Membership

Swimming New Zealand remembers those who have contributed so much to our sport:

Ron Shakespeare

Ron Shakespeare, Life Member of Swimming New Zealand and Swimming Hawke's Bay Poverty Bay.
Ron entered administration as a club secretary in 1935 as a teenager leading to almost 4 decades of service, in almost every capacity possible. He was the National Vice President for 6 years and a Selector for 18. He was involved with every New Zealand Olympic, Empire and Commonwealth Games team from 1950 to 1974, including managing the team at the 1966 British Empire Commonwealth Games in Kingston, Jamaica. In 2009 he was awarded a Lifetime Achievement Award as part of the Halberg Sports Awards.

Bill Matson (pictured below)

Bill Matson, Life Member of Swimming New Zealand and Swimming Wellington, FINA Vice-President.
Bill had been involved in swimming administration for more than four decades, rising to become a FINA Bureau member in 1996, re-elected in 2000 and elected Vice President of FINA in 2005.  He was a Past President and Life Member of Swimming New Zealand and also of the Wellington Swimming Association.  He was President of Oceania Swimming Association from its inception in 1991 until 2008. He was a former board member on the New Zealand Olympic Committee.
In 2010 he was honoured by Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II when she appointed him an Officer of the New Zealand Order of Merit for his services to swimming.

Jill Vernon

Jill Vernon, Swimming New Zealand and Swimming Auckland Service Award holder.
Jill joined the swimming community in 1990 devoting 20 years of valued service to the local, regional and national swimming. In 1996 Jill began her work as a swimming official, qualifying as Timekeeper in 1996, Inspector of Turns (IOT) in 1997, Starter in 2006 and further as a Referee in 2006. She was inducted as a National Inspector of Turns (2006), Starter and finally as a National Referee in 2010. She was the Chair of the Auckland Technical Committee 2008 - 2010 and in that role became well known for her kind and gentle mentoring of new officials. "Remember, we are here for the swimmers" was her frequent refrain to trainee and newly qualified officials.

Bert Cotterill

Bert Cotterill, Life Member of Swimming New Zealand, Swimming Hawkes Bay Poverty Bay and NZ Swim Coaches and Teachers Association.
Bert passed away on 23 August 2009. He was involved in swimming in New Zealand for 66 years. He was a competitive swimmer for 18 years and was five times winner of the New Zealand three mile distance championship (1954-1958). Bert was heavily involved in coaching including 30 years of coaching at club, regional and national meets. His many achievements in swimming were recognised nationally and internationally. He was awarded Life Membership of Swimming New Zealand at the 2008 AGM.

Ian Russell

Ian Russell, Life Member of Swimming New Zealand.
Ian's community involvement was outstanding and a testament to his character. His involvement over many years in swimming and surf life saving in both New Plymouth and nationally has benefited many. Ian was awarded Life Membership of Swimming New Zealand in 1989 for his outstanding contribution to swimming, including a term leading the organisation as president. Ian displayed a wonderful contribution to swimming, surf life saving and the community.

Artie Shaw

Artie Shaw, Life Member of Swimming New Zealand, ex President of Swimming New Zealand and ex Vice president of FINA.
Artie was elected Vice President of the New Zealand Amateur Swimming Association in 1977 and President in 1979. His time as President saw the introduction of major restructuring within NZASA including the move of the Headquarters to Wellington, the removal of residency criteria for Council membership, and the introduction of the President as Chair of Council amongst the changes.
In 1984 Artie was elected Vice president of FINA, and in this role was given responsibility on behalf of the Bureau to investigate and initiate the incorporation of Masters swimming with the FINA family. On behalf of FINA, he oversaw the adaptation of Masters rules into the constitution of FINA, creating the fifth discipline within the world body at the 1986 Congress in Madrid. Although Artie has risen to the highest levels of World Swimming, he did not distance himself from the poolside activities which are the base of our sport, remaining available for club night activities, judging, referee in and teaching young officials and parents on what is required of them.