Rowing NZ honours its volunteers and clubs

by Rowing World on 22 May 2006 On Saturday night an excellent dinner was held at a venue high in the hills overlooking the lights of Napier and Hastings. There was initial chagrin from the South Islanders that there was no television available for them to watch the super 14 semifinal against the Bulls – but then there was always the ubiquitous cell phone. The East Coast Rowing Association did, however, have another plan. Soon after our arrival a rather tall gentleman with a moustache, tweed jacket, grovelling behaviour and a rather strange gait appeared and started mingling with the diners, when we learnt his name was Basil we realised that we had been transported to Torquay!

It was not long before the social climbing Sybil entered looking for her husband, who thought he might have escaped her demands that evening. Basil was sent off to find the apologetic Manuel who was just prevented from going on holiday back to Spain. His first holiday of any sort for many years.

What followed was some 'good natured interaction' with all the guests. Sybil clearly had her favourites – they should not be named and I do not think they were photographed – 'what happens on tour stays on tour'. Suffice it to say that the highlight must have been the 'changing the tablecloth' episode and seeing one Cantabrian running from the table clutching their cellphone continuing to keep up with the play at Jade stadium while mayhem continued all around.

While the entertainment provided a diversion the other important business of the evening was the making of three awards.

The Volunteer of the year went to Trevor Wilson from the Oamaru Rowing Club. This was accepted by Sergio Salis from Otago on Trevor’s behalf.

The ECNZ trophy for the Club of the year was awarded to the Invercargill Rowing Club and this was accepted on their behalf by John O’Connor (from Waihopai).

The presentation of the Administrator of the year was made to Murray Campbell of Karapiro Rowing Inc and the Auckland Rowing Association. Murray was present at the dinner and the presentation was met with a standing ovation, befitting his contribution to the sport and to the regattas at Karapiro.

President Kerry Ashby then toasted success to the World Championship delegation and presented Bill Falconer, Chairman of the Rowing New Zealand Board, his tie. The tie was part of the official uniform for the 1978 World Championships and Kerry encouraged Bill to wear it at the presentation in Munich on May 28th.



A wonderful evening organised by our hosts from the East Coast Association. Thanks to Rowan Condon, Cedric Bayly and the unflagging Dave Rodgers.