Sport Bay of Plenty

Chief Executive Officer

Wayne's role as CEO sees him ensuring the link between the Sport BOP board and the Sport BOP staff is effective. "I feel privileged to be given the opportunity to lead Sport BOP, and aim to ensure that the platform developed under the leadership of Dame Susan Devoy continues to be built on for the benefit of the BOP Community". Wayne has a Masters in Management Studies and has an extensive background in sport administration having had previous roles in National and Regional Sporting organisations. He represented New Zealand in Squash throughout the 90's and was the Assistant Coach of the squash team for the 2006 Commonwealth Games.
Contact Wayne on 07 578 0016 extn 808 or email waynew@sportbop.co.nz

Sector Development Manager

Heidi has been working at Sport BOP since November 2003. Heidi has completed an MBA in sport management and has post graduate qualifications in marketing and business studies. She spent 8 years as a communications team leader in the education sector, and has also worked in commercial marketing and human resource sectors. Heidi is thrilled to be working in the field that she loves. "I have a huge passion for this industry and believe that physical activity and sport are core-stones in a healthy, vibrant BOP community" Heidi is into running, yoga, swimming, cycling, walking her dogs, pilates and basically any form of fitness.
Contact Heidi on 07 578 0016 extn 806 or 027 437 2931 or email heidil@sportbop.co.nz

Business Development Manager

Marcus role as the Business Development Manager is to handle the commercial elements of Sport Bay of Plenty and provide the most solid platform possible for the other members of the organisation to work from. Marcus has always been heavily involved in competitive sport including Surf Lifesaving, senior club Rugby and representative Soccer in New Zealand as well as being a past national Swimming champion in the UK. A qualified Lawyer, Marcus holds two degrees in Business Management & Law and brings an extensive commercial background, including experience with a couple of large multi-national companies.
Contact Marcus on 07 578 0016 extn 802 or email marcusr@sportbop.co.nz

Administration Officer

Valda is responsible for keeping the organisations finances in order and providing administration support for management and staff. "It is satisfying to work for an organisation whose role is to promote sport and physical activity which benefits the health and wellbeing of the community." She is a life-long participant of sports and physical activity and spends much of her 'leisure' time pounding the tracks up and around the Mount, at the Golf club perfecting her swing or pedalling the 'off road' trails around Tauranga on her new mountain bike.
Contact Valda on 07 578 0016 extn 827 or email valdam@sportbop.co.nz

Office Administrator

Anna's role with the company is to provide administrative support to the team in the Tauranga Sports House as well as central support to the Rotorua and Whakatane offices. As the first face or voice to the organisation, Anna is ready, willing and able to help the local public, clubs, stakeholders with any enquiries. Outside of work, Anna appreciates time with family and friends and loves the outdoors!

Contact Anna on 07 578 0016 extn 800 or email annar@sportbop.co.nz

Office Administrator

With years of experience in office administration and a can-do approach, Gwenyth fronts our organisation with Rachel ready to aim to help with any enquiries and support our staff. Outside of work she enjoys time with family, yoga and grabs any opportunity to walk on the beautiful local beaches or climb Mount Maunganui.
Contact Gwenyth on 07 578 0016 extn 826 or email gwenythe@sportbop.co.nz

Office Administrator - Rotorua office

Detail to come.
Contact Rebecca on 07 348 4125 extn 600 or email rebeccas@sportbop.co.nz

Sport Development Team Leader

Megan has a degree in Human Resource Management and is currently completing a Post Graduate Diploma in Sport Management through Massey University. She has extensive experience in sport development especially in the areas of organizational development where she believes that developing the capability of sporting organizations to be effective and efficient in the delivery of their sports is important to ensure sustainability. Megan works across the BOP region and is assists sporting clubs and RSO’s with their activities. She has a passion for all sports and volunteers her time as a Director on the board for Blind Sport New Zealand.
Contact Megan on 07 578 0016 extn 837 or email meganc@sportbop.co.nz

