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Dedicated Servants honoured at 138th AGM
At the prestigious 138th Annual General Meeting of Rowing New Zealand, two remarkable individuals were recognised for their outstanding contributions to the sport. Lauren Farnden and Peter Midgley received Service Awards, celebrating decades of dedication that have helped shape the landscape of New Zealand rowing.
Lauren Farnden: A Legacy of Excellence
Athletic Achievement and Early Career
Lauren Farnden's journey in rowing began with impressive athletic achievements, including winning gold in the Women's Premier Lightweight Coxless Four and securing multiple national and South Island championship medals.
Administrative Leadership
Since beginning her volunteer work in 2004, Farnden has risen through the ranks of rowing administration. She holds Life Membership status with both the Otago Rowing Association and North End Rowing Club, serving in various executive positions. Her leadership extends to chairing the Otago Secondary School Rowing Association and serving on the Southern Rowing Performance Centre Board. Through these roles, she has significantly influenced the development of rowing infrastructure in New Zealand.
Officiating Excellence
Farnden's officiating career has reached the highest echelons of the sport. Currently serving as Chief Umpire for the 2025 New Zealand Rowing Championships, she has gained invaluable international experience at prestigious events including World Cup III in Poland and the World Rowing Masters Championships. Her expertise has been formally recognised through Level 4 NZ Race Official certification and qualification as a World Rowing International Umpire.
Coaching Impact
Her coaching legacy spans multiple levels of competition, from developing young athletes to guiding elite performers. Farnden has contributed to New Zealand's national teams, led the Otago Provincial Rowing Team, and directed the Otago Rowing Association Winter Development Programme. Her influence continues through programs at St Hilda's Collegiate School and North End Rowing Club.
Recognition and Awards
Her exceptional service has earned numerous accolades, including Official of the Year and Administrator of the Year at the ORA Awards. The Rowing NZ Volunteer Recognition Award and multiple honours from North End Rowing Club further testify to her invaluable contributions. Today, she is widely regarded as a treasured figure in both Otago and New Zealand rowing communities.
Lauren in action at the 2025 Rowing NZ Beach Sprint Championships. Photo: Picture Show Ltd.
Peter Midgley: A Pillar of Canterbury Rowing
Early Involvement and Development
Midgley's connection to rowing began during his school years, followed by a return to competitive rowing in the late 1990s. His significant contribution to masters rowing includes representing the Canterbury Association on the pioneering team that established the South Island Masters regatta in 2000, an event he remains actively involved with today. His formal officiating career commenced in 2015 upon qualifying as a Licensed Race Official.
Leadership Roles
Since 2017, Midgley has served as Canterbury's representative on the South Island Rowing Board, where he has distinguished himself as a tireless recruiter of volunteers. His responsibilities have expanded to include leading the Regatta Portfolio and serving as Safety Officer. His dedication to the sport has earned him Associate Life Member status with South Island Rowing.
Cure Boating Club Contributions
At the Cure Boating Club, Midgley has provided exemplary leadership as both President and Life Member. Following the earthquakes, he spearheaded crucial fundraising efforts for the club's new shed reconstruction. His broader influence extends to his role as Vice President of the Canterbury Rowing Association, where he has consistently represented Cure Boating Club's interests at association meetings.
Recent Impact
His recent contributions demonstrate an unwavering commitment to the sport. Midgley has been instrumental in organising numerous working bees during the boat park reconstruction phase. He coordinates transportation for Canterbury volunteers to Twizel events and maintains the reliability of the Association van through his mechanical expertise. His consistent presence at South Island regattas has become a hallmark of his dedication to the sport.
Peter Midgley captured in a rare 'tools down' moment at the 2024 Maadi Regatta.
Both Lauren Farnden and Peter Midgley exemplify the dedication and commitment that have helped shape New Zealand rowing. Their contributions span multiple decades and encompass every aspect of the sport, from competitive achievement to administrative leadership and community service. Their recognition at the 138th Annual General Meeting stands as a testament to their lasting impact on rowing in New Zealand.
