David Kirk: Why rugby can weather storms around finances and fans

David Kirk: Why rugby can weather storms around finances and fans

May 9, 2026 · 54 min

About this episode

David Kirk discusses the state of rugby in New Zealand, including finances and player retention, while Tania Waikato shares her vision for constitutional reform.

David Kirk: Why rugby can weather storms around finances and fans NZ Rugby chair David Kirk sat down with Q+A’s Simon Mercep to discuss the state of rugby’s grassroots, whether NZR’s finances are in the sort of shape they need to be, and player retention issues. Kirk also revealed NZ Rugby is “considering” buying private equity firm Silver Lake out of their $262 million investment, and reflected on the state of modern politics. Why Green candidate Tania Waikato believes she can beat Rawiri Waititi Lawyer Tania Waikato helped mobilise hundreds of thousands of submissions against the Treaty Principles Bill and Regulatory Standards Act. Now, she's ranked 13 on the Green Party list - the highest of any new face, and higher than some sitting MPs. She's also challenging the Māori electorate of Waiariki, currently held - by a considerable margin - by Te Pāti Māori co-leader Rawiri Waititi. Tania joins Simon Mercep to discuss her vision for constitutional reform in New Zealand, and how she will work with MPs from across the aisle after building her platform on calling them out. Inside the campaign against retirement village payout policies When a retirement village resident moves on or…

People in this episode

Host: Simon Mercep

Guests: David Kirk, Tania Waikato

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Mentioned in this episode

Organizations: NZ Rugby, Silver Lake, Te Pāti Māori

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