Four full-time and two part time positions have been confirmed for the Eastern Region, which comprises Gisborne and the Bay of Plenty.

SLSNZ is delighted with the outstanding calibre of staff forming this critical team who will be progressively starting from the 18th January 2010.

Members will note many familiar names/faces which is excellent for the continuity of your programmes and services. Local Club member representatives were part of all the staffing appointment panels.

Business Manager – Eastern Sarah Lucas Sarah has a long history as a member of Surf Life Saving in the Bay of Plenty, Sarah was previously employed by Surf Life Saving Bay of Plenty originally as Operations Manager and more recently as Chief Executive. Prior to this Sarah has worked for two other Charitable Trusts in funding and business development roles. Sarah is completing her Masters Degree majoring in Social Enterprise/Management of non profit organisations so is well versed in both practical and theoretical experience for the role. Sarah will be based in the current SLSBOP office.
Programmes and Services Manager, Eastern - Kurt Wilson Kurt is currently the Operations Manager and Head Coach at the Papamoa SLSC where he has focused heavily on strategic planning and governance direction. The success of Kurt’s input and influence were highlighted recently when the PSLSC placed runner up in the Tauranga Chamber of Commerce 2009 Business Awards. Over the 3 ½ years at PSLSC Kurt has been developing, facilitating and coordinating lifesaving, sport and membership development programs while increasing the clubs financial position and sustainability. Kurt has been involved in a variety of roles including District Coach in both Canterbury and the Bay Of Plenty and has a SLSC Service Award. Kurt will be based in the current SLSBOP office.

Club Development Officers (CDOs)

Coromondal Area – Lachlan Knighton Lachlan is a member of both New Brighton SLSC (while he was studying at University of Canterbury) and the Whangamata SLSC. He has been a National Age Group Waterpolo Representative. Lachlan has a Bachelor of Commerce with a double major. Lachlan has a real passion to work with the clubs of the Coromandel (from Waihi to Hotwater Beach) to further develop them and provide a high quality service. His office location is still to be finalised.
Tauranga / Eastern Bay of Plenty Area – Mike Lord Mike’s surf life saving career started with North Beach SLSC in Christchurch where he worked as Surf Life Saving Canterbury’s Surf Sport Manager before moving to the Bay of Plenty. Mike has a very good understanding of Surf Life Saving with the Bay of Plenty having been most recently employed at SLSBOP’s Coach Force officer. Mikes broad skills in both Sport and Lifesaving will ensure a high level of service is delivered to the Clubs from Mt Maunganui to Opotoki. Mike (a former SLSNZ Leadership Group Participant) will be based in the current SLSBOP office.
Gisborne Area (Part-time) – Jeremy Lockwood Jeremy is a current member of the Wainui SLSC in Gisborne and has held numerous roles within his club and the district. Jeremy was a member of the SLSNZ Leadership group in 2001/02. His passion for member development combined with his key current emergency service contacts will ensure that the clubs within the Gisborne area are provided with high level of service. Jeremy will be based in Gisborne and until he starts officially as a CDO he will be employed by SLSNZ to fulfil the Interim District Manager role (working closely with SLSG) from the 21st December to cover the resignation of the current District Manager - Debbie Hutchings.
NB: SLSG (due to securing additional funding) are able to extend Rama Robertson’s current Club Development role until the end February 2010. Rama will be able to continue his excellent work supporting Clubs over the busy summer period.
Support staff
Administration Support (Part-time) – Donna Rieger Donna has most recently been working for Surf Life Saving Bay of Plenty as Administrator, in the new structure she will continue this role and provide administration support to the wider Eastern Region. Donna has a huge passion for Surf Life Saving, spanning a number of years with her four children in the Junior Surf Programme at the Mount Maunganui Lifeguard Service. Donna will be based in the SLSBOP Mount Maunganui office.

Key Next Steps

1. Complete the legal steps (including voluntary liquidation) of the Districts in the Eastern Region
2. Eastern Club Chairs Committee meeting (March 2010 TBC)
3. 2nd Central Club Chairs Committee meeting (May 2010 TBC)
4. Finalise other District implementation timelines (in the following order) with the objective of meeting the SLSNZ constitutional deadline of 30th June 2010: Southern and Northern.

Note:
SLSNZ provides and pays for full support during the implementation process including consultative meetings, templates, legal advice, attendance at meetings, liquidator, HR support and regular opportunities for membership feedback. We are aiming to complete the implementation as smoothly as possible so that the majority of members won’t even notice a change. However, we will require member’s ongoing patience and cooperation as there is bound to be the odd speed bump and wrinkle to iron out. We thank you in advance for your understanding during this time.

We will provide regular updates to the members as the implementation continues.

For any further questions on implementation please do not hesitate to contact grant.florence@surflifesaving.org.nz or paul.veric@surflifesaving.org.nz.