At the SLSNZ AGM in September the membership endorsed a new constitution for Surf Life Saving New Zealand which means significant structural change for Surf Life Saving.

Thanks to the cooperation of SLS Hawkes Bay, Taranaki, Western Districts and Wellington we have almost completed the staffing and legal changes required to form the new Central Region. We anticipate SLSNZ will have full operational responsibility by the 30th of November 2009.

Five full-time and one part time position have been confirmed for the Central Region. Members will note many familiar names/faces which is excellent for the continuity of programmes and services.

Sue McMaster – Central Region Business Manager Sue has been the Surf Life Saving Taranaki District Manager for the last 12 months. In that period there has been a significant turn around in the Districts financial position. Sue, through her membership and children being active within Western Districts, has a long history in SLS in the Central Region. Prior to her employment with Surf Life Saving Taranaki Sue was the Finance Manager at Sport Wanganui. Sue will be based in Palmerston North ensuring a central location to serve the regions business needs.
Matt Warren – Central Region Programmes and Services Matt has a long history with Surf Life Saving. Matt has been involved in a variety of roles including District Coach both with Hawkes Bay and Wellington and has also been a SLSW Board member. Currently Matt is the SLSW District Manager overseeing lifesaving, sport and school education programmes. Matt has a SLSNZ Service Award. Previously Matt was a Programmes Manager for both Porirua and Upper Hutt City Councils. Matt will be based in Wellington.

Club Development Officers (CDOs)

Andrew Cronin - Greater Taranaki Area Andrew is a member of the East End Club and well known throughout the Taranaki District. More recently Andrew has been working for SLST on a short term contract delivering a lifeguard development programme. His contribution to SLS was recognised in September when he was awarded a SLSNZ Service Award. Andrew will be based in New Plymouth, servicing Taranaki and Wanganui.
David Beattie - Greater Hawkes Bay Area David is a member of the Westshore SLSC and is also a member of the SLSHB Board. A passionate clubbie, David has been involved with a number of Hawkes Bay recruitment and profile raising initiatives. Mostly recently overseeing a ‘trade show’ at the Hawkes Bay A&P show where the exhibit was judged ‘best outdoor and overall exhibit’. David will be based in Napier and will service the greater Hawkes Bay area which will include Riversdale.
Brent Harvey - Greater Wellington/Western Districts Area Brent was awarded the Lottery Grants SLSNZ Lifeguard of the Year in 2006. That award is a reflection of Brent’s passion and dedication to Surf Life Saving. Brent is a member of the Paekakariki SLSC, where he has held numerous positions including Patrol Captain, Club Captain and Coach. Brent comes to us from the NZ Navy where he has been for nine years, most recently working in the recruitment division. Brent will be based in Wellington.
Joss Urbahn - Administration Support (Part Time) Joss is the current District Manager of Western Districts and holds a SLSNZ Service Award. Joss is not only well known to the Western District Clubs but is regularly seen at SLS competitions officiating in her friendly and knowledgeable way. Joss is also the Director of Refereeing for Squash New Zealand. Joss will be based in Palmerston North.

One of the challenges identified in the organisation review was ensuring that we got the right ‘talent’ in volunteer and paid positions. People are our number one resource. By retaining a number of existing District employees (Sue, Matt and Joss) and introducing new skills (Brent, David and Andrew) provides for a great platform to deliver benefits to Clubs and members. I am sure the membership will join SLSNZ in welcoming this team to their respective roles.

Geoff Barry, CEO.

Read an organisation restructure Implementation Update (pdf, 74kb).