2025 Athletics New Zealand AGM
The 2025 Athletics New Zealand Annual General Meeting, held in Cambridge, was more than just a formal gathering; it was a celebration of progress and a launchpad for the future. Set against the backdrop of the NZ 10km Road and Walks Championships and followed by the engaging Club Connects Conference, the weekend brought together our community to reflect, reconnect and reimagine what’s next for our sport.
Recognising our people.
One of the most meaningful moments of the AGM was the chance to honour those who have given so much to athletics in Aotearoa. This year, we welcomed three new Life Members and celebrated five outstanding Merit Award recipients.
Life Memberships
John McBrearty
John McBrearty has dedicated over six decades to athletics in New Zealand, serving tirelessly across club, centre, and national levels. Beginning with the Ashburton Harrier Club in 1963, he has held numerous leadership roles, including President of Athletics Canterbury and Athletics NZ, and was instrumental in the development of facilities at Ngā Puna Wai following the Christchurch earthquakes. A respected official and administrator, John has managed teams, coordinated officials, and contributed to major events such as the NZ Track & Field Championships and the Riverside Relays. A Life Member of Athletics Canterbury and recipient of multiple merit awards, John’s lifelong commitment and leadership have left a lasting legacy in the sport.
Ian Babe
Ian Babe is a highly respected high-performance coach whose 60-year career has left a profound impact across athletics, triathlon, and rugby in New Zealand. A former national record-holder and world champion masters athlete, Ian has coached athletes to success at World Championships, Commonwealth Games, and Olympic levels, including stars like Sam Warriner and Mary Davies. His influence extends beyond sport, having shaped national physical education policy and mentored athletes across multiple disciplines. A former President of Athletics New Zealand and lifelong member of Athletics Whangarei, Ian is known for his innovative, science-based coaching and unwavering commitment to helping athletes achieve their potential at every level.
Roger Robinson
Roger Robinson is a globally respected figure in athletics whose lifelong contributions span elite competition, administration, commentary, writing, and education. A former international cross-country representative for England and New Zealand, Roger has won numerous national and international masters titles, including a World Masters 80+ title in 2023. He played a pivotal role in establishing the New Zealand Road Relay Championships and served on the NZAAA Management Committee. Renowned for his commentary at major events, including the 1974 Commonwealth Games and Olympic broadcasts, Roger is also a prolific author and historian of running, with acclaimed publications such as Running Throughout Time. His academic career as Professor and Dean at Victoria University of Wellington paralleled his athletics involvement, and he continues to support the sport through the Roger Robinson Scholarship. Universally recognised as a proud New Zealander, Roger’s influence has enriched athletics both nationally and internationally.
Merit Awards
Morris Grey – Northland
Eileen Parsons – Northland
Vern Mardon – Tasman
Sally Kerr – Waikato Bay of Plenty
Cameron Taylor – Auckland
These individuals have shaped our sport at every level, from grassroots to global, and their contributions continue to inspire.
Leadership & Board
After two years of dedicated service, Sharee Jones concluded her term as President of Athletics NZ. We thank Sharee for her steady leadership and commitment to the sport during a time of change and growth.
Stepping into the role is Andrew Stark, previously Vice President. Andrew brings deep experience and a clear passion for the future of athletics in New Zealand.
Andrew Stark has been a driving force in New Zealand Masters athletics for over a decade. After a successful early career as a middle-distance runner, he returned to competition in the 2000s and placed on the podium at the 2009 World Masters Championships. Stark has held key leadership roles since 2010, including President of Canterbury Masters Athletics and New Zealand Masters Athletics, where he has modernised operations through digital publishing, event management systems, and branding initiatives.
Locally, he chaired the Athletics Canterbury Track & Field Committee and Board, helping lead the development of the Nga Puna Wai track and introducing structural reforms. He continues to serve as NZMA President and on the Oceania Masters Athletics Council. Stark’s background in education and publishing has enabled him to balance extensive volunteer commitments, and he now brings his community-focused approach to the Athletics NZ Board as its President.
Athletics NZ is governed by a volunteer board made up of seven members, four elected and three appointed, along with the President and any New Zealand-based member of the World Athletics Council. Board members serve three-year terms and are entrusted with ensuring the organisation is well-managed and future-focused.
This year, we acknowledged the outstanding contribution of Cameron Taylor, who stepped down as Chair after seven and a half years of service. Cameron’s leadership has helped guide Athletics NZ through a period of strategic growth, and we thank him for his vision and commitment.
We’re pleased to confirm that Courtney Ireland and Dr Chris Tooley will continue their service on the Board, bringing valuable continuity and leadership. We’re pleased to confirm that Courtney Ireland will takeover as Chair from Cameron Taylor.
Welcoming Toni Sythes
We also welcomed Toni Sythes, appointed to the Board on 1 July. Toni’s connection to the sport runs deep, she grew up running, inspired by her father, who completed 50 marathons and trained alongside some of New Zealand’s greats. After earning a scholarship to Texas Christian University in the US, Toni transitioned into a successful legal career and now serves as General Counsel at a publicly listed company. Based in Marlborough, she brings strong governance experience and a passion for making athletics more accessible and inclusive.
Financial Performance
The 2024–25 financial year closed with a surplus of $17,580, up from $4,231 the previous year. This result lifts Association Equity to $487,959, reflecting careful financial management and a strong foundation for future investment in the sport.
Club Connections Conference
Following the AGM, the 2025 Club Connections Conference brought together club leaders from across the country for a full day of learning, sharing and connection. The energy in the room was energetic, with strong engagement across every session.
Raylene Bates presented “Clubs of Excellence” plaques to those clubs that had achieved Gold, Silver, or Bronze level in the new program.
The day continued with key insights from our Voice of Participant research and club survey results. A timely session on safeguarding and compliance helped clubs stay current with their responsibilities.
Attendees enjoyed a lively networking lunch, complete with club-to-club speed sessions and partner resource tables. The afternoon featured interactive roundtables on coaching, officiating, Para athletics, women and girls, and youth engagement.
We also explored innovation in action, including the Ahei app and the Southland pilot programme, before wrapping up with a funding deep dive and a panel on events, education and delivery models.
Whether you’re new to club leadership or a seasoned volunteer, the conference left everyone feeling more connected, more informed, and more excited about what’s possible.