Connect Sport Project Manager

Greg comes from a teaching background of 13 years in schools where his main focus was PE and Sport. An active coach himself, Greg has been the Head Volleyball Coach at Tauranga Girls' College for the last 10 years and now coaches the Bay of Plenty Girls Volleyball teams as well as mentoring other coaches. Greg is also a qualified MBTi consultant using this in both sport development and coaching. Moving to Project Management for Connect Sport, the project goal looks to increase participation in sport through better connected communities. Greg has two daughters which keep him busy and in his spare time Greg can be found surfing and spending quality time with his family.
Contact Greg on 07 578 0016 extn 804 or email gregc@sportbop.co.nz

Sport Development Coordinator

David has a BA Honours Degree from the University of Wales and represented the men’s Hockey team for 3 years. He has worked for 11 years in Local Government in the UK where he was a Senior Officer responsible for cycling, walking and countryside access. David’s role as Sport Development Coordinator at Sport Bay of Plenty will see him working with local Sporting Clubs and Tauranga City Council on a range of issues from fundraising and strategic planning to helping with constitutions and offering advice and support to volunteers. David has a wide range of sporting interests including football, cricket, running and rugby.
Contact David on 07 578 0016 extn 830 or email davidm@sportbop.co.nz

Regional Secondary School Events Director

Julie's role is to provide sporting events to all secondary schools in the Bay of Plenty. She has a degree from Waikato University in Sport and Leisure and an Environmental Science degree which she completed in the USA while on a basketball scholarship. Julie has participated in a number of sports such as, Basketball, Touch, Softball, Table Tennis, and Rugby at a representative level. Julie's other passion is coaching, and has coached touch and basketball for several years in secondary schools such as Canterbury and WBOP. She enjoys all types of recreational activities such as, tennis and golf and will give anything a go! Her passion is to see more secondary school students enjoying participating in sport and giving it a go.
Contact Julie on 07 578 0016 extn 807 or email juliea@sportbop.co.nz

Regional Secondary School Sports Director

Kirsten's role at Sport Bay of Plenty brings her home to the Bay after 7 years of study and work outside the region. With a Physical Education Degree from Otago University and a Diploma of Secondary Teaching from Dunedin College of Education, Kirsten is passionate about sport and is thrilled to remain in the sports sector after 14 months at SPARC. She works with 27 Secondary Schools in the Bay and is committed to providing Bay of Plenty young people with every oportunity to play, enjoy and excel at sport. Kirsten competed in a number of sports over the years including Track & Field (Sprinter), Rowing and Rugby but these days participates in social sport and running up the Mount and Papamoa hills.
Contact Kirsten on 07 578 0016 extn 828 or email kirstenm@sportbop.co.nz

Primary School Coordinator

Vicki's role is to provide support to primary and intermediate schools in the development of sport and other physical activity options that will increase levels of participation and encourage children to lead active lives. Vicki's work with primary and intermediate schools is to develop sport programmes, coordinate training and professional development for teachers and junior coaches and encourage and support inter-school events and tournaments for primary and intermediate schools.
Contact Vicki on 07 578 0016 extn 805 or email vickis@sportbop.co.nz

Coaching Team Leader

Dave has been working in the coaching arena for the past 20 years. He was the New Zealand National Squash Coach for over 5 years and has been involved at every level in the game from club to country. He has also been involved in the development of junior skills programs at Club, District and National levels. Dave currently looks after the CoachForce Team who are in the business of getting more and better coaches, coaching more often in the Bay of Plenty region.
Contact Dave 07 578 0016 extn 820 or email davec@sportbop.co.nz

CoachForce Fundamentals Coordinator

Nick's roel is to develop fundamentals skills awareness within schools and give teachers and coaches working within the 5-9 age group the tools to be able to effectively deliver the program. To continue to make the program better through feedback from the teachers and coaches working within that age group. To make fundamentals skills a priority in schools across our region giving people the tools to enjoy sport and physical activity for life.
Contact Nick on 07 578 0016 extn 809 or email nickc@sportbop.co.nz

