President’s Rant – November 2015
The benefits of getting ONZ’s committee convenors together around a table were realised at a workshop held in Wellington during mid November. Whilst providing each convenor with the chance to highlight the goals and progress made by their respective committee, it also raised opportunities for interaction on common issues. There were active and open discussions on such topics as the High Performance Plan, NZSS and other selection policy refinements and composition of Regional Squads.
In attendance were:
High Performance Leader – Malcolm Ingham; Technical Committee Convenor Dwayne Smith and Committee Member Alan Horn; Mapping Committee Convenor Nick Hann; Junior Development Committee Convenor Paul Teesdale-Spittle; Mountain Bike and Rogaine Committee representative Michael Wood; Senior Selector Al Cory-Wright and Junior Selector Tom Reynolds.
The workshop was facilitated by ONZ’s General Manager Catriona McBean and President David Turner who updated the workshop attendees on ONZ’s progress on their constitutional reform, the 2016-2019 Strategic Plan and Auckland World Masters’ Games and Oceania scheduled for Easter 2017. All in all, a very worthwhile exercise and everyone departed knowing much more about the workings of the various committees and challenges facing them.
One of ONZ’s part time staff – Neil Kerrison – resigned during November. He made an excellent start in the position of Volunteer Co-ordinator with the facilitation of two recent Controllers’ Clinics in Wellington and Christchurch and also the continuing Planning Course. Neil’s other commitments were hampering his ONZ inputs – so we wish him well and thank him for his contribution. Council, at their November meeting decided to not only replace Neil’s role which was largely around providing training to clubs, but extend it to include the former Fixture Officer’s role and also a new role around providing event management and support to clubs. This position will be advertised shortly and will provide for 10 hrs/week to the person appointed.
Meanwhile Council are still pushing on with their proposed revisions to the Constitution. We have a draft document with the ONZ lawyer for a legal review and we intend to send out a summary sheet highlighting the main changes to members and clubs at the end of November with the main document being available on the ONZ website.
The orienteering season now winds down during the summer months but resumes with a Waitangi Weekend Sprint Series hosted by Wellington. Just remains for me to wish you all a very happy Xmas and enjoy your time with family and friends.
David Turner
President
Constitution Review
Thank you to everyone who sent in feedback on the Second Discussion Paper on the options for the Council structure.
We are hoping to have a draft constitution ready for circulation in early December.
Important Information – 2016 International Team Costs
As part of the “Making it Easy” strategic goal, ONZ has decided to simplify the Athlete Contribution costs for International Teams, starting in 2016.
While this information has been published on the ONZ website already, we thought it important and timely to clearly state what we have done.
In order to provide clarity for athletes and funders of athletes, Orienteering NZ has set a standard Athlete Contribution fee for the following competitions. This fee includes team competition costs such as accommodation, travel during the competition, Team Staff travel and accommodation, Team Staff accreditation costs, costs for access to training maps, etc., but excludes international airfares to/from New Zealand to the competition. If Orienteering NZ arranges for team travel to/from New Zealand, the cost of international airfares will be invoiced over and above the Athlete Contribution fee.
Athlete Contribution for International Tours $NZ fee per athlete
World Orienteering Championships (WOC) – $1,600
Junior World Orienteering Championships (JWOC) – $1,700
Southern Cross Challenge – $1,500
ANZ Schools Challenge – $1,500
This information will be reiterated in selection notices.
Orienteering NZ Vacancies
JWOC Manager applications are now being invited.
We are asking potential applicants for a 1 year + 1 year renewal tenure for these two roles.
Applications close on Friday 11 December (Extended Deadline)
We also still have vacancies for the following panels and committees:
- Rogaine Committee – 1 member
- Selection Panel – Senior – 1 member
- Technical Committee – 1 member
Full position descriptions for all these roles are available on the Orienteering NZ website.
Keeping you more informed
ONZ has updated its enewsletter database which now allows you to chose which areas are of special interest to you – such as High Performance, Technical, Mapping.
To update your preferences, please click on the “Update your preferences” link at the bottom of each email.
Walking Access Commission
The New Zealand Walking Access Commission is the Crown entity that plays a lead role in protecting this heritage by promoting free, certain, enduring and practical access to the outdoors.
They work to strengthen the links between rural and urban New Zealand by identifying publicly accessible land, providing information about public access rights and responsibilities, assisting with dispute resolution and facilitating new opportunities for people to access and enjoy the great outdoors.
For more information on the Commission check out their website www.walkingaccess.govt.nz
Interesting Coaching Stuff
Here are some links to interesting coaching hints and tips.
2015 Scientific Journal of Orienteering – Call of Articles
The Scientific Journal of Orienteering is a scientific journal published online by the IOF once yearly, and its aim is to present current scientific research within orienteering. The journal covers all possible fields of the sport: Sports Psychology, Sports Sciences, Sports Medicine, Sports Education, Sports Orthopedics, Cartography and many more topics.
Previous issues can be found here: http://orienteering.org/resources/publications/scientific-journal-of-orienteering/
Work on the 2015 issue of the journal is now under way. If you know of any study or report which you find interesting and relevant, please submit it by sending it to kirsty.mcintyre@orienteering.org
Upcoming Events
NZ MTBO Champs
15-17 Jan 2016, Taranaki
For more events check out the Orienteering NZ website
2015 Junior Camp
If clubs are seeking funding for members attending this year’s Junior Camp, ONZ is happy to provide quotes to assist with your application.
Thanks to Pelorus Trust and Pub Charity for supporting the 2015 Junior Camp
JWOC Policy Repealed
On 20 October 2015 the ONZ Council repealed the JWOC Policy (dated October 2013).
All JWOC Team Selections and Staff Appointments will now be made under the ONZ Policies – G1 Selection Policy and G4 International Team Representation.
D-Squad Camp
Thanks to Infinity Foundation for supporting the 2015 D-Squad Camp