In 2025, Softball New Zealand achieved Sport NZ’s Governance Mark accreditation [see here], affirming that its governance practices align with nationally recognised standards of excellence. This accreditation confirms the organisation’s commitment to:

• Adhering to 37 comprehensive governance standards, ranging from strategic leadership and board effectiveness to integrity and risk management
• Embedding good‐practice principles into its Board operations, ensuring governance maturity that endures beyond individual officeholders
• Demonstrating transparency, accountability, and a sustainable governance framework, reinforcing trust among members and stakeholders.

Achieving the Governance Mark signals that Softball New Zealand’s Board and systems are robust, resilient, and aligned with national best practices—positioning the sport for long-term growth and leadership across Aotearoa.

OUR BOARD

The Board governs the sport of softball in New Zealand. The Board of Softball New Zealand provides strategic leadership and governance to ensure the sport’s growth and sustainability. It sets the organisation’s vision, oversees performance, manages risk, and upholds accountability to members and stakeholders.

OUR MEMBERS

Members are the heart of Softball New Zealand. They include Regional Associations, Associate Members, Life Members, and any other categories determined by the Board. Together, they build and sustain a strong and connected community that drives the growth and success of softball across Aotearoa.

OUR CONSTITUTION

The Softball New Zealand Constitution is the foundation of our organisation. It sets out our purpose, governance framework, and the principles that guide how we operate. The Constitution ensures transparency, accountability, and compliance with the Incorporated Societies Act, providing a clear structure for decision-making and member engagement.

OUR CHARTER

The Softball New Zealand Charter guides how the organisation is governed. It sets out the responsibilities of the Board, its members, and the Chief Executive, ensuring strong leadership, accountability, and compliance with legal and ethical standards.

OUR PRESIDENT
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OUR BOARD
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OUR MEMBERS
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Members of Softball New Zealand include Regional Associations, Associate Members, Life Members, and any other categories determined by the Board.

REGIONAL ASSOCIATIONS

Regional Associations are the backbone of softball in Aotearoa. They are responsible for delivering the game at a local level and ensuring that the sport thrives in communities across the country. Acting as the link between Softball New Zealand and grassroots participants, Regional Associations play a vital role in growing and sustaining the sport.

Here is the current list of Softball New Zealand’s 23 recognised regional associations:

These associations coordinate local competitions, develop players, coaches, officials, and connect members to the national governing body.

ASSOCIATE MEMBERS

Associate Members are organisations connected to the softball ecosystem that do not qualify as Regional Associations. They support the sport's growth and contribute to its national network. These include defence force teams, officials’ associations, non-geographical representative organisations, or other softball-related groups recognised by the Board under the Constitution.

Examples of Associate Members include:

• New Zealand Defence Force Softball
• New Zealand Umpires
• New Zealand Statisticians
• Māori Softball (Under active discussion)

LIFE MEMBERS

Life Membership is an honorary status conferred on individuals in recognition of their exceptional, long-term service to softball within New Zealand. Life Members hold ongoing affiliation with Softball New Zealand and are often revered figures who have significantly shaped the sport’s development and culture.

Softball New Zealand has six life members:

• Dale Eagar
• Merrell Ferguson
• Danae Goosman
• Bob Leveloff
• Lyn Lockhart
• Nicky Sherriff

OUR CONSTITUTION
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The Softball New Zealand Constitution is the foundation of our organisation. It sets out our purpose, governance framework, and the principles that guide how we operate. The Constitution ensures transparency, accountability, and compliance with the Incorporated Societies Act, providing a clear structure for decision-making and member engagement.

WHAT THE CONSTITUTION COVERS

• Purpose and Powers
  Defines Softball New Zealand’s role as the national governing body, committed to promoting, developing, and protecting the sport across Aotearoa.
• Membership Structure
  Outlines categories of membership, including Regional Associations, Associate Members, and Life Members, and sets expectations for rights and obligations.
• Governance Framework
  Establishes the role of the Board, its composition, responsibilities, and processes for appointments, meetings, and decision-making.
• Integrity and Compliance
  Includes rules on ethics, anti-doping, dispute resolution, and alignment with national and international standards.
• General Meetings and Voting
  Provides guidelines for Annual and Special General Meetings, voting rights, and member representation.

WHY IT MATTERS

The Constitution is essential for maintaining good governance and ensuring the sport’s sustainability. It protects the integrity of softball, supports member engagement, and provides a clear framework for accountability and growth.

ACCESS THE CONSTITUTION

You can view or download the full Softball New Zealand Constitution [here].

OUR CHARTER
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The Softball New Zealand Charter is a comprehensive governance framework that guides how the organisation operates at the highest level. It sets out the responsibilities of the Board, its members, and the Chief Executive, ensuring strong leadership, accountability, and compliance with legal and ethical standards.

PURPOSE OF THE CHARTER

The Charter provides clarity on governance roles and processes, helping the Board focus on strategic leadership rather than day-to-day management. It ensures decisions are made in the best interests of the organisation and its stakeholders.

WHAT THE CHARTER COVERS

• Board Responsibilities
  Defines the Board’s role in setting strategic direction, overseeing performance, managing risk, and ensuring compliance with laws and regulations.
• Policies and Processes
  Includes key governance policies such as Code of Ethics, Conflict of Interest, Risk Management, Health and Safety, and Protected Disclosures.
• Committees and Structure
  Outlines the role of standing committees (Audit & Risk, Strategy & Performance, People & Culture, Governance, Māori Committee) and their terms of reference.
• Board–CEO Relationship
  Details delegation of authority, performance monitoring, and succession planning for the Chief Executive.
• Compliance and Legislative Duties
  ​​​​​​​Ensures adherence to the Incorporated Societies Act and other relevant legislation, supported by a Legislative Compliance Checklist.

WHY IT MATTERS

The Charter is essential for maintaining governance excellence, protecting organisational integrity, and ensuring the sport’s sustainability. It provides a clear framework for decision-making and accountability, enabling Softball New Zealand to serve its members and stakeholders effectively.

ACCESS THE CHARTER

You can view or download the full Softball New Zealand Charter [here].