"We're getting close to the $1 million mark and I still believe this is the amount required to compete at the highest level and as well as meet the criteria for becoming the sixth Super Rugby franchise in the country," Atkinson said.
He pointed out $40,000 from the surplus will go back to the clubs and the referees who will use their slice to purchase new audio equipment.
Revenue increased by $235,522 to $4,597,116.
This was despite income from sponsorship and grants dropping $254,511 to $2,586,382.
"We all know there isn't as much gaming money around like there used to be," Atkinson said.
New Zealand Rugby Union grants increased by $47,274 to $1,090,312.
Atkinson told delegates the national body was impressed with the manner in which his union had hosted the September 7 test against Argentina but that the streaker incident could cost the union $20,000.
The union's expenses increased by $83,675 to $4,355,068.
A reduced salary cap saw the cost of running the Magpies drop for a second consecutive year, this time by $81,092 to $1,682,481.
Investment in club and school rugby reached $309,876.
Atkinson predicted a "conservative" surplus of $20,975 for the $2015 financial year.
He made a similar prediction 12 months ago.
Union life member and All Black great Ian MacRae thanked the union for nominating him for his New Zealand Rugby Football Union vice-president and president roles.
His two-year term as president ends in April.
"I've just had the four best years of my life," MacRae said.
Delegates were told another of the union's life members, Richard Hunt, will face competition from four other candidates when he seeks re-election as a director on the national body at its April annual meeting.
Union director Simon Tremain outlined the campaign for support for the New Zealand Rugby Foundation, an organisation which looks after injured players throughout the country. It has 102 players on its books.
Clive stalwart Neil Pulford retired from his rugby director role on the board and was replaced by former All Black captain Taine Randell who had retired from his previous board role by rotation.
Another who retired by rotation, Dan Druzianic, who is tipped to take over Atkinson's financial-whiz role when he decides to step down, is one of four people who will be interviewed for two berths on the board at the next board meeting.
The others are Mark Devon, nominated by the Clive club, Mark Sowman nominated by the Hastings Rugby and Sports club and Colin Francis, nominated by the Napier Old Boys Marist club.
Union officers elected:
Patron, Neil Thimbleby; president, Blair Furlong; chairman, Brendan Mahony; directors, Kevin Atkinson, Peter Fleming, Grant Gilbert (co-opted secondary schools representative), Steve Lunn, Taine Randell and Simon Tremain plus two to be elected at next board meeting.