Active Children Team Leader

Sonia joined the Sport BOP team in August 2005 as the Active Movement Advisor for under 5's. Sonia is currently the Active Children Team Leader, overseeing the roles that aim to ‘increase the activity levels of young people 0-12 years old.’ Sonia is passionate about the wider positive effects that regular activity has on people in general. Physical activities provide opportunities to enhance people’s physical development but also their social, emotional, cognitive and spiritual development. The key theme within this team is MAKING ACTIVITY FUN FOR CHILDREN!!! Sonia is a trained teacher and has had a varied work background in both teaching and supporting those with Intellectual Disabilities and Brain Injuries. Sonia likes to participate in social running events and gym classes as motivation for her own personal fitness.

Contact Sonia on 07 578 0016 extn 850 or email sonial@sportbop.co.nz

Active Schools Facilitator

Jo is involved with Primary and Intermediate schools in the Rotorua region through the Active Schools Initiative. The aim of this project is to increase the levels of physical activity in children by facilitating schools provision of quality, regular physical activity. With a Bachelor of Physical Education from Otago University and a Diploma of Secondary Teaching from Auckland University of Technology, Jo is passionate about activity and education and is thrilled to join the sports sector after 18 months of teaching.
Contact Jo on 07 348 4125 extn 607 or email jow@sportbop.co.nz

Ko Taranaki te Maunga, Ko Waingongoro me Kapuni nga Awa, Ko Ngati Ruanui, Ko Ngati Manuhiakai nga Iwi, Tena koutou Katoa.
Having taken up swimming after contracting polio and representing Auckland U19 Basketball at 13yrs old, Cherryl went on to gain a Diploma in Sport and Leisure and then spent 3 years as the Sport Opportunity Adviser for The Halberg Trust/Sport Northland. Cherryl enjoys waka ama, swimming for recreation and play more wheelchair basketball than running basketball these days. Cherryl believes disabled people are not as successful at sport/physical activity, NOT because of their disability, but because of their lack of opportunity to participate. Let us change that!
Contact Cherryl on 07 578 0016 extn 821 or email cherrylt@sportbop.co.nz

Active Movement Advisor

Training as an Early Childhood teacher sent Kirsty on a career path all over the world working in a variety of centres, hospitals and time volunteering in a Romanian Orphanage. She has spent the past few years supporting families with their child’s early education. Getting families involved has always been a priority in Kirsty's work, "there’s so much enjoyment from joining in each other’s activities. I am looking forward to working with Bay of Plenty children, their whanau and education providers. The Active Children’s coordinator role allows me to enrich children’s lives and have fun!"
Contact on 07 348 4125 ext 609 or email kirstyc@sportbop.co.nz

Active Children Coordinator - Opotiki

Exia comes to Sport Bay of Plenty with untold experience in the sporting arena, having been a player, a referee, an umpire, a captain, a supporter, a role model, and a coach for many years. Passionate about what she does, Exia finds it a privilege to be able to work in her community for her community. “I enjoy seeing local talent succeeding and our community thriving because of it”. Outside of sport, Exia also enjoys diving, fishing, and family time.
Contact Exia on 027 222 5304 or email exiae@sportbop.co.nz

Active Children Coordinator - Rotorua / Eastern Bay of Plenty

Ko Hikurangi te maunga
Ko Waiapu te awa
Ko Ngati Porou te iwi
Ariki spent four years completing the Bachelor of Physical Education (majoring in Exercise Prescription) at the University of Otago, before moving to Rotorua and continuing his development in the health sector. With 5 years experience as an Exercise Specialist, and a thorough understanding of diabetes, obesity and heart disease, Ariki has developed a passion for addressing these major health issues with preventative measures. It is with this passion that Ariki serves Sport Bay of Plenty and the community as the Active Children Coordinator. In his spare time Ariki can usually be found mountain biking, climbing, or playing with his fiancé Lossie and daughter Alexis.
Contact Ariki on 07 3484125 ext 603 or email arikit@sportbop.co.nz

