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Rowing Community Celebrated at the 139th Rowing New Zealand AGM
The 139th Rowing New Zealand Annual General Meeting brought together clubs, volunteers, administrators and leaders from across the country to celebrate another year of rowing in Aotearoa.
Held in Wellington, the AGM weekend recognised the people whose passion and commitment continue to strengthen the sport at every level - from grassroots volunteers through to national leaders who have shaped rowing in New Zealand for decades.
Mike Stanley Awarded Rowing New Zealand Life Membership
A highlight of the evening was the presentation of Rowing New Zealand Life Membership to Mike Stanley CNZM, recognising his extraordinary contribution to rowing over more than four decades.
Mike’s involvement in rowing began at Westlake Boys High School and North Shore Rowing Club before going on to become one of New Zealand’s most accomplished rowers. A member of the legendary New Zealand men’s eight, he won back-to-back World Championship gold medals in 1982 and 1983 and represented New Zealand at the 1984 Olympic Games.
Following his competitive career, Mike made a transformational impact as a coach, administrator and sports leader. As Chief Executive of Rowing New Zealand from 1994 to 2003, he led major governance and high-performance developments that helped shape the modern structure of the sport. His contributions included the establishment of the national training centre at Karāpiro, strengthening coach education pathways, expanding New Zealand’s international age-group representation, and growing high-performance support systems.
Mike has also given extensive service to North Shore Rowing Club, High Performance Sport New Zealand and the New Zealand Olympic Committee, serving as NZOC President for 13 years and continuing today as Honorary President. Earlier this year, he was awarded the Olympic Order by the NZOC.
In recognition of his outstanding service to rowing and sport in New Zealand, Mike was welcomed as Rowing New Zealand’s newest Life Member.
Rowing NZ CE Simon Wickham (far left) with Rowing New Zealand Life Membership recipient Mike Stanley CNZM (second from right), his wife Jane Stanley and his son Jordan Stanley.
Volunteer Recognition Awards
Volunteer Recognition Awards were presented to volunteers selected by their regional rowing associations for their exceptional service and contribution to the sport.
2026 Volunteer Recognition Award Recipients
- Paula Halliday – Auckland Rowing Association
- Helen Rothery – Bay of Plenty Rowing Association
- Hugh Ritchie – East Coast Rowing Association
- Phillip Lee – Waikato Rowing Association
- Jono Debbage – Wellington Rowing Association
- Allan Luff – Whanganui Rowing Association
- Catherine Kappelle – Canterbury Rowing Association
- Tony Crosbie – Marlborough Rowing Association
- Belinda Colling – Otago Rowing Association
- Russell Jenkins – Southland Rowing Association
- Josh Wedlake – Karāpiro Rowing Incorporated
The awards recognised years of dedication across coaching, governance, administration, regatta delivery, club development, athlete support and community leadership.
Canterbury Rowing Association Volunteer Service Award recipient Catherine Kappelle with Paris Silver Olympic Medalist Logan Ullrich.
Thank You to Hosts and Volunteers
Rowing New Zealand acknowledged the Wellington Rowing Association, Wellington Rowing Club and Star Boating Club for hosting the AGM weekend, along with the many volunteers and staff who worked behind the scenes to deliver the event. Special thanks were given to Gwen Surgeon and the Rowing New Zealand team, including Teresa Terry, for coordinating the weekend.
The evening concluded with recognition of the wider rowing community for the countless hours contributed to the sport each year.
Together, the rowing community continues Growing Great New Zealanders - Champions in Sport, Leadership and Life.
Some Life Members of Rowing New Zealand who attended the AGM dinner. Back - Ivan Sutherland, Gerry, Dwyer , Conrad Robertson, Barrie Mabbot. Front- Bill Falconer, Evan McCalman and Geroge Tuffin
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- Home
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- Rowing Community Celebrated...
Rowing Community Celebrated at the 139th Rowing New Zealand AGM
The 139th Rowing New Zealand Annual General Meeting brought together clubs, volunteers, administrators and leaders from across the country to celebrate another year of rowing in Aotearoa.
Held in Wellington, the AGM weekend recognised the people whose passion and commitment continue to strengthen the sport at every level - from grassroots volunteers through to national leaders who have shaped rowing in New Zealand for decades.
Mike Stanley Awarded Rowing New Zealand Life Membership
A highlight of the evening was the presentation of Rowing New Zealand Life Membership to Mike Stanley CNZM, recognising his extraordinary contribution to rowing over more than four decades.
Mike’s involvement in rowing began at Westlake Boys High School and North Shore Rowing Club before going on to become one of New Zealand’s most accomplished rowers. A member of the legendary New Zealand men’s eight, he won back-to-back World Championship gold medals in 1982 and 1983 and represented New Zealand at the 1984 Olympic Games.
Following his competitive career, Mike made a transformational impact as a coach, administrator and sports leader. As Chief Executive of Rowing New Zealand from 1994 to 2003, he led major governance and high-performance developments that helped shape the modern structure of the sport. His contributions included the establishment of the national training centre at Karāpiro, strengthening coach education pathways, expanding New Zealand’s international age-group representation, and growing high-performance support systems.
Mike has also given extensive service to North Shore Rowing Club, High Performance Sport New Zealand and the New Zealand Olympic Committee, serving as NZOC President for 13 years and continuing today as Honorary President. Earlier this year, he was awarded the Olympic Order by the NZOC.
In recognition of his outstanding service to rowing and sport in New Zealand, Mike was welcomed as Rowing New Zealand’s newest Life Member.
Rowing NZ CE Simon Wickham (far left) with Rowing New Zealand Life Membership recipient Mike Stanley CNZM (second from right), his wife Jane Stanley and his son Jordan Stanley.
Volunteer Recognition Awards
Volunteer Recognition Awards were presented to volunteers selected by their regional rowing associations for their exceptional service and contribution to the sport.
2026 Volunteer Recognition Award Recipients
- Paula Halliday – Auckland Rowing Association
- Helen Rothery – Bay of Plenty Rowing Association
- Hugh Ritchie – East Coast Rowing Association
- Phillip Lee – Waikato Rowing Association
- Jono Debbage – Wellington Rowing Association
- Allan Luff – Whanganui Rowing Association
- Catherine Kappelle – Canterbury Rowing Association
- Tony Crosbie – Marlborough Rowing Association
- Belinda Colling – Otago Rowing Association
- Russell Jenkins – Southland Rowing Association
- Josh Wedlake – Karāpiro Rowing Incorporated
The awards recognised years of dedication across coaching, governance, administration, regatta delivery, club development, athlete support and community leadership.
Canterbury Rowing Association Volunteer Service Award recipient Catherine Kappelle with Paris Silver Olympic Medalist Logan Ullrich.
Thank You to Hosts and Volunteers
Rowing New Zealand acknowledged the Wellington Rowing Association, Wellington Rowing Club and Star Boating Club for hosting the AGM weekend, along with the many volunteers and staff who worked behind the scenes to deliver the event. Special thanks were given to Gwen Surgeon and the Rowing New Zealand team, including Teresa Terry, for coordinating the weekend.
The evening concluded with recognition of the wider rowing community for the countless hours contributed to the sport each year.
Together, the rowing community continues Growing Great New Zealanders - Champions in Sport, Leadership and Life.
Some Life Members of Rowing New Zealand who attended the AGM dinner. Back - Ivan Sutherland, Gerry, Dwyer , Conrad Robertson, Barrie Mabbot. Front- Bill Falconer, Evan McCalman and Geroge Tuffin
