Changing of the guard at Athletics New Zealand

The chairman of Athletics New Zealand Stephen Underwood announced at the annual general meeting of the association, in Wellington on Saturday, that he was standing down and would not be seeking re-election.

Underwood of Wellington said that he made the decision two weeks ago for health reasons.
"I withdrew my nomination for re-election for health reasons. The pressure is now off and I can look after myself. The chairmanship has been an all consuming thing with enormous hours and efforts," said Underwood.
"I need to de-stress my life and take a step back," he added.

The Board members elected under the two year rotation were Trevor Spittle (Canterbury) and newcomers to the Board Dave Harkness of Auckland and Patrick Meffan of Nelson.

The Board elected Annette Purvis of Canterbury as the new chair. Purvis has been a Board member for three years and was the deputy-chair. Purvis is the second woman elected to chair the Board, following Joanne Hickman in 2000.

Mhyre Oman was elected president of the association for the next 12 months. Oman from Hamilton is the third woman president of Athletics New Zealand following Marion Jackman in 1977 and Colleen Mills in 1997. Murray McKinnon of Auckland was elected vice-president and John Phillips of Auckland to the national technical officials committee. John Bowden of Auckland, Barry Ellis of Tauranga and Craig Motley of Canterbury were elected unopposed as cross country and road selectors.

Picture: Mhyre Oman(left) and Annette Purvis 2007 AGM.

Merit awards for outstanding service to the sport were awarded to Roy Williams of Auckland, Don Willoughby of Cambridge and Trevor Spittle of Christchurch.