JOIN THE SOUTH ISLAND KEA

Unleash the Passion.

SOUTH ISLAND KEA

Ignite the Game.

Save the Kea.

Kea are a team that symbolises more than rugby league; it embodies courage, agility, and unbreakable teamwork represented by the endangered Kea.

Inspired by New Zealand's resilient native bird, our emblem is a rallying cry for fans and players alike. We're not just a team; we're a movement towards victory, unity, and environmental reverence. Join us in our bold quest for an NRL licence, and be part of a legacy that transcends the game.

THE NEW SOUTH ISLAND HOME OF RUGBY LEAGUE

WHERE PASSION MEETS PURPOSE

South Island Kea represents the South Island's heritage, courage, passion and resilience.

OUR GOAL:

Enhance the NRL experience, establish the South Island as a Rugby League powerhouse & provide a hub for community engagement & the preservation of the Kea.

FAN OWNERSHIP

Through a Cooperative or Fan share ownership, the South Island Kea will prioritize democratic decision-making, fan involvement, participation and empowerment to build a sustainable fan focused commercial model with social responsibility and sustainability at its core.

KEA CONSERVATION

Kea are considered taonga (treasure) to Maori. They were considered kaitiaki (guardians) of the mountains for the Waitaha Maori. As a team, South Island Kea intend to return the favour as the the guardians of this national & cultural treasure, donating a percentage of our revenue directly to Kea conservation efforts.

David Moffett

David is a solutionist, a strategist, and enthusiast for change across the sporting sector. He is the former CEO of NSW Rugby, SANZAAR, NZ Rugby, NRL, Sport England, Welsh Rugby, and Millenium Stadium. As well as this, David also has experience owning and operating private sector businesses.

Andy Marinos

Andy is a former professional rugby league and rugby union player, Dual International. He is also a former CEO of Newport Dragons, SA Rugby, SANZAAR, and Rugby Australia.

Why I'm Invested in The Kea

Youssef Mourra

Youssef is a leading P3M practitioner, consultant and presenter with over 30 years’ global experience. He is a trusted advisor to many C-suite executives and project offices throughout the APAC region. He brings invaluable expertise in developing an investment minded approach to identifying, prioritising and optimising projects and programmes of change.

Rob Picone

Rob is a trusted commercial and legal advisor who has also worked at the coal face of the game in NRL clubland. His vision and passion for the game saw him lead a previous bid from 2012-2016. Rob’s extensive knowledge and experience will assist to deliver a high-performance environment and positive impact to all stakeholders.

Michael Goldstein

Michael is an entrepreneurial sports industry professional who has worked on many major sporting events including the New Zealand Open and bringing the LPGA and World Rally Championship to our shores. He’s also held leadership roles in sports marketing, working closely with world bodies, national sports organisations, Government, sponsors, media and more.

Matthew Hymers

Matt is an entrepreneurial and visionary leader with extensive global experience in digital product and marketing. Specialising in data-led digital product experiences, he has driven impactful, user-focused outcomes. Notably, he developed the adidas Elite Team System, contributing to Germany's 2014 World Cup win and secured MLS data monitoring deals.

Richard North

Richard brings 20 years’ experience in commercial leadership and business development, including 12+ years in the sports industry working with the likes of AFL Media, Tennis Australia, SANZAAR, World Table Tennis, and the NRL. This broad exposure is vital in fan engagement and commercialisation in sports.

Mark Ramsdale

Mark’s significant business and sporting acumen comes from experience as secretariat to the UK Parliament's All-Party group for Rugby League; part owner and board member of pro UK club Oxford RL; founding member and GM of the UK politician's league team; Director of the Rugby League Varsity Match; and public affairs and strategic comms advisor to various sports governing bodies.

TEAM

REAL RUGBY LEAGUE FANS

TRULY CONNECTED

From the outset the South Island Kea will take an innovative approach to fan engagement by connecting fans directly to the team via their merchandise.

Leveraging emerging technologies to enable new, more sustainable, fan-friendly and commercially valuable business models, we will lead the way in creating a strong fan-first culture and community.