National life membership just reward for stalwart

Swim Wairarapa and Carterton Swimming Club stalwart Ian McPhee was honoured at Swimming New Zealand's 120th annual meeting in Petone at the weekend when he was made a life member.
McPhee, who started swimming as a young lad more than 65 years ago, became passionate about the sport, which has led to a lifetime involvement.
He became Wairarapa's first delegate to NZ Swimming in 1958 and was instrumental in getting Wairarapa recognised as a stand-alone swimming region.
Over the years, McPhee has held many positions including examiner, selector, education officer, Carterton club vice-president, president and delegate to NZASA meetings. He was awarded life membership of Swim Wairarapa in 1979.
He has also stood as a nationally qualified timekeeper, judge, starter and referee.
The 1970s also saw McPhee begin his involvement with the New Zealand Amateur Swimming Association where he served as vice-president from 1979 to 1981 and became president the following year.
McPhee was also manager of the New Zealand team at the Australian Winter Games in 1982 and Chef de Mission in 1985.
McPhee also found time to coach the Wairarapa team in 1980 and 1981 and, later that decade, he was a driving force behind the construction of the Carterton indoor pool.
After living in Kaitaia, McPhee has returned to Wairarapa and is still assisting the region.
Swim New Zealand and Swim Wairarapa officials said they were deeply indebted to McPhee for his work and dedication to the sport and congratulated him on this latest deserved recognition.