Staff Mark Robinson - Owner

[mt.wellington]

Mark Robinson - Co-Owner
​

CLUB NEWS
'This is the opportunity of a lifetime for Autex' - Robinson
Autex Industries
Thu 3 May 2018, 09:11 AM

A longstanding supporter of the New Zealand Rugby League community - Autex Industries - has confirmed it will be a joint owner of the Vodafone Warriors, alongside the Carlaw Heritage Trust.

Autex Industries CEO Mark Robinson confirmed the business will own a 33% stake in the Vodafone Warriors, with Carlaw Heritage Trust holding a 67% share of the NRL club.

"This is the opportunity of a lifetime for Autex," said Robinson.

"It’s not about ego or owning something, it’s about the people. We’ve always looked after our community and our own backyard. Rugby league and our role in it is just part of that. This is about doing the right thing and doing it properly for the good of the players, the good of the game, and the good of the future of the Vodafone Warriors.”

This is about doing the right thing and doing it properly for the good of the players, the good of the game and the good of the future of the Vodafone Warriors

The successful bid marks a new chapter in the continued support of New Zealand rugby league and its sporting community by both the business and the Robinson family, who have backed participation and competition in the sport for more than 30 years.

David Robinson, the founder of Autex Industries and father of Mark Robinson, had a passion for rugby league and under his leadership, Autex became the first New Zealand business to sponsor a national sports team, investing $100,000 in the Kiwis back in 1979.

In 2015, Autex donated Autex House - a home away from home for up-and-coming young Warriors players - which provides players with a high-performing environment and structure around daily routine, ensuring players focus on health, nutrition, preparation, rest and recovery during the season. This year alone, 19 players have benefited from Autex House.

“We are committed to fostering home-grown talent and building stronger rugby league sporting communities on New Zealand soil," he said.

"Investing in the nation’s NRL team is a natural step for Autex and we look forward to supporting and empowering CEO Cameron George as he continues to positively lead the Vodafone Warriors forward through the current season and the seasons ahead.”

We look forward to supporting and empowering CEO Cameron George as he continues to positively lead the Vodafone Warriors forward

Beyond Autex’s historical support of NZ rugby league, there is also a familial connection between the Autex CEO and McGregor – their respective fathers both partnered to broker the original sponsorship of the national rugby league team back in the seventies.

In addition to established networks of support in grassroots rugby league in New Zealand, Autex Industries also has a strong business footprint both here and across the Tasman, with operations in Melbourne, Sydney, Perth and Brisbane. The business also operates in North America, the United Kingdom, and South East Asia.

For more information about Autex Industries, visit www.autexindustries.com

https://www.warriors.kiwi/news/2018...e-future-of-the-vodafone-warriors---robinson/

AUTEX CONFIRMS SUCCESSFUL BID FOR JOINT OWNERSHIP OF WARRIORS
BY TWL on MAY 2, 2018

Media Release

Major textile and manufacturing business continues historical support of the rugby league community

A longstanding supporter of the Rugby League community, Autex Pty has today confirmed it will be a joint owner of the New Zealand-based NRL team – the Vodafone Warriors – alongside the Carlaw Heritage Trust.

The announcement, which comes after months of speculation around the rugby league club’s commercial future, was made today at a media conference led by Vodafone Warriors CEO – Cameron George, Autex Pty CEO – Mark Robinson, and Carlaw Heritage Trust Chair – Cameron McGregor.

Robinson confirmed the business will own a 33% stake in the Vodafone Warriors, with Carlaw Heritage Trust holding a 67% share of the NRL club.

Autex Pty established a strong business footprint in the manufacturing industry in Australia since it expanded its operations here in the 1990’s. Following the move, the business has grown to become one of the strongest players in the interior acoustics and building insulation market and now has offices based in Melbourne, Sydney, Perth and Brisbane.

On the rugby league club bid, Autex Pty CEO – Mark Robinson, says: “This is the opportunity of a lifetime for Autex. It’s not about ego or owning something, it’s about the people. We’ve always looked after our community and our own backyard. Rugby league and our role in it is just part of that. This is about doing the right thing and doing it properly for the good of the players, the good of the game, and the good of the future of the Vodafone Warriors.”


The successful bid marks a new chapter in the continued support of rugby league in New Zealand and its sporting community by both the business and the Robinson family, who have backed participation and competition in the sport for more than 30 years.

