Chantal Bakersmith

Chantal’s heritage is Māori and Niuean from Tāmaki Mākaurau aged 43, Married to Rhyannon and parent to their toddler son Kit Mānihera.
She has 20 years’ experience building a career in the Sport and Education sectors working with New Zealand Rugby, Auckland Rugby and Unitec Institute of Technology. Between 2018 - 2020 she worked as Auckland Rugby’s Club Capability Manager and currently works at Unitec as a Lecturer in Community Studies. Her areas of teaching are in Exploring Leadership and Developing Active & Healthy Communities.

Chantal’s first rugby role was as NZRU Women’s Rugby Development Officer (2006 – 2012) where she’s been a change agent in the growth of Women’s rugby from junior to senior structures. She continues to be a strong female advocate as well as a community activator as a member on the Ponsonby Rugby Club Committee & Pacific Ambassador for Rugby World Cup 2022.