2024 Aon Emerging School Rowing Scholarship
Gordon Milne has been rowing for a few seasons and is passionate about the sport. He is also a first-year teacher at Wainuiomata High School.
Gordon's love for rowing has inspired him to introduce the sport to his students and the school. However, this is no easy task, considering the usual challenges of getting a school to adopt a new sport, compounded by the difficulty of securing enough on-water time due to Wellington's unpredictable weather.
Gordon believes his efforts will ultimately teach students important life skills through the nature of the sport.
“It’s a different kind of sport—they have to work together; there are no heroes, it’s all about teamwork.”
When Gordon received the news that Wainuiomata High School had been selected as the recipient of the Aon Emerging School Rowing Scholarship, he was excited and grateful to Aon and Rowing NZ for the grant, which will significantly help with regatta and membership fees.
“It’s probably the reason we can have a full season,” Gordon said. “I didn’t want cost to be a barrier for the students,” Gordon continues.
The Aon Emerging School Rowing Scholarship is an initiative supported by Aon, to help a school that has a rowing programme in its infancy.
The scholarship was open to schools that are in their first season of having a rowing programme in place and have a desire to develop and grow their programme.
As the recipient of the scholarship for 2024, Wainuiomata High School have received $5,000 to support their rowing programme expenses.
As a first-time rowing coach, Gordon has positive yet realistic goals for his rowers, but he prioritises fun and creating a good experience above everything else.
“My goal for the students would be multiple seasons competing at local regattas. Perhaps Maadi, down the track. They are coming along well – they have come a long way. They are turning up regularly and enjoying it which is the main thing.”
Gordon Milne, first year teacher at Wainuiomata High School and intermediate rower is the driving force behind getting the schools rowing programme up and running. Photo: Picture Show Ltd
Mark Weatherall, GM of Community & Development at Rowing NZ, attended the Learn to Row session with the Wainuiomata High School team at the Wellington Rowing Club. He was thrilled to see all the students on the water, some for the first time.
“Looking out here today, I see smiles on their faces. Some of them have never been on a rowing boat before. Whether they go on to win medals or simply cultivate a love for the sport, it’s wonderful to see the kids out on the water,” Mark said.
He expressed his gratitude towards Aon in NZ, for their support of this scholarship. “We are very fortunate to have Aon backing us; they have been involved with our sport, supporting Rowing NZ for over 20 years. This scholarship aims to involve schools that haven’t previously participated in rowing. It’s magical to see this in action with such a great group of students. We truly appreciate the support from Aon and everything they do for us.”
Single sculler Dilyan Kusnadi says that Gordon is the reason she started rowing. “Mr Milne talked to me about rowing, and I thought, why not give it a try? I need to get out of the house and do something sporty.”
“At first, it was challenging, but once you get the hang of it, it becomes really easy.” Dilyan enjoys rowing in a single scull because she likes having control over the boat, but she also appreciates the team aspect of the sport, as they are all on the water and train at the same time.
Dilyan is excited about representing her school: "It means a lot to me. I look forward to making my school proud. The thrill of being on the water is what keeps me rowing.”
Dilyan Kusnadi (left) was keen to try 'something sporty' so she thought she would give rowing a go and is enjoying the single scull. Photo: Picture Show Ltd.
Dom Barclay was also recruited by Gordon along with Dom’s friends, who encouraged him to give rowing a try.
“I enjoy it. I love being out on the harbour, as I don’t get the opportunity to go on the water otherwise. I also appreciate the physical aspect of rowing—getting on the ergs and staying active. Since I don’t represent the school in other sports, it will be exciting to do so in rowing.”
Liam Cooper, who plays several sports, wasn't sure if he would continue with rowing, but he has had a great time and has now committed to the season and is looking forward to racing against other schools.
Liam doesn't underestimate the mahi it has taken to get the team on the water, “I think it will be a cool experience to participate in our first regatta, representing Wainuiomata High School. I’m grateful for the grant from Aon and Rowing NZ, as I wouldn’t have been able to afford the fees or maintenance otherwise. I also want to thank Mr. Milne for his hard work and support.”
Liam Cooper, from Wainuiomata High School learning to row (pictured in bow seat in the quad). Photo: Picture Show Ltd.
Community support for the sport has been incredible, including the school and local gyms like Way of Life Fitness. There’s a real drive to see a sport like this succeed, and Gordon hopes this will encourage other schools to try it out.
RowingHub will continue to follow Wainuiomata High School and their rowing journey, we can’t wait to see them at a regatta!