David Robinson, the founder of Autex Group and father of Mark Robinson, had a passion for rugby league and under his leadership, Autex became the first NZ business to sponsor a national sports team, investing $100,000 in the Kiwis back in 1979.

Mark Robinson, continues: “We are committed to fostering home-grown talent and building stronger rugby league sporting communities on New Zealand soil. Investing in the nation’s NRL team is a natural step for Autex and we look forward to supporting and empowering CEO Cameron George as he continues to positively lead the Vodafone Warriors forward through the current season and the seasons ahead.”

Autex Pty is part of the Autex Group which was first established in New Zealand in the 1960’s. In addition to Australia, the business also has sales and distribution across North America, the United Kingdom, and South East Asia.

https://thiswarriorslife.com/2018/0...ccessful-bid-for-joint-ownership-of-warriors/

Not to confused with Mark Robinson the player from 2003

Player - Mark Robinson

Mark Robinson First rose to prominence for the North Harbour Colts and New Zealand Colts side in 1995. Mark would go on to play in the top side as well as Auckland Blues in the Super 12 competition. He would go on tour with the All Blacks in 1997 and be recalled in 2001. In 2003 he signed to...

nzwarriors.com

 

[mt.wellington]

NRL: Warriors co-owners chase title in next three years
13/09/2018
Ben Francis

NZ Warriors co-owner Mark Robinson predicts his team can win an NRL Grand Final in the next three years.

Robinson is the chief executive of Autex Industries, which owns 33 percent of the club, with the Carlaw Heritage Trust holding a 67 percent share.

In May, they purchased the club off former owner Eric Watson, who held the club for 17 years.

Autex has had a strong history with rugby league in New Zealand, dating back to 1979, when they first sponsored the Kiwis.

They took over the Warriors four months ago and after making the finals for the first time in seven years, Robinson believes they now have everything they need to succeed in the next three years.

Their ultimate goal is to win the club's first title in that period.

"What we're building for is the next three years - 2019, 2020, 2021," he told Newshub.

"We're looking at signing players, within and out of the club, that are going to be there for those three years and in that time frame.

"We expect to be the finals each of those years and we're expecting to get one, maybe two [titles]."

The bulk of the current Warriors squad will be around next season, with Simon Mannering the biggest loss, due to retirement.

Issac Luke is the biggest name off contract and Robinson insists they are in talks with the veteran hooker.


The only new player signed for 2019 and beyond is St George Illawarra prop Lesson Ah Mau.

"There are always going to be one or two who drop out, and there are always going to be a couple who come in,” said Robinson.

Warriors CEO Cameron George. Photo credit: Photosport

"There are always going to a few high-end people coming to the end of their careers that may be offered a bit less or may take opportunities elsewhere."

Robinson was proud of what the team achieved this season and gave extra praise to Warriors CEO Cameron George.

"It was a good season all round. I think there were some highs and lows, some good games and some bad games.

"I think, overall, the club has achieved lots to make the top eight. The team is as good as it could be, I think they deserved to be in the top eight, but they weren’t ready to win a Grand Final.

"Cameron George has lots to be proud of this year and he has given the people in that club what they need to get to where they are.

"We will continue to give them what they need, until we get a Grand Final and that is our goal."

https://www.newshub.co.nz/home/spor...o-owners-chase-title-in-next-three-years.html

 

[Blain]

Wow an owner has high, ambitious goals for his club? Shock horror..

So they Fucking should. As owners they are responsible to get the resources in place to make it happen. Encouraging IMO.

 

[bruce]

Wow an owner has high, ambitious goals for his club? Shock horror..

So they Fucking should. As owners they are responsible to get the resources in place to make it happen. Encouraging IMO.

This owner comes with a rugby league pedigree and a firm built from the ground up with hard work. Compare that with Watson who was always a dreamer, said he played junior league in Christchurch and spent the rest of his life doing sharp deals that usually went sour. I know who I would rather have as an owner.

 

[razzrillinger]

So his daughter was on the Bachelor

 

[bruce]

we look forward to supporting and empowering CEO Cameron George as he continues to positively lead the Vodafone Warriors forward through the current season and the seasons ahead.”

