Don Mackinnon steps down from integrity role as NZ20 plans advance

Don Mackinnon has been a key figure in sport integrity over many years.
Photo: Elias Rodriguez

The front man for a proposed new Twenty20 league has stepped down as chairperson of the Sport Integrity Commission, as questions emerge over his dual roles in New Zealand sport during a pivotal moment for cricket’s future.

Don Mackinnon, who is the chairperson of the steering committee for the NZ20 league, resigned from the commission on Monday – the same day NZ Cricket confirmed its board had voted in favour of pursuing a new private franchise competition.

His departure comes after concerns were raised by members of the cricket community about a potential conflict of interest.

Earlier this month, a letter was sent to several sports officials including Sport NZ chief executive Raelene Castle and the Minister for Sport and Recreation Mark Mitchell, raising concerns about the chairperson of the commission.

The complaint, seen by RNZ, questioned whether the head of the commission should be “playing a role in influencing a national sport at a strategic level”. The complainant, a senior member of the cricket fraternity, asked not to be identified.

It comes against the backdrop of a divisive debate over the future of T20 cricket in New Zealand, with sources describing a campaign by some within the game to “demonise” the proposed NZ20 competition and its backers.

Mackinnon’s role as head of the NZ20 steering committee has placed him in the crosshairs of that dispute.

In a statement, Mackinnon said he was not aware of any complaints “during my tenure as chair of the Sport Integrity Commission, or since my resignation on Monday”.

The move to step down from the sports watchdog agency had long been signalled, he said.

The prominent sports lawyer said when he was first approached to lead the steering committee of NZ20, he declared that role to the commission board “so that any potential conflict of interest could be assessed openly and transparently”.

“It was the board’s view that while NZ20 remained a concept, there was no conflict,” Mackinnon said.

“At the same time, I signalled to the board that if NZ20 evolved from a concept to the preferred option for New Zealand Cricket, I wouldn’t continue to hold both roles.

“In line with this, I resigned as chair of the Sport Integrity Commission following NZC’s decision announced on Monday.”

Minister for Sport and Recreation Mark Mitchell says he’s been told appropriate steps have been taken.
Photo: RNZ / Samuel Rillstone

Minister Mitchell said he had been assured appropriate steps were taken to manage any perceived conflict of interest that might have arisen while Mackinnon was chair of the commission.

“I had a discussion with Mr Mackinnon on the day that New Zealand Cricket announced its decision to pursue NZ20, and during that conversation we both agreed it was appropriate that he step down from the commission,” Mitchell said.

Guidance from the Office of the Auditor-General states that a conflict of interest is not inherently a problem, as it can arise naturally in professional life.

“It only becomes a significant problem when it is ignored, concealed, or mismanaged,” the organisation says.

Mackinnon, an experienced governance figure, is also chairperson of the Auckland Blues and has led a number of independent reviews into sporting environments and organisational culture.

He played a critical role in the establishment of the Sport Integrity Commission, chairing the Integrity Working Group that laid the groundwork for the agency.

“I’m incredibly proud to have helped establish the Sport Integrity Commission and believe it’s set up to truly make a difference in New Zealand sport,” he said.

Traci Houpapa MNZM, who has served on the commission’s board since its establishment, has been appointed interim chair while the process of appointing a permanent replacement takes place.