Active Living Team Leader

The goal of the Active Living team is to have ‘more people, more active, more often.’ The team leader role provides Sandy with an exciting opportunity to share her passion and enthusiasm for health and activity by leading and supporting her team in helping others discover the rewards of keeping active. A graduate in physical education from Otago University, Sandy spent a large part of her working life teaching a range of subjects in Secondary Schools. She has taken over the position of Active Living team leader after three years as project coordinator for the City on its Feet programme. Health and fitness have always been a focus in Sandy’s life and she practices what she preaches by leading a very active lifestyle.
Contact Sandy on 07 578 0016, ext 833 or email sandyr@sportbop.co.nz

Active Living Coordinator - Western Bay of Plenty

Penny's role as the active living coordinator in the Western Bay is about creating/supporting and providing physical activity opportunities for communities and individuals. Working alongside and collaborating with councils, health organisations and local volunteers will be a major focus on providing the right programmes, events for the different communities in the Western Bay. Penny has a degree in sport & recreation and has been working with communities on many different levels. Penny is also a yoga instructor and enjoys the outdoors.
Contact Penny on 07 578 0016 extn 829 or email pennym@sportbop.co.nz

Active Living Coordinator - Central Bay of Plenty

Based in Rotorua, Lisa's role is to encourage the innovative community of Rotorua to Push Play and to enjoy the benefits of an active lifestyle. Lisa aims to work along side the wider community so we achieve the same goals. Creating a healthier lifestyle, by organising events, training seminars and promoting the Push Play message. Lisa loves all sport and has an attitude to give anything a go! Lisa is currently on maternity leave.
Contact Jessica on 07 348 4125 extn 606 or email jessicam@sportbop.co.nz

Pathway to Health - Whakatane

Pathway 2 Health is a support service for sport, recreation & physical activity within our region, and aims to get more people, more active, lifelong in the Eastern BOP. Vicky Richards is the Pathway 2 Health coordinator in Whakatane. Vicky’s role is to support the active communities sector in the Whakatane District, by way of supporting sports clubs, recreation groups and community organizations to provide opportunities for people to get active. Pathway 2 Health coordinates community activities such as the ‘It’s all about Team’ Corporate Sport Series and promotes National campaigns such as Bike Week. Volunteer recognition, sports club development and safe environments for physical activity are also priority outcomes for Pathway 2 Health.
Contact Vicky on 07 308 8304 or email vickyr@sportbop.co.nz

Kaiwhakahaere He Oranga Poutama Programme

Jacks role is to promote the benefits of Physical Activity to Maori and in doing so assist in achieving the He Oranga Poutama goal of having "More Maori, More Active, More Often". This is done by being available to the Maori Community as a resource to assist in the development of initiatives that are appropriate to the physical activity needs of the Maori Community. Jack has an extensive background including 17 years of experience in Kaupapa Waka and over 25 years of experience performing Kapa Haka. He has held the position of Kaiwhakahaere for 8 years and hopes that with Sport Bay Of Plenty's support he can continue to be an effective resource for the Maori Community of Tauranga Moana in assisting them to achieve their goals towards greater health and wellbeing. "Na reira e ki ana te korero, Ko tou rourou, Ko taku rourou, ka ora ai te iwi" With what you have and with what I have, let us strive to strengthen the people. Tena koutou katoa.
Contact Jack on 07 578 0016, extn 822 or email jackt@sportbop.co.nz

The goal of the Health Team is to improve the health outcomes of the community by empowering individuals with health concerns to become more active. Catherine oversees the Green Prescription Programmes and the Family Lifestyle Coaches that work within the Bay of Plenty. As a Registered Occupational Therapist, Catherine feels passionate about the benefits of a healthy balanced lifestyle and knows the positive outcomes from physical activity and leisure pursuits are extensive. Outside of work, Catherine enjoys walking and activities with her family such as kayaking and mountain biking. She also enjoys coaching her daughter’s netball team.
Contact Catherine on 07 578 0016 extn 817 or email catherinem@sportbop.co.nz