Anybody heard of that soothsayer Tony Kemp lately? He reckoned Robinson would be sacking EVERYBODY at the club.

 

[razzrillinger]

Anybody heard of that soothsayer Tony Kemp lately? He reckoned Robinson would be sacking EVERYBODY at the club.

He wanted the Warriors to chuck $2million at Nathan Cleary.

There's a reason why his current contribution to high level rugby league is to take pot shots at it via his Radio Sport phone-ins.

 

[Sup42]

Dude needs to find a way to grow a billion dollar empire before chucking premiership winning expectations out there on others heads.

At least when Owen and Eric made over reaching statements, they were from a billion dollar combined empire.

Otherwise I like his pedigree.

 

[bruce]

At least when Owen and Eric made over reaching statements, they were from a billion dollar combined empire.

Eric is a billionaire??? Wait until Glenn and the IRD have finished with him. Back and to topic Robinsons claims will have been based on what he has been told by Brian Smith, Cameron George and SK (at least). I would trust those guys more than whoever told Watson and Glenn what they spouted.

 

[Sup42]

Eric is a billionaire??? Wait until Glenn and the IRD have finished with him. Back and to topic Robinsons claims will have been based on what he has been told by Brian Smith, Cameron George and SK (at least). I would trust those guys more than whoever told Watson and Glenn what they spouted.

Eric and Owen combined had a Billion Bruce ( musnt have made that clear in the post).

 

[bruce]

Eric and Owen combined had a Billion Bruce ( musnt have made that clear in the post).

Robinsons claims will have been based on what he has been told by Brian Smith, Cameron George and SK (at least). I would trust those guys more than whoever told Watson and Glenn what they spouted.

Read above. I rest my case. Where do you think Glenn, the main mouthpiece, got his information from? I reckon his dreams. Robinson is a way more down to earth guy, and like I said has top drawer advisors.

 

[razzrillinger]

If Robinson really wanted to keep Bully, he should have couriered a brown paper bag over to his house.

 

[mt.wellington]

If Robinson really wanted to keep Bully, he should have couriered a brown paper bag over to his house.

He'd have plenty experiance with under the table payments from his time with the Pt Chev Pirates.

This guy is kind of like Owen Glenn. Bit of a showboater. Fans will soon see what this guy is really all about...

 

[Juju]

I used to work with someone who married into that family. Party shredders is what I heard about them.

 

[bruce]

Party shredders

...sorry I am a dinosaur

 

[bruce]

He'd have plenty experiance with under the table payments from his time with the Pt Chev Pirates.

This guy is kind of like Owen Glenn. Bit of a showboater. Fans will soon see what this guy is really all about...

Interesting and scary post.

I do not know Robinson nor anything about him.

I have never met Glenn either but first heard of him before he was famous in NZ. It was 2000 during the Americas Cup and he was down here in a massive "yacht" moored up at Kawau Island. They had a Tv segment on him. I saw a very confident, loud, obviously very wealthy guy about 60, who looked at least his age and was no Charles Atlas. The boat was full of bikini clad ladies young enough to be his daughters, or even grand daughters. Based on they would not have been attracted to his good looks I thought him just a loud sleazeball. He seemed to have a bit of menace to him as well, like I wouldn't like to cross him. Eric Watson made that mistake.

It transpired that he had a controversial history with at least one woman and he followed that up with "adult" presents to WAGS at a Warriors function, and the threat to pull the Warriors out of the Auckland 9s because he couldn't get out of the carpark. I also understand some sponsors had clauses to get out of their contracts if he ever took control of the club.

So mate, I hope Robinson is not that bad, I really do. He appears to me to have little idea of PR and certainly is not a trained public speaker, but he does love the game without any doubt and has put his money where his mouth is.

I thought his predictions a little confident, but was prepared to forgive him that. I doubt you would hear that from Cameron McGregor. Come to think of it has anybody heard from Cameron lately? Got my drift? If the press are going to get a sound bite out of the owners Robinson will be the go to guy for sure.

Add to that the very confident, and measured optimism from guys like Brian Smith, whose only negative reputation in the game is that he can be an arsehole, I could understand a wealthy guy who loves the club and the game, and who without doubt has saved the club from a fate worse than death to be very confident in our future.

I honestly think they could be grand finalists next year.

