National Domestic Rowing Manager appointed

by Rowing NZ Media on 21 Apr 2006 Rowing New Zealand has appointed Kevin Strickland to the new position of National Domestic Rowing Manager. This position is designed to further develop rowing in New Zealand at the domestic level as the sport continues its push to be the best rowing nation in the world.

From Nelson, Strickland brings 25 years of business experience and 15 years of strategic planning in sport to the position. He is involved in rowing at the club and school level in both the coaching and administration side. He was behind the initiative to establish Lake Rotoiti as a training venue and is currently involved in plans to develop a 2000 metre rowing course near Nelson.

Strickland helped initiate the sponsorship deal that saw Aon become partners with Rowing New Zealand and also locally Strickland got the the Interislander ferry service on board as a sponsor tied in to the central regional performance centre.

'I’ve been working with the Marlborough Rowing Association, Nelson Rowing Club and school rowing and I want to bring what I’ve learnt there. I also want to find a way to bring school rowers into the clubs and hold them in the sport,' said Strickland.

With a view to the importance of club rowing in the overall rowing environment, Strickland plans to focus on the position of the clubs within the national rowing structure. 'I really want clubs to feel comfortable inside the rowing environment so we’re all going in the one direction.'

Strickland plans initially to get to all of the association meetings around the country and then work closely with the regional managers.

This is a new role withing the Rowing New Zealand structure and CEO Craig Ross said the appointement reflected where the sport is heading in the development of the domestic rowing programme.

'Kevin’s appointment will help facilitate many of our objectives around domestic rowing,' said Rowing New Zealand’s CEO Craig Ross. 'His involvement in school and South Island rowing will engage him well for domestic plans and the development for rowing at the community level.'

Rowing New Zealand's Domestic Rowing Commissioner, Rob Bristow was also enthusiastic about the appointment. 'Rowing New Zealand has finally been able to make this appointment. It will allow the policies that the Domestic Rowing Commission make to be implemented more easily and more effectively. Kevin will provide a valuable resource for the grass-roots of our sport.'

Strickland will continue to be based in Nelson but will travel to Rowing New Zealand’s head office at Lake Karapiro on a regular basis.