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2024 Aon Emerging School Rowing Scholarship
Gordon Milne has been rowing for a few seasons and is passionate about the sport. He is also a first-year teacher at Wainuiomata High School.
Gordon's love for rowing has inspired him to introduce the sport to his students and the school. However, this is no easy task, considering the usual challenges of getting a school to adopt a new sport, compounded by the difficulty of securing enough on-water time due to Wellington's unpredictable weather.
Gordon believes his efforts will ultimately teach students important life skills through the nature of the sport.
“It’s a different kind of sport—they have to work together; there are no heroes, it’s all about teamwork.”
When Gordon received the news that Wainuiomata High School had been selected as the recipient of the Aon Emerging School Rowing Scholarship, he was excited and grateful to Aon and Rowing NZ for the grant, which will significantly help with regatta and membership fees.
“It’s probably the reason we can have a full season,” Gordon said. “I didn’t want cost to be a barrier for the students,” Gordon continues.
The Aon Emerging School Rowing Scholarship is an initiative supported by Aon, to help a school that has a rowing programme in its infancy.
The scholarship was open to schools that are in their first season of having a rowing programme in place and have a desire to develop and grow their programme.
As the recipient of the scholarship for 2024, Wainuiomata High School have received $5,000 to support their rowing programme expenses.
As a first-time rowing coach, Gordon has positive yet realistic goals for his rowers, but he prioritises fun and creating a good experience above everything else.
“My goal for the students would be multiple seasons competing at local regattas. Perhaps Maadi, down the track. They are coming along well – they have come a long way. They are turning up regularly and enjoying it which is the main thing.”
Gordon Milne, first year teacher at Wainuiomata High School and intermediate rower is the driving force behind getting the schools rowing programme up and running. Photo: Picture Show Ltd
Mark Weatherall, GM of Community & Development at Rowing NZ, attended the Learn to Row session with the Wainuiomata High School team at the Wellington Rowing Club. He was thrilled to see all the students on the water, some for the first time.
“Looking out here today, I see smiles on their faces. Some of them have never been on a rowing boat before. Whether they go on to win medals or simply cultivate a love for the sport, it’s wonderful to see the kids out on the water,” Mark said.
He expressed his gratitude towards Aon in NZ, for their support of this scholarship. “We are very fortunate to have Aon backing us; they have been involved with our sport, supporting Rowing NZ for over 20 years. This scholarship aims to involve schools that haven’t previously participated in rowing. It’s magical to see this in action with such a great group of students. We truly appreciate the support from Aon and everything they do for us.”
Single sculler Dilyan Kusnadi says that Gordon is the reason she started rowing. “Mr Milne talked to me about rowing, and I thought, why not give it a try? I need to get out of the house and do something sporty.”
“At first, it was challenging, but once you get the hang of it, it becomes really easy.” Dilyan enjoys rowing in a single scull because she likes having control over the boat, but she also appreciates the team aspect of the sport, as they are all on the water and train at the same time.
Dilyan is excited about representing her school: "It means a lot to me. I look forward to making my school proud. The thrill of being on the water is what keeps me rowing.”
Dilyan Kusnadi (left) was keen to try 'something sporty' so she thought she would give rowing a go and is enjoying the single scull. Photo: Picture Show Ltd.
Dom Barclay was also recruited by Gordon along with Dom’s friends, who encouraged him to give rowing a try.
“I enjoy it. I love being out on the harbour, as I don’t get the opportunity to go on the water otherwise. I also appreciate the physical aspect of rowing—getting on the ergs and staying active. Since I don’t represent the school in other sports, it will be exciting to do so in rowing.”
Liam Cooper, who plays several sports, wasn't sure if he would continue with rowing, but he has had a great time and has now committed to the season and is looking forward to racing against other schools.
Liam doesn't underestimate the mahi it has taken to get the team on the water, “I think it will be a cool experience to participate in our first regatta, representing Wainuiomata High School. I’m grateful for the grant from Aon and Rowing NZ, as I wouldn’t have been able to afford the fees or maintenance otherwise. I also want to thank Mr. Milne for his hard work and support.”
Liam Cooper, from Wainuiomata High School learning to row (pictured in bow seat in the quad). Photo: Picture Show Ltd.
Community support for the sport has been incredible, including the school and local gyms like Way of Life Fitness. There’s a real drive to see a sport like this succeed, and Gordon hopes this will encourage other schools to try it out.
RowingHub will continue to follow Wainuiomata High School and their rowing journey, we can’t wait to see them at a regatta!
