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EXCLUSIVE: Castle to reapply for Sport NZ CEO role
Alex Chapman • February 4th, 2026 2:09 pm
Raelene Castle | Photo: David Rowland/Photosport
Raelene Castle will look to stay on as boss of Sport New Zealand.
Sport Nation can reveal that the incumbent chief executive of the taxpayer funded organisation will reapply for her job, after taking time over her summer break to consider her future with the organisation.
Sport NZ last month made the role up for grabs, after Castle's contract ended in December, with board chair Duane Kale confirming there will be a recruitment process for the position.
“It is considered best practice across Government to go to market upon completion of contracts, the board will run an open recruitment process for the Group chief executive," Kale said in a statement.
"Raelene has led Sport NZ with distinction for the past five years, demonstrating unwavering commitment to advancing sport and recreation across Aotearoa."
Castle has agreed to a five-month extension to her contract while the submission process takes place, with it understood the board welcomed her to reapply.
It’s believed the board is working towards an announcement in early April for whether Castle stays, or a new CEO is brought in.
The 55-year-old joined Sport NZ in 2020, after previously holding the same position at the helm of Rugby Australia, Netball New Zealand and the NRL's Canterbury Bulldogs.
Tune into Alex Chapman on Sport Nation Mornings, 9am to midday, every Thursday and Friday.