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Dedicated Servants honoured at 138th AGM
At the prestigious 138th Annual General Meeting of Rowing New Zealand, two remarkable individuals were recognised for their outstanding contributions to the sport. Lauren Farnden and Peter Midgley received Service Awards, celebrating decades of dedication that have helped shape the landscape of New Zealand rowing.
Lauren Farnden: A Legacy of Excellence
Athletic Achievement and Early Career
Lauren Farnden's journey in rowing began with impressive athletic achievements, including winning gold in the Women's Premier Lightweight Coxless Four and securing multiple national and South Island championship medals.
Administrative Leadership
Since beginning her volunteer work in 2004, Farnden has risen through the ranks of rowing administration. She holds Life Membership status with both the Otago Rowing Association and North End Rowing Club, serving in various executive positions. Her leadership extends to chairing the Otago Secondary School Rowing Association and serving on the Southern Rowing Performance Centre Board. Through these roles, she has significantly influenced the development of rowing infrastructure in New Zealand.
Officiating Excellence
Farnden's officiating career has reached the highest echelons of the sport. Currently serving as Chief Umpire for the 2025 New Zealand Rowing Championships, she has gained invaluable international experience at prestigious events including World Cup III in Poland and the World Rowing Masters Championships. Her expertise has been formally recognised through Level 4 NZ Race Official certification and qualification as a World Rowing International Umpire.
Coaching Impact
Her coaching legacy spans multiple levels of competition, from developing young athletes to guiding elite performers. Farnden has contributed to New Zealand's national teams, led the Otago Provincial Rowing Team, and directed the Otago Rowing Association Winter Development Programme. Her influence continues through programs at St Hilda's Collegiate School and North End Rowing Club.
Recognition and Awards
Her exceptional service has earned numerous accolades, including Official of the Year and Administrator of the Year at the ORA Awards. The Rowing NZ Volunteer Recognition Award and multiple honours from North End Rowing Club further testify to her invaluable contributions. Today, she is widely regarded as a treasured figure in both Otago and New Zealand rowing communities.
Lauren in action at the 2025 Rowing NZ Beach Sprint Championships. Photo: Picture Show Ltd.
Peter Midgley: A Pillar of Canterbury Rowing
Early Involvement and Development
Midgley's connection to rowing began during his school years, followed by a return to competitive rowing in the late 1990s. His significant contribution to masters rowing includes representing the Canterbury Association on the pioneering team that established the South Island Masters regatta in 2000, an event he remains actively involved with today. His formal officiating career commenced in 2015 upon qualifying as a Licensed Race Official.
Leadership Roles
Since 2017, Midgley has served as Canterbury's representative on the South Island Rowing Board, where he has distinguished himself as a tireless recruiter of volunteers. His responsibilities have expanded to include leading the Regatta Portfolio and serving as Safety Officer. His dedication to the sport has earned him Associate Life Member status with South Island Rowing.
Cure Boating Club Contributions
At the Cure Boating Club, Midgley has provided exemplary leadership as both President and Life Member. Following the earthquakes, he spearheaded crucial fundraising efforts for the club's new shed reconstruction. His broader influence extends to his role as Vice President of the Canterbury Rowing Association, where he has consistently represented Cure Boating Club's interests at association meetings.
Recent Impact
His recent contributions demonstrate an unwavering commitment to the sport. Midgley has been instrumental in organising numerous working bees during the boat park reconstruction phase. He coordinates transportation for Canterbury volunteers to Twizel events and maintains the reliability of the Association van through his mechanical expertise. His consistent presence at South Island regattas has become a hallmark of his dedication to the sport.
Peter Midgley captured in a rare 'tools down' moment at the 2024 Maadi Regatta.
Both Lauren Farnden and Peter Midgley exemplify the dedication and commitment that have helped shape New Zealand rowing. Their contributions span multiple decades and encompass every aspect of the sport, from competitive achievement to administrative leadership and community service. Their recognition at the 138th Annual General Meeting stands as a testament to their lasting impact on rowing in New Zealand.
