwide network of educators and referee development personnel.
• Supporting the adoption of the NRL Referee Education and Accreditation Programme, adapting it where appropriate for the New Zealand context.
• Creating clear systems to track referee and match official learning, accreditation and development.
• Working in partnership with Districts and Referee Associations to develop locally responsive strategies aligned to a shared national direction.

Throughout, you will lead with fairness, consistency and care—building trusted pathways so referees and match officials across Aotearoa know they will be supported, developed and recognised.

Your leadership will help create confident, capable officials and a stronger experience for everyone involved in rugby league.

Our Values

At NZRL, our values guide how we work, how we lead and how we show up for our communities. Developed collaboratively with our staff, members and Board, they reflect what we stand for and how we work together as one whānau.

Kotahitanga — United as One Whānau

Manaakitanga — Respectful and Inclusive

Kia Pono — Acting with Trust and Integrity

Te Pae Kahurangi — Striving for Innovation and Excellence

These values sit at the centre of every relationship, programme and decision.

About You

You will bring experience in strategy development and implementation, along with the ability to build trusted relationships across a wide range of stakeholders. You will be a clear and confident communicator who can turn national direction into practical support for local communities.

You will have a strong work ethic, an innovative approach to technology and database systems, and the ability to balance strategic thinking with hands-on programme delivery. Rugby league knowledge and experience are preferred, but not essential.

Above all, you will be motivated by the opportunity to strengthen the capability, confidence and connection of referees and match officials across Aotearoa.

Why NZRL

This is an opportunity to contribute to something bigger than sport.

As Referee Development Manager, you will help build a stronger, more sustainable future for rugby league in Aotearoa. Your work will strengthen pathways, support the people who make the game possible, and help referees and match officials thrive at every level.

If you are passionate about rugby league, believe in the power of community and are ready to lead the development of match officials nationwide, we would love to hear from you.

How to Apply

For more information, including a detailed job description, or to kōrero further about the role, please contact Aretha Kimitaunga at [email protected].

To apply, please submit your cover letter and CV via SEEK.