The creation and legacy of the RNZ 2011 Volunteer Programme
Two years before New Zealand hosted the Rugby World Cup, Sport NZ invested $1.5 million in the Rugby New Zealand 2011 Volunteer Programme. The aim was to see 5500 volunteers trained, ready for the tournament and able to be the face of the event for visitors and New Zealand fans. More resources.
Sport NZ also wanted to see a legacy left over after the event, with more New Zealanders understanding the importance of volunteerism and concluding their Rugby World Cup experience with the volunteering spirit well fostered within.
After the final and with the All Blacks triumphant, Sport NZ interviewed Volunteer Programme Manager Brendon Ward, who oversaw the programme from beginning to end.
Here, with the help of volunteers, he explains how the programme came together, how they created a brand and ethos for volunteers and created a legacy that will remain for New Zealand.
Volunteer Awards early bird Denise Alexander
Denise Alexander is just one of over 800,000 New Zealand volunteers doing their bit for sport. She was fortunate to be picked, at random, as the winner of the MORE FM Sport Volunteer Early Bird Prize Draw - part of the Sport NZ Sport Volunteer Awards. Here Sport NZ talks to Denise about her volunteering as she enjoys her prize - a trip to the New Zealand Winter Games.
Meet our Volunteers
Each of these volunteers has had a major impact on their sports, clubs, and sports stars in a variety of ways. We thank them for the fabulous work they continue to do.
Barry Cleal
Barry Cleal was one of Hamish Carter’s rowing coaches at Auckland Rowing Club and Auckland Grammar from 1984 to 1991.
Barry has had many years of involvement with club rowing, encouraging and fostering new coaches into rowing as well as helping develop the talents of numerous rowers.
Keren Priscott
Keren was Laura Langman's coach when she was at Hillcrest High School in Hamilton.
She still coaches at the school and runs netball camps for the team.
Rocky Hall
Cory Hutchings’ volunteer Rocky, has had a huge influence in the Surf Life Saving community in Gisborne.
He trained and mentored Cory for years and continues to nurture the sport today.
Jenni Brewer
Jenni Brewer was Adine Wilson’s netball coach when she was at school. She’s still very actively involved in coaching and her community.
Vasa Solomana
Vasa Solomana is Neemia Tialata’s uncle and has been an all-round helper in his rugby career, especially in his under 16s days.
Vasa has been a mentor, trainer, coach and advisor to Neemia.
Les McFadden
Greg Somerville's volunteer Les McFadden has been a Canterbury Rugby Union supporter for many years. He does a lot of rugby liaison volunteering and he looks after visiting teams when they come to town.
He has been volunteering since the 1970’s receiving a QSM in the Queen’s Birthday Honours in 2006. Les is also a Special Life Member of the Belfast Rugby Club.
Bill Kennedy
Bill Kennedy is the ultimate sports volunteer and he has been involved with basketball for an astonishing 63 years. He has played, coached, refereed, and driven teams to games - just to name a few of his volunteering roles.
He still lives in Greymouth and is very involved in basketball. He recently took on a coaching role for a team of senior women playing in the local B Grade . . . at the age of 78!