Northland coaching identity elected President of Athletics NZ

Ian Babe from Whangarei has been chosen to be Athletics New Zealands next President at the 131st AGM of the national athletics body in Wellington.

The well respected coach takes over the reins from Dianne Rodger who completed her 12 month term at the weekend.

Rodger, from Hamilton, was elected to the Board appointments Panel, replacing John Tylden who stepped down after several years in the role.

Otagos Joan Merrilees, a coach and administrator from Otago was elected Vice President at the meeting.

Two new Board members were also elected. Jo OSullivan and Paul Spinks will replace Annette Purvis who steps down after 14 years on the board (11 as chair) and Dean McKenzie.

Cameron Taylor (the current Chair) was earlier appointed to the Board for another term.

The meeting also announced two prestigious Merit Awards for Timaru athletics stalwart Ian Baird and posthumously to Olympic medallist Dick Quax.

Earlier in the day many clubs attended the Athletics New Zealands Club Connect Conference participating and hearing from a range of experts and being inspired to improve the way they operate and to provide better services to their members.

- This story has been automatically published using a media release from Athletics New Zealand