Green Prescriptions Lifestyle Coordinator

Nicki is based in the Western Bay of Plenty as the Green Prescription Advisor, working within the community helping to promote physical activity. Green Prescription is the written advice to be active, with regular physical activity related improvements in health and medical conditions can be achieved. Nicki has a Bachelor of Science with a major in Sports and Exercise Science. She is actively involved in volunteer work for TaeKwondo and has previously represented NZ. She is currently continuing postgraduate studies in Management and Marketing.
Contact Nicki on 07 578 0016 extn 816 or email grxtauranga@sportbop.co.nz

Green Prescriptions Lifestyle Coordinator

Jess's role as Green Prescription Advisor is to support and motivate adults to lead a regular active lifestyle. Physical activity is so important for so many aspects of a healthy life. Jess is excited to work with the community to increase Rotorua's physical activity levels. Jess has a Bachelor of Business Studies, major in Sport Business Management, and is currently studying for Personal Trainer Qualifications. She has had a busy netball season where she plays in and coaches teams, she also thrives on equestrian sports and generally being active.
Contact Jess on 07 348 4125 extn 605 or email grxrotorua@sportbop.co.nz

Green Prescriptions Lifestyle Coordinator - Rotorua

Melissa's role as Green Prescription Advisor is to support and motivate adults to lead a regular active lifestyle. Physical activity is so important for so many aspects of a healthy life. In her spare time she plays competitive club volleyball and helps run the local social/business house volleyball in Rotorua. She also enjoys watching her family who participate in rugby and swimming. Melissa says she loves working in an enviroment that helps people towards their goal of a fit and healthy lifestyle.
Contact Melissa on 07 348 4125 extn 605 or email melissag@sportbop.co.nz

Family Lifestyle Coach - Rotorua

Based in Rotorua, Holly is available to work with children between the ages of 4.5 to 12 years old and their family. The programme aims to increase awareness about healthy, achievable lifestyle goals that the whole family and whanau can make. Friendly on-going support, education and encouragement can be given to these families for up to 12 months. Holly has a Bachelor of Science, majoring in Human Nutrition and is currently studying Child Psychology. She feels extremely lucky to be helping children and their families make positive changes to their health, while getting active together. Outside of work, Holly loves walking, cycling and strength training but mostly enjoys making exercise fun.
Contact Holly on 07 348 4125 extn 604 or email hollyd@sportbop.co.nz

Lifestyle Coach - EBOP

After 3 years abroad George has recently returned from Brisbane where he ran his own Personal Training Business. Previous to this he served over 20 years in the Royal New Zealand Air Force as a Physical Fitness Instructor. George has participated in a number of sports at Regional/ National level including Rugby, League, Touch, Tennis and Softball, both as a coach and or player. Although he is not presently active in this arena he hopes to be involved once he settles and finds his feet again. George holds a Bachelor of Business Studies majoring in Sports Coaching and Sport Management together with a Diploma in Physical Education and Recreational Training. His role involves working with Men living in the Eastern Bay of Plenty who have been diagnosed with Cardiovascular Disease and specifically getting these gents ‘up and active’ again. He welcomes the challenges of this newly developed position and looks forward to positively contributing towards community initiatives back in the area of his upbringing.
Contact George on 07 308 8304 or email georgek@sportbop.co.nz

Active Families Advisor Eastern Bay of Plenty

Cathy is based in Whakatane as the Active Families Advisor, working throughout the Eastern Bay of Plenty community to help families become more active and learn about healthy food choices to improve their health and wellbeing. Cathy is passionate about helping people to empower themselves to make positive lifestyle changes and is excited to have the opportunity to do this through the Active Families programme. In her spare time she is kept on the go with her three boys and their various activities. She also enjoys volleyball, bush walks, horse-riding, motorbike riding and spending quality time with her family and friends.
Contact on 07 308 8304, Mobile 027 609 7640 or email cathyb@sportbop.co.nz