It’s been so great connecting with many of you over the last month, at nationals, and also at the AGM on Wednesday. It’s always great to get your viewpoints and feedback and as I mentioned at the AGM, please get in touch with any of the Board, Christo (General Manager) or any of the ONZ staff if you have ideas and feedback etc at any time of the year. The annual report has been available for the past month, and we approved it (with the amendment of a few typos) at the AGM. It tells such a great story of orienteering in New Zealand and what has been achieved last year thanks to clubs and their members giving their time to put on events, training and to find solutions to whatever issue has come up. 

The AGM acknowledged the recipients of our ONZ awards which were announced at the nationals prizegiving, and announced a new life membership to the well deserving Marquita Gelderman. We acknowledged too Val and Robbie’s MNZMs for services to orienteering – such a huge acknowledgement of their incredible efforts over many many years. There’s a great picture of Val organising some students on page 30 of our annual report. 

At the AGM we also announced the Board for the next year. We had three vacancies (mine, Guy Cory-Wright and Pete Swanson) and received three nominations (me, Dave Stewart who was previously co-opted by the Board) and Guy Cory-Wright for another year). The Board for the coming year will be, Marcus Diprose (PAPO), Sara Prince (PAPO), Jenni Adams (PAPO), Guy Cory-Wright (Auckland), Dave Stewart (Auckland), and myself (Wellington). Joining the Board is a great way to give back to the sport, and we all encourage you to consider it, or perhaps give someone in your club a nudge. We have vacancies every year.

Thank you again to everyone, you efforts are truly appreciated! :) 

Sarah O’Sullivan

Orienteering New Zealand

Chairperson