Whutupōro Rīki Whaikaha o Aotearoa (PDRLNZ) was launched in New Zealand in 2015. In July 2017 we became an Incorporated Society and since then we've hosted the inaugural PDRL International tournament - the Auckland PDRL Nines - we've created history at the Commonwealth Championships in Brisbane with a world first PDRL international test series in February 2018 against Australia and the Commonwealth All Stars. This was followed in October by the 2018 Rugby League Emerging Nations PDRL tri series in Sydney Australia. Our biggest achievement to date is participating at the inaugural Physical Disability Rugby League World Cup in the UK October 2022 where we placed 2nd in the World.
2019 saw the launch of our first home competition the Campbell Cup named after the great Phil Campbell who was a great asset to Whutupōro Rīki Whaikaha o Aotearoa (PDRLNZ) and a strong supporter of our athletes. We aim to ensure more of our Whaikaha (Physically Disabled) community get onboard and come with us as we grow the great game. Whutupōro Rīki Whaikaha o Aotearoa (PDRLNZ) is a not for profit and needs support to help improve the life's of Whaikaha (Physically Disabled) in New Zealand
Our Vision
We Normalize Physical Disability
Vision
Champion Diversity, Inclusiveness and Acceptance of Whaikaha (Physically Disabled) by developing Whutupōro Rīki Whaikaha o Aotearoa - (Physical Disability Rugby League in New Zealand) into an organized sustainable institution so that it can foster, regulate, organize and manage PDRL competitions and other activities throughout New Zealand for the benefit of Whaikaha.
Rugby League is our chosen vehicle, but our motivation is much more than the game. Whutupōro Rīki Whaikaha o Aotearoa - (PDRLNZ) was created to provide a vehicle to engage Whaikaha players and provide them the opportunity to grow through Rugby League in New Zealand.
Goals
Our Biggest Goals
Our immediate goal was to start a local competition, The Campbell Cup. Having participated at the Rugby League World Cup in October 2022 we are now looking to ensure our place at the 2026 Rugby League World Cup.
Grow our player base
Find, inspire and encourage the next generation of Whaikaha (Physically Disabled) to become involved in PDRL. Encourage participation for Whaikaha helping provide a sustainable diverse lifestyle that maximises potential and highlights the health, well-being, confidence, and self-development benefits that come from playing Rugby League.
Grow more than just the game
Engage & network with the wider NZ Government & Rugby League community to listen, learn, support and collaborate on ways that include and promote Whaikaha (Physically Disabled) in Rugby League. Foster, regulate, organise and manage PDRL competitions and other activities throughout New Zealand for Whaikaha. Build a sponsor and support base that allows us to deliver our goals.
Recognition
Strive for Government, commercial and public recognition of Whutupōro Rīki Whaikaha o Aotearoa (Physically Disabled Rugby League) to a point where we normalise disability, champion diversity, inclusiveness and acceptance of Whaikaha in sport & society.
Compete
Develop Whutupōro Rīki Whaikaha o Aotearoa (Physical Disability Rugby League New Zealand) into an organized sustainable institution so that it can be played regularly domestically and internationally.