So go on Welly, put me straight

 

[wizards rage]

Probably not the right thread but i cannot find a better one:

It is interesting comparison with the State of Penrose, the high Auckland property prices, the traffic, etc in Auckland and then compared with the Warriors stay in Tamworth, where they walk out of the hotel, 70 m to the playing field, etc. Its is a completely different environment and ideally suited to the players performing at an elite level.

If I was the Warriors I would give serious consideration to finding a satellite town around an hour from Auckland where the squad could all live and train in close proximity. Then use the Bus and travel into Auckland for home games. Places like the beach areas around Warkworth (Snells Beach?), areas around Beachlands, etc where the owners could purchase a considerable piece of land relatively cheaply and develop their own training complex. This would still be travelling distance to the city for families that didn't relocate their or wanted to travel to shop/ socialise, etc and would be a pleasant coastal environment for living and recruitment purposes.

The Club could have houses onsite for short term contracted players (up to 3 years) so they do not need to purchase in Auckland. Their would be a small gym and training facilities with their own field. Cost could be 5-10m (only 1 years salary cap) but would be an asset and result in better performance with the playing group congregated around the facilities.

While far fetched, I believe this would be a game changer for our recruitment and should be seriously looked into for the longer term.

 

[brightman]

Probably not the right thread but i cannot find a better one:

It is interesting comparison with the State of Penrose, the high Auckland property prices, the traffic, etc in Auckland and then compared with the Warriors stay in Tamworth, where they walk out of the hotel, 70 m to the playing field, etc. Its is a completely different environment and ideally suited to the players performing at an elite level.

If I was the Warriors I would give serious consideration to finding a satellite town around an hour from Auckland where the squad could all live and train in close proximity. Then use the Bus and travel into Auckland for home games. Places like the beach areas around Warkworth (Snells Beach?), areas around Beachlands, etc where the owners could purchase a considerable piece of land relatively cheaply and develop their own training complex. This would still be travelling distance to the city for families that didn't relocate their or wanted to travel to shop/ socialise, etc and would be a pleasant coastal environment for living and recruitment purposes.

The Club could have houses onsite for short term contracted players (up to 3 years) so they do not need to purchase in Auckland. Their would be a small gym and training facilities with their own field. Cost could be 5-10m (only 1 years salary cap) but would be an asset and result in better performance with the playing group congregated around the facilities.

While far fetched, I believe this would be a game changer for our recruitment and should be seriously looked into for the longer term.

Sounds like a bonafide retirement village not the one where masquerading as at the moment..

But seriously, the best thing about being based in Tamworth is it has almost taken everyone out of their comfort zone. Unfortunately they still have each others familiar faces and bad footy/losing habits to fall back on as opposed to the single kiwi who moves to play for a club and is forced to grow.
There is enough professionals to lead but it will take true buy in and self realisation as individuals and a team for this lot to change their fortunes.

Look forward to that game..

 

[wizards rage]

Sounds like a bonafide retirement village not the one where masquerading as at the moment..

But seriously, the best thing about being based in Tamworth is it has almost taken everyone out of their comfort zone. Unfortunately they still have each others familiar faces and bad footy/losing habits to fall back on as opposed to the single kiwi who moves to play for a club and is forced to grow.
There is enough professionals to lead but it will take true buy in and self realisation as individuals and a team for this lot to change their fortunes.

Look forward to that game..

You would think taking the players out of the suburbs they grew up in and basing them near Auckland but far enough away that they are isolated from the outside negative influences should lead to an enhanced professional experience for the younger players coming through.

It would be a draw for Australians - a coastal hub based around the Warriors centre of excellence

It would be a draw for young NZ school leaving talent - there could be an onsite dorm where you eat, sleep and live pro footy.

I personally like the prospect

 

[brightman]

You would think taking the players out of the suburbs they grew up in and basing them near Auckland but far enough away that they are isolated from the outside negative influences should lead to an enhanced professional experience for the younger players coming through.

It would be a draw for Australians - a coastal hub based around the Warriors centre of excellence

It would be a draw for young NZ school leaving talent - there could be an onsite dorm where you eat, sleep and live pro footy.

I personally like the prospect

Yeah, I don't totally disagree but still seems like a massive step for pipe dreams. The players just need to earn their success and care more about achieving. Geez just watch that MJ doco and look at the drive it takes to learn how to win and be the best..