Who we are
The India New Zealand Sports Exchange Trust is an initiative between India and New Zealand, and the brainchild of former All Black Norm Maxwell and Phil Robson, CEO of Total Sports Tours. Our mission is to give young sportspeople in India and New Zealand the chance to grow through the sharing of experiences. We aim to create oportunities for athletes to share knowledge and to be able to compete against each other.
Kolkata Kiwi Exchange (KKeX) This project was the initial launch pad for the Charity and has been planned to happen in 2027. A group of young children from Khelo Rugby in Kolkata will travel to Christchurch to play Sevens, meet their heroes and experience Kiwi culture firsthand. In return, New Zealand students will visit Kolkata, immersing themselves in Indian culture, making new friends and gaining a fresh perspective on the world.
The project is backed by a charitable trust: the New Zealand India Sports Exchange Trust. INZSET is managed by an incorportated Trust Board. There are 4 Trustees who are committed to running the Trust transparently and to a high standard of governance. Trust Incorporation number: 50235903. NZBN: 9429052937903
Our people
The team behind the exchange.
Phil Robson
Phil is Managing Director and owner of Total Sports Tours. He taught Physical Education and Careers at Christchurch Boys' High School and was Assistant Principal at College House before moving into sports travel. He has spent 20 years facilitating Tours and is now building the relationships across India and New Zealand that the Trust's exchanges now rest on.
Norm Maxwell
Norm has been visiting India for years, coaching and mentoring underprivileged children. Inducted into the Crusaders Hall of Fame in November 2024, he now seeks to use his privileged position to further his passion for rugby, well-being, and youth development—both in New Zealand and India.
Edwin Paul
Edwin Paul is Chair of the India New Zealand Business Council (INZBC), where he leads initiatives to strengthen economic, educational, and civic ties between New Zealand and India. Having lived, studied, and worked in both India and New Zealand, Edwin brings first-hand experience of establishing and growing businesses in both countries. His career spans senior leadership roles in education, international business, and strategic advisory, providing practical insight into building successful cross-border partnerships. As an alumnus of the University of Oxford and the University of Auckland, he brings academic rigour and extensive real-world experience. Edwin is a regular speaker and media commentator on New Zealand–India relations and is passionate about using city diplomacy to unlock economic opportunity, drive innovation, and strengthen people-to-people connections.
Richard Taylor
Richard is Principal of College House, which provides premium accommodation for students at the University of Canterbury. Before that he spent his career at Christchurch Boys' High School as Senior Master, Head of the Physical Education Department, and Manager of Adams House, the school's boarding facility. Looking after young people away from their families is the work he knows best.
Nigel Georgieff
Nigel is Sustainability Officer at College House and works with sports clubs and trusts on funding planning and administration. His career has been spent largely in operational management across the health, education and sport sectors, and he brings the Trust the unglamorous discipline that keeps a charitable organisation running properly.
Paul Walsh
A leading advocate for youth rugby in India, through Khelo Rugby (a Future Hope project).
Tim Grandage
Devoted to giving Kolkata's street children a brighter future through education, healthcare and sport.
Sheena Hemens
Passionate about meaningful projects and the growth of the charity.