News

Announcement: New National Community Education Manager

Thursday, 14 February 2019

SLSNZ is pleased to announce the appointment of Dr Mick Kearney as the new National Community Education Manager. He joins us with a wealth of experience from both surf lifesaving and academia.

He is an experienced environmental scientist and educator, who has worked in various education and research roles. Most recently he has worked as the Environmental Programme Advisor at Wan Smolbag Theatre in Vanuatu, and was a Senior Lecturer + Researcher at Te Whare Wānanga o Awanuiārangi.

However, he has previously been the Education Development Officer for Surf Life Saving Northern Region and originally led the development of the current Rookie Lifeguard Programme and SLSNR Leadership Development Program, so is perfectly placed to step into this role.

He is a Life Member with the United North Piha Lifeguard Service and has been involved with Surf Life Saving since the age of five. He also comes from a family of surf lifeguards, with his grandfather, father and siblings all being surf lifeguards, so naturally, his son now participates in Junior Surf and cannot wait to become a surf lifeguard.

He has also held numerous senior leadership positions at club, district, and national levels and most weekends you can find him on patrol at North Piha. He says he is “looking forward to working with our membership and communities,” and getting into the role.

Surf Life Saving History:

2016 – 2017: Director, United North Piha Lifeguard Service

2015 – 2017: Trustee, United North Piha Lifeguard Service Trust

2014 – 2016: Chairperson, United North Piha Lifeguard Service

2008 – 2011: Chairperson, United North Piha Lifeguard Service

2003 – 2007: Director, Surf Life Saving Northern Region

2003 – 2006:  Chairperson, Surf Life Saving Northern Region Membership Committee

1986 – 2019: Active member of the United North Piha Lifeguard Service

 

Surf Life Saving Awards:

2013: Surf Life Saving New Zealand, Service Award

2011: United North Piha Lifeguard Service, Life Membership Award

2007: Surf Life Saving Northern Region, Service Award

2002: Surf Life Saving New Zealand, Rescue of the Year

2002: United North Piha Lifeguard Service, Distinguished Service Award

1995: United North Piha Lifeguard Service, Service Award

 

Education:

2009: Doctor of Philosophy, Environmental Sciences, University of Auckland

1999: Master of Science (Honours), Marine Science, University of Auckland

1997: Bachelor of Science, Biological Sciences, University of Auckland