THE A TEAM
Our committee members are unsung heroes, tirelessly working behind the scenes to ensure the smooth functioning and prosperity of our beloved club. Their passion, commitment, and unwavering enthusiasm have been the bedrock of our achievements, fostering an environment where our community can thrive.
From organising events that bring joy to the faces of young athletes to managing the day-to-day affairs that keep our club running seamlessly, our Committee Members are the heartbeat of the Wairoa Athletic Sports Club. Without their selfless contributions, our club would not be the vibrant and inclusive community it is today.
To each Committee Member, we express our deepest gratitude for your invaluable time, expertise, and dedication. Your collaborative spirit and unwavering commitment have played a pivotal role in shaping the identity of our club and making it a place where everyone feels welcome.
From organising events that bring joy to the faces of young athletes to managing the day-to-day affairs that keep our club running seamlessly, our Committee Members are the heartbeat of the Wairoa Athletic Sports Club. Without their selfless contributions, our club would not be the vibrant and inclusive community it is today.
To each Committee Member, we express our deepest gratitude for your invaluable time, expertise, and dedication. Your collaborative spirit and unwavering commitment have played a pivotal role in shaping the identity of our club and making it a place where everyone feels welcome.
OUR CURRENT COMMITTEE
Thank you for being the driving force behind the achievements and unity that define the Wairoa Athletic Sports Club.
CLUB PRESIDENT - Michael Pickering
CLUB VICE PRESIDENTS - Courtney Hayward, Marrit Kirkenier, Libby Young
CLUB SECRETARY - Katie Cornwall
CLUB TREASURER - Luke How
CLUB CAPTAIN - Jason Smith
CLUB PATRON - Toby Taylor
CODE DELEGATES:
RUGBY - Moss Doran (Coach), Simon Pepper (Manager), Taiamai Corker, Harry Newman
JAB - Annabel Wallace
FOOTBALL - Sharn Black (Coach), Ben Blake (Manager), Jason Smith, Grant Young
SQUASH - Mike Hardie, Robert Hamblyn, Vaughan Goldsmith
NETBALL - Hannah Grace-Gordon, Georgia Oliver
CLUB VICE PRESIDENTS - Courtney Hayward, Marrit Kirkenier, Libby Young
CLUB SECRETARY - Katie Cornwall
CLUB TREASURER - Luke How
CLUB CAPTAIN - Jason Smith
CLUB PATRON - Toby Taylor
CODE DELEGATES:
RUGBY - Moss Doran (Coach), Simon Pepper (Manager), Taiamai Corker, Harry Newman
JAB - Annabel Wallace
FOOTBALL - Sharn Black (Coach), Ben Blake (Manager), Jason Smith, Grant Young
SQUASH - Mike Hardie, Robert Hamblyn, Vaughan Goldsmith
NETBALL - Hannah Grace-Gordon, Georgia Oliver
CELEBRATING OUR PILLARS OF SUCCESS
As we reflect on our journey, we celebrate the hard work and dedication of our Executive Committee Members, who have not only kept the flame alive but have fueled its growth. Together, we look forward to a future filled with continued success, camaraderie, and shared victories.
Michael Pickering - Club President
When and how did you first become involved with Athletic and what is the scope of your current involvement?
I remember playing in the clubrooms as a child while mum and dad played squash. Started playing football while still at high school and rugby when I was about 20. I started on the committee while still playing rugby and progressed through the positions and are currently the president.
What is it about that Athletic that you love?
The people, the friends you make through sport and the buzz around the club when events are on, like after matches or quizzes.
Why are clubs like Athletic so important for communities like Wairoa?
They give people of all ages a place to socialise, reminisce about the past and just be around like-minded people, with common interests.
Can you share an interesting fact or story about the club that people might not know?
The original rugby field was where the current football field is, and the rest of the park was farmed to raise funds for the club. Football moved into the club when rugby was in recession for a couple of years. When rugby returned, they moved their field to the current position it is located at now.
When and how did you first become involved with Athletic and what is the scope of your current involvement?
I remember playing in the clubrooms as a child while mum and dad played squash. Started playing football while still at high school and rugby when I was about 20. I started on the committee while still playing rugby and progressed through the positions and are currently the president.
What is it about that Athletic that you love?
The people, the friends you make through sport and the buzz around the club when events are on, like after matches or quizzes.
Why are clubs like Athletic so important for communities like Wairoa?
They give people of all ages a place to socialise, reminisce about the past and just be around like-minded people, with common interests.
Can you share an interesting fact or story about the club that people might not know?
The original rugby field was where the current football field is, and the rest of the park was farmed to raise funds for the club. Football moved into the club when rugby was in recession for a couple of years. When rugby returned, they moved their field to the current position it is located at now.
Mike Hardie - Executive Committee Member
When and how did you first become involved with Athletic and what is the scope of your current involvement?
I was born into Athletic. Mum and Dad have been Athletic people since they moved to Wairoa some 50 years ago. There is a joke that we used to sleep under the tables at Athletic when they were having a few beers, but I don’t think that is far from the truth! Dad was secretary of the club for 35 years, so it is in the blood. I have grown up watching and playing sport at Athletic so it is like a second home to me.
When I returned from overseas, I lent a hand early on managing the football team and assisting squash and sitting on the main committee. Fast forward 12 years and I run the squash code, senior manager with the football team, and am currently the named Secretary.
What is it about that Athletic that you love?
I love the sense of togetherness that Athletic brings. We are all volunteers working hard to make the club better and better. It is a safe place that people can come to have fun at, and the huge history that it has is something that I love being a part of.
Why are clubs like Athletic so important for communities like Wairoa?
Small towns need a purpose and some great things to be part of. Athletic is one of the only clubs in Wairoa that is self-managed and owned, and I think that is huge for a small community. It gives people something to be part of and a sense of ‘belonging’.
Can you share an interesting fact or story about the club that people might not know?
When the building and club was first formed, the purpose of Squash code was just to aid the club financially. There was a big split between the codes and the relationship was very transactional. Fast forward to present day, the work of the committees over the years has flipped this on its head and now squash is a backbone of the club and key player in the future of the club.
When and how did you first become involved with Athletic and what is the scope of your current involvement?
I was born into Athletic. Mum and Dad have been Athletic people since they moved to Wairoa some 50 years ago. There is a joke that we used to sleep under the tables at Athletic when they were having a few beers, but I don’t think that is far from the truth! Dad was secretary of the club for 35 years, so it is in the blood. I have grown up watching and playing sport at Athletic so it is like a second home to me.
When I returned from overseas, I lent a hand early on managing the football team and assisting squash and sitting on the main committee. Fast forward 12 years and I run the squash code, senior manager with the football team, and am currently the named Secretary.
What is it about that Athletic that you love?
I love the sense of togetherness that Athletic brings. We are all volunteers working hard to make the club better and better. It is a safe place that people can come to have fun at, and the huge history that it has is something that I love being a part of.
Why are clubs like Athletic so important for communities like Wairoa?
Small towns need a purpose and some great things to be part of. Athletic is one of the only clubs in Wairoa that is self-managed and owned, and I think that is huge for a small community. It gives people something to be part of and a sense of ‘belonging’.
Can you share an interesting fact or story about the club that people might not know?
When the building and club was first formed, the purpose of Squash code was just to aid the club financially. There was a big split between the codes and the relationship was very transactional. Fast forward to present day, the work of the committees over the years has flipped this on its head and now squash is a backbone of the club and key player in the future of the club.
Luke How - Club Treasurer
When and how did you first become involved with Athletic and what is the scope of your current involvement?
I first became involved with the club through Rugby in my late teens, at that stage Athletic was still playing in the Hawkes Bay competition. My current involvement includes treasurer and coaching a JAB team.
What is it about that Athletic that you love?
The camaraderie, making lifelong mates.
Why are clubs like Athletic so important for communities like Wairoa?
They provide a place for positive social interaction. Peoples’ lives are so busy now, so it’s good to play some sport then relax and have a catch up.
Can you share an interesting fact or story about the club that people might not know?
The committee was visionary with squash courts being part of the build – it ensured a steady stream of income over the year and also made sure that the building was being used consistently.
When and how did you first become involved with Athletic and what is the scope of your current involvement?
I first became involved with the club through Rugby in my late teens, at that stage Athletic was still playing in the Hawkes Bay competition. My current involvement includes treasurer and coaching a JAB team.
What is it about that Athletic that you love?
The camaraderie, making lifelong mates.
Why are clubs like Athletic so important for communities like Wairoa?
They provide a place for positive social interaction. Peoples’ lives are so busy now, so it’s good to play some sport then relax and have a catch up.
Can you share an interesting fact or story about the club that people might not know?
The committee was visionary with squash courts being part of the build – it ensured a steady stream of income over the year and also made sure that the building was being used consistently.
