Presidents Piece

Words of Wisdom???
So as Simon signs out, I guess that it is an opportunity for me to give you some idea of my thoughts and intentions going forward.
After a few years as President of Wellington Orienteering Club which included having a hand in delivering Oceania and World Cup events in January 2013, I was elected Vice President of ONZ at the 2014 AGM.
During my short spell on Council, I have been impressed by the dedication and determination of Simon and Team to deliver our strategic plan. You may ask why is this so vital? The answer lies in the fact that when eventually in place, it will help provide access for clubs to tools and measures to help organise and support events; allow for growth of the sport and provide opportunities for our top athletes to excel on the world stage.
Of course, we’ve had to progress from setting goals to determining a suitable structure and eventually now to inviting applications from you (the membership) to step up and fill the vacant roles on the various committees.
So with Simon having done the hard yards, my focus will be to ensure that the committees:

• Understand their intended roles
• Are empowered and are in a position to deliver on their goals
• Maintain communications with clubs and assist wherever possible within the area of their specialisation

So I envisage having a “hands on” role with the various committees and also assisting the High Performance Leader and our new Volunteer Co-ordinator as they commence their appointments and invest their time, passion and direction into our athletes and clubs.
The other key initiative for me is to continue to ensure that we maintain our internal communications to clubs and members. It is important that you are kept aware of developments and we progress together to achieve our goals.
If our strategy materialises as envisaged, it will be down to the committees and clubs to run our sport, with Council and Executive focussing on the health and well being of our sport and dealing with other policies etc as required.
Back from Nationals, I should seize the opportunity to offer a huge “thank you” to Bruce and Team at Counties for this year’s wonderful event. The landscapes and terrain were memorable as were the events which all helped to offset the physical effort and pain.
On a personal note, I’ve now left Wellington after living there for 13 years, finished work and have crossed Cook Strait to live in sunny Blenheim (maybe the vinyards had some influence in the decision?). So members of Marlborough and Nelson can look out for me as I’ll make a concerted effort to get to some local events.

David Turner
Incoming President ONZ

Tom Davies was also elected at the AGM for the position of Vice President.  Tom’s first role will looking for his replacement as CDOA Rep on Council.

Selection Notice – New Zealand Pinestars Team 2015

Auckland, 30 May – 1 June 2015
A New Zealand Pinestars Team is to be selected for a Test Match against Australia at the Queen’s Birthday Orienteering event hosted by North West Orienteering Club. Click Here for Selection Notice.

2015 National Championships

Thanks to Counties Manukau who hosted the National Champs at Easter.  The event was held on a new map which by all accounts challenged even some of our most experience orienteers, especially during the Middle Distance.

Thank you to everyone who took the time to talk with Catriona (GM) and our Council members about how we are doing.  Its important for us to take these opportunities to spend time with orienteers from all around the country and hear what is going on in clubs and ideas about what we can do in the future.

Orienteering NZ Vacancies

Orienteering NZ is still looking for members for the following panels and committees:

• Selection Panel – Senior – 1 member
• Technical Committee – 2 members
• Fixtures Coordinator

Full position descriptions for all these roles are available on the Orienteering NZ website.

NEW!  Junior Development Committee

The Council approved the terms of reference for the new Junior Development Committee and applications for members of this committee are now open.

Copies of the Committee Policy and Member Position Description can be found on the Orienteering NZ website.

Applications to the General Manager by 30 May.

NZ Southern Cross Challenge Team Manager and Coach

Applications are invited for the position of Team Manager and Team Coach for the team to represent NZ at the 2015 Australian Schools Championships to be held in Ballarat, Victoria from 25 September to 4 October 2015.

Position descriptions Manager and Coach
Applications to the General Manager no later than Sunday 17 May.

Event Vacancies

Applications are invited for the position of National Controller, Auckland World Masters Games 2017.

Applications are invited from A-Grade Controllers.  The appointment period will be from 2015 until the completion of this event in 2017, and will include coordination with Oceania Champs organising team.

This position will be responsible to the AWGM2017 Oversight Committee and the IOF Event Advisor to ensure the delivery of this event to the World Masters Games and IOF standards as this event is also the Orienteering Masters Champs for 2017.

Full position description available on the Orienteering NZ website.

Upcoming Events

30 May – 1 June – Queens Birthday, North West  – includes Pinestars Test Match with Australia

For more events check out the Orienteering NZ website

Advance Notice: 2015 Junior Camp

The Junior Camp is being hosted by Auckland Orienteering Club.

The proposed dates are:  Sunday 13 to Friday 18 Dec 2015.

A Camp Bulletin confirming dates and venue will be posted in the beginning of June.

Congratulations

To the orienteers who have been selected to represent New Zealand at JWOC and WOC.

World Schools GOLD!!!

Also congratulations to Jenna Tidswell and the World Schools Junior Girls team. Jenna won GOLD and the team placed all 5 members in the top 8 places!!

Full team results can be found on https://www.facebook.com/OrienteeringNZ