Hockey New Zealand new president is Bill Shepherd

Hockey Northland chairman Bill Shepherd added another string to his bow when he was elected president of Hockey New Zealand at the recent annual general meeting in Auckland.
"I felt quite honoured when Hockey New Zealand asked me to put my hand up for the job, and then get elected for the role. It's recognition of the high esteem Northland is held in hockey communities around the country," Shepherd said.
Unusually there were two nominees for the position this year - Shepherd and Marlborough's Jenny Hair, who has been the vice-president of HNZ for several years - which meant an election was necessary.
The Ruatangata Hockey Club and Hockey Northland life member started playing hockey in 1958 when he was still in high school. "I've played every year since, and still play for the men's division one Ruatangata team ... I'm the oldest and the youngest guy in our team is 16. Some of the guys in my team give me a bit of grief about my age, but I'm certainly not the worst player in my team - and no one has asked me to leave yet," he quipped.
Shepherd, 65, has also represented New Zealand at Masters level - and won gold with the men's team in Adelaide in 1994, and again in Hong Kong, in 1996.
While his antics on the turf have been noticed in the past, it is his work off the field which gets him noticed these days.
He has been chairman of Hockey Northland since 2005, and the role consumes a lot of his time. Because the HNZ president job is largely ceremonial and not too onerous, he gladly accepted the position.
"I don't think I could have accepted the role if it was very involved as I am tied up with Hockey Northland ... My job as president will be to chair the AGM, and be the HNZ frontperson when it comes to international tournaments," he said.
As well as being a recognition of his personal standing within New Zealand hockey circles, Shepherd said he felt his election was a big endorsement of Hockey Northland's performance within the national hockey family at all levels including administration, playing and umpiring.
"The fact that we have so many Northland and former Northland young women among the current Black Sticks is no accident. It is because of the skills that we have among our people and the environment we provide for our young players.
"Unfortunately, at the present time we don't have a similar rating with our young men - but we had many New Zealand representatives in the past."
Hockey Northland and Shepherd's family were chuffed about his new role as president, saying he was a worthy candidate. "I am very proud of the fact that Hockey Northland has punched above its weight for many years and continues to do so. I am also very proud of the fact that I have been able to play a part in that success," Shepherd said.
Four Northlanders were recognised at HNZ's AGM in Auckland for their contribution to hockey. Jenny Riddick, Grant McLeod's predecessor as Hockey Northland's chief executive, and Karen Smith, an international umpire, were given service awards for 25 years of involvement in the sport.
Vicki Gribble was also presented with a service award for 20 years of coaching and playing, while Shirley Blake - an umpire and junior umpire coach - was recognised for 15 years of service.