Steph Lang
A further three Lotto Sport Makers were presented with merchandise and a first aid kit by Sport Northland staff for their contribution to sport in their region.
Lindell Ferguson of Kaiwaka, Steph Lang from Kaitaia and Julie Mokaraka from Maungakaramea were the winners from Sport Northland's Lotto Sport Maker monthly draw.
Lindell Ferguson, Kaipara
Tell us about your role
I am a coach and administrator at the Kaipara Knights Soccer Club. I am also the secretary and organiser of the juniors at the Kaiwaka Tennis [Club] and help out at the Kaiwaka Primary School across a number of areas, including sport.
Why do you like to volunteer?
As a parent I feel that if my children are involved in sport then I should be as involved as possible. It is also an important part of belonging to a small community.
What are the challenges you face in the role?
There are never enough volunteers to help across all the roles needed in a club, including administration and coaching.
How does your family support your volunteering?
The children help out with chores i.e. washing, dinner etc., as we all need to be well organised to enable them to participate in a wide range of sporting activities.
So what's the best part about being a Sport Maker?
Definitely as a coach seeing the improvements and development of skills in the children, along with watching them having fun participating.
What other people say about Lindell:
The players' parents felt that Lindell had done a great job of encouraging the young players, taking a great personal approach and achieving fantastic results.
Julie Mokaraka, Whangarei
Tell us about your role
I am involved with the social side of Maungakaramea Sports Club mainly, which is quiz nights, twilight sports and social events at the club. My official position on the committee is secretary.
Why do you like to volunteer?
I like to volunteer because I have the time, but I enjoy meeting people and getting involved in the local community. I started out as secretary for the Papakura Army Presidents Rugby Team as my husband played rugby for them. When we moved to Maungakaramea, I became involved with the Mid Western Rugby Club and was on the committee for quite a few years. I have been with the sports club now for several years.
What are the challenges you face in the role?
The main challenge is motivating people to participate in sporting activities, and commit to being in a team. I think people are a lot busier now with work and families, and don't have as much spare time as they used to.
What advice would you give to people wanting to become a Sport Maker?
I would tell Sports Makers, don't be disappointed if at first people don't want to participate in things. Just keep trying to involve them and make it fun.
How does your family support your volunteering?
My family is very supportive. My children and grandchildren participate in twilight sports, quiz nights, and events to support me and the club.
What's the best part about being a Sport Maker?
Seeing people out playing sport and enjoying themselves and involving the whole family.
Why did you become involved?
I got involved to support the club and wanted to help get the whole family out there playing sports and having fun together.
What sports have you played?
I played netball, badminton and tennis when I was younger but am more of a spectator and motivator now. I support my children and grandchildren with their sporting activities now.
Steph Lang, Far North
How long have you been a Sport Maker?
I have been a sports volunteer with the Kaitaia Athletic Club as a committee member and a coach since I moved to Kaitaia five years ago to take up a PE teaching position at the college. I also took on managing the Kaitaia College senior A netball team in 2012.
Why do you enjoy being a Sport Maker?
I enjoy working with a great committee and seeing the kids develop their skills and improve their results over the season. Coaching is an awesome way to get to know the students of our school. Highlight would be the team's development over the last two years, especially the team placing second in the C grade at the UNISS tournament in 2013 and gaining promotion into the B Grade for 2014. I enjoy seeing the girls gain success in their chosen sport as well as watching them develop life skills such as teamwork, time management and communication skills as well as having lots of fun with their friends.
What does your role at Kaitaia Athletics Club involve?
Attending committee meetings and being a club delegate at Northland meetings in Whangarei; going to coaching courses; preparing the coaching programme for club nights; taking the mass warm-ups; assisting with events for club nights and ribbon days; providing coaches to junior club members.
What does your role as manager of the Kaitaia College senior A netball team involve?
Completing all the relevant paperwork for player, team and tournament registrations, collecting fee money, arranging fundraising activities and managing the funding account, managing the sideline equipment e.g. first aid, water bottles, scorecard etc; assisting with player management both on and off the court, attending warm up games, weekly Mangonui Netball Centre club matches, Northland Secondary School tournament and the week-long UNISS tournament.
What sports have you played?
I have a sport background in hockey but unfortunately there is no facility for this sport in Kaitaia. However, this has not stopped me becoming involved in other recreational sporting activities and I have just completed the 2013 Kerikeri Half Marathon.
What advice would you give to people wanting to become a Sport Maker?
My advice to other potential volunteers is to "give it a go, the rewards are outstanding".
'Our heart goes out to Kath’s husband, their children, friends and whānau.'