Diversity of athletes not reflected in sports management

Researchers are calling for the cultural and ethnic diversity of athletes to be reflected in management and governance roles of all sporting codes An AUT study in conjunction with NZ and Auckland Rugby has found Pasifika woefully under represented in off-the-field roles, including coaching, administration, refereeing, governance and leadership.The project, called Navigating Two Worlds looked into the barriers to greater involvement, finding a dominant Western based culture and perspective of leadership pervaded rugby ranks. AUT Professor of Sport Leadership & Governance, Lesley Ferkins says there needs to be a change in thinking in leadership not just in sport but in society too. That view is backed by Tracy Atiga who was on the project team's Pacific Advisory Group. Tracy is also the CEO of Kanaloa Hawaii Rugby, which is a Pacific-owned professional team.