Appointed Board Member – Greg Allnutt MNZM
Greg is a Partner in a strategic business advisory business and helps executive leaders of medium sized businesses across NZ and Australia to adapt, grow and thrive through change.
Greg is a Member of the New Zealand Order of Merit for his work in strategy and leadership. He has led people continuously for over 30 years in the military, public and private sectors. He has held several governance roles.
Although he started the sport later in life, Greg is a passionate surfer and grabs a wave at any opportunity, and appreciates what it does for his well-being. His wife and girls also live the surfing lifestyle, with his wife also enjoying judging.
Appointed Board Member – Sarah Rogan
Sarah brings to the board over 20 years experience in communications with a strength in sports sponsorship and PR. She is passionate about sport and the positive impact it has in New Zealand communities.
During her career Sarah has worked alongside Surfing New Zealand on award winning events such as The Ultimate Waterman and Vodafone Surf Sessions. She is looking forward to using her experience to help grow Surfing New Zealand’s profile.
Appointed Board Member – Charmaine Clark
Char is a driven Project Manager working in Information Communication Technology. She has a special interest in Maori infrastructure and Maori business growth and development. In addition to this she has work experience in academia, education and research.
She aims to achieve high sustainable standards and the best solutions for every project. She has worked in many settings and achieved the impossible.
Char grew up at Ngawhi coast and loves free diving and fishing. Her first board was a giant Atlas Woods in the Kawakawa washpools as a 5/6yr old before going on to foamies and finally the good ole 6”2 thruster. These days she battles a chronic illness, and her surfing has changed, she gets in when she can but her passion has never ceased. She chooses to support surfing, the sport she loves through governance. Her body may not want to play ball, but her mind is still paddling out and pulling in.
Appointed Board Member – Mark Pevats
Mark is a chartered accountant with his own successful accounting business – YHPJ Accountants.
As a travelled surfer the world over, Mark has a significant understanding of the surfing community. A parent to surfing children, Mark is also highly knowledgeable in event operations.
Mark joined the Surfing New Zealand board in 2019 and has been integral in reshaping the financial processes of the organisation.
Mark is the President of Ocean Beach Boardriders based near Whangarei and also sits on the committee of Surfing Northland.
Email: mark.pevats@yovich.co.nz
North Island Representative – Keri McKenzie
Keri is originally from Mount Maunganui, left to Australia when she was 18 and came back to NZ 16 years later. Australia was where she had her three surfing children. There she had a thriving natural skincare business before coming back to NZ to settle in the Hawkes Bay.
In Hawkes Bay she is the Community and Development Manager for the Your Solutions Hawkes Bay Boardriders, and a event co-ordinator for the largest game fishing competition in the region. She’s soon to also start a job in the Building Industry.
Keri’s favourite thing to do is hang with her family at the beach, travelling around new spots – always on an adventure.
South Island Representative – Russell Ritchie
Russell has over 25 years of sports administration predominantly as a volunteer. He has managed regional and national teams since 1989. He has administered regional and national surfing events both as a contest director and head judge.
Russell has driven his local boardrider club to become one of the most successful clubs in the country.
Russell has been a self-employed plumber 30 years being involved in all aspects of the construction industry, including the onsite/offsite coordination and management of jobs (housing & light commercial). Since 2011, he has been running a construction company involved in the large-scale repairs of earthquake-damaged houses in Christchurch.
Email: russell.ritchie@xtra.co.nz
Maori Representative – Alan Te Moananui (profile to come)
General Board Member – Deb Bowry
Deb is currently on the New Zealand Water Polo Board and has an interest in vast aquatic sports whether it is in the pool or in the ocean. She is of Samoan descent and loves the diversity that surfing provides for all walks of life in our beautiful country.
Deb brings knowledge and experience from seven years on the NZ Water Polo Board with a clear understanding of the difference between governance and management. Deb is currently the Assistant Regional Sports Director for School Sport Canterbury with a finance portfolio aimed at helping grow revenue streams in the sporