Barron elected to NZF executive committee

Jackie Barron
Jackie Barron
An opportunity to contribute to change was too much to turn down for Jackie Barron.

The St Hilda's Collegiate principal was elected to New Zealand Football's executive committee this week.

She had been asked to put her name forward as a candidate, having completed her two terms on the Sport New Zealand board.

It was one of several positions she has held in high level sport.

Despite that, her desire to stay involved has not waned.

"I feel like I have the skills and I've learnt a lot being on the Sport New Zealand board," she said.

"Part of that is realising you can contribute to different groups in sport in New Zealand.

"Then I thought football is obviously in a really positive place after the Muir report and they're looking forward and it was a good time to come in.

"If they thought I had skills that could contribute, then I was happy to do so."

She said a lot of those skills were transferable, although recognised each sport had its differences.

A primary focus for the organisation was carrying out the recommendations in the Muir report.

That report was the result of a review into New Zealand Football's conduct and culture.

It provided 22 recommendations, a key focus being the bullying behaviour found to have come from former Football Ferns coach Andreas Heraf.

Barron felt the report was "fantastic", and another of her past experiences would be useful in helping drive change.

"I think the work I did with rugby on the New Zealand respect and responsibility panel gave me an insight into organisation making a cultural change.

"That's what football have really committed to after the Muir report.

"I think a lot of it is transferable, but I think every sport is different.

"It really comes down to wanting to work with a bunch of committed, passionate people who care about their sport."

Barron's particular passion was women in sport.

That ranged from playing to getting more women involved and supporting them in off-field roles as well.

Leadership and governance was a key area and increasing visibility of women in high positions was key.

An example of that was Johanna Wood being elected the first female president of NZF.

However, Barron felt there was still plenty of work to do to continue increasing their profile.

"It's about advocating for women, talking about opportunities, encouraging women to get involved, supporting other women going for similar roles.

"All of that really helps to build a climate and environment where young women say `actually that's something I'm really interested in, I'd like to give that a go'."


 

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