Athletics New Zealand take new direction

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Athletics New Zealand (ANZ) today signalled a change in direction, with a new constitution voted in at its annual meeting in Wellington.

ANZ chairwoman Annette Purvis said change was imperative, as the sport was "financially unsustainable" at present.

Apart from high performance funding, she said a third of ANZ's income was from levies, and the rest from charity funding.

"The board shares the frustration of our members that we cannot invest in athlete, coach and offical pathways," she said in a statement.

"We need to create our own sustainable income in order to invest in ourselves where we see the priority."

Challenges facing athletics included a stagnant membership, a fragmented organisational structure, "hand to mouth" financial progress and significant variation in the availability, nature and quality of services provided by clubs.

The new constitution is aimed at strengthening the club structure, and included club representation at future annual meetings. It will replace a regional voting structure in place since 1902.

"Our previous membership definitions and service offerings were very narrow and technical, elite in many ways," Purvis said.

"Our new approach is about inclusiveness and partnership and providing stronger support for our clubs and all runners and walkers in New Zealand."

The meeting elected Wellington's Jim Blair as president, with Alec McNab of Wanganui vice-president.

Board members elected for a two-year term were Alan McCauley, David Norris and Purvis. Don Garland, Graham O'Brien and Tony Rogers were elected national track and field selectors for a two-year term.

Otago's Ron Cain, a former president and national cross-country and road selector, was awarded life membership after 66 years involvement in the sport.

- NZPA