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New Blood Needed To Get Sports Hub Pumping

Tuesday 2 October 2012, 2:35PM

By Far North District Council

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KAIKOHE

Dynamic leaders are needed to govern a board which aims to develop Kaikohe’s Lindvart Park into a vibrant sports hub.

A working group made up of the Far North District Council, Kaikohe-Hokianga Community Board, Sport Northland and sports clubs has been developing a shared vision for the park since 2009.

The group decided last year to form a Kaikohe and District Sportsville Incorporated Society to develop the park using a Sportsville model that has been successful across New Zealand.

Objectives of the society, which is yet to be constituted, include improving sports facilities at the park and encouraging more Kaikohe people to take part in sport and recreation activities.

“This is about creating a range of sporting and recreational opportunities for all age groups and ability levels and identifying and supporting the elite sports people of tomorrow,” says Kaikohe-Hokianga Community Board chairman Win Stephens.

Mr Stephens says the society will operate on behalf of member clubs who will elect a governance board to achieve common goals on their behalf.

“The board will develop its own strategic plan that will outline what initiatives it would like to progress to achieve its objectives of increasing participation in sport and recreation in Kaikohe.”

He says sports clubs across New Zealand struggle to retain members, attract funding and cope with administration workloads.

“Kaikohe sports clubs are no different. The rugby club has struggled to rebuild its burned-down club rooms and Bay of Islands Hockey has failed to secure a funding shortfall to install lights at the AstroTurf hockey pitch.

“Because of this, there’s been a growing interest in collaboration between clubs.”

At the same time, funding agencies have indicated they want to maximise returns on their investments by supporting clubs that work together and share facilities and resources.

“The larger funders, such as ASB Community Trust, have indicated that they want to support applications from organisations that represent many clubs rather than single code sports clubs.”

The working group is looking for suitably-qualified people to fill four vacancies on the inaugural board.

“The term of appointment will generally be for three years, although there are transitional rotation provisions in the first three years.”

Applicants should have skills, experience and networks in one or more of the following areas: governance, leadership, strategic planning, financial management, law, fundraising, and facility management.

Interested people are invited to apply by sending a CV and covering letter to Sue Hodge, Far North District Council, Private Bag 752, Kaikohe 0440 before 5pm on October 19.

Suitable applicants will be interviewed within three weeks of the closing date.