Recognition for Far North sports volunteers

To mark International Volunteer Day, the Far North District Council has recognised 17 sports volunteers nominated by their communities.

Volunteer Day is a United Nations initiative which started in 1985. It is celebrated world-wide on December 5 each year.

To acknowledge their services to sport and recreation, three winners have been drawn to enjoy a night’s accommodation for two at one of three resorts – the Copthorne Resort & Hotel Hokianga, the Copthorne Resort & Hotel Bay of Islands and Summerfields Country Retreat at Doubtless Bay. The winners were:-

Northern Ward: Maureen Perry, Kaitaia Gymnastics Club

• Head Coach / Vice Chairperson / Fundraiser
• How the community sees her: Maureen Perry has been the mainstay of the club for over 12 years. Her commitment has been unrelenting; I have never before seen an individual put in so much time and energy to something that is voluntary. She lives and breathes gymnastics and is absolutely passionate about it. She manages to put so much time into the club, while working full time, raising a family and running a house/small farm! I can not think of anyone more deserving to be recognised for their contribution to their sport. She has coached all this time, been involved in the everyday running of the club, is involved in Northland Gymnastics, judges at competitions, is continually raising funds for the club, has been very heavily involved in the building of our new gymnasium.

Eastern Ward: Terry Quinlan, BaySport Inc.

• Chair of Building Committee, Vice President of BaySport
• How the community sees him: Terry has been working away voluntarily at BaySport since 1999. He is chair of the building committee, works at raising funds, is general dog’s body and does almost anything and everything to do with the complex. He is absolutely invaluable to the smooth running of the development of the complex, assist with the Resource Consents, all fundraising and always ready to lend a hand.
  He is also involved in Aroha Island, putting in countless hours of labour, time and expertise.

Western Ward: Wayne Iraia, Opononi Rugby and Sport Club Inc.

• Chief cook and bottle washer
• How the community sees him: A tireless worker who undertakes so many varied roles in the club. From barman, to cook for visiting teams and club members, to the cleaner of inside and outside of the club, the groundsman as well as ordering all stock, and then if that’s not enough Wayne also open and closes the club, sets the alarm and locks the gates at the end of the day. He is a loyal supporter and friend.

Also nominated and recognised were:-

Northern Ward

Bob Banks – Far North Pistol Club

Joe Murray – Mangonui Rugby Union and Kaitaia City Rugby Club

Jenni Clarke – Kaitaia Gymnastic Club

Brian Bellingham - Kaitaia Gymnastic Club

Tania Fowler - Kaitaia Gymnastic Club

Bruce Kinsey – Manganuiowae – Broadwood Area School coach


Eastern Ward

Karla Tawhai – Bay of Islands Gymnastic Club

Ian Duthie – Kerikeri Bowling Club

Jonette Chapman – Netball Bay of Islands College

Louanne Tong – ASB Gymfit

Bob Molloy – Waipapa Rotary and Bay of Islands Hospice

Dene Harrison – Paihia AFC



Western Ward

Jeff Carson – Kaikohe East School hockey

Gordon Ramsay – Kaikohe Golf and Squash Club

On behalf of the Far North District Council, thank you for your efforts on behalf of our sports and recreation communities. It is important to recognise the impact you have on many people’s lives.

Sport gives people a sense of discipline, teamwork, and community. It also provides opportunities to enjoy the physical and mental benefits of recreation and to achieve personal goals.

Without the efforts of volunteers, sport for many simply wouldn’t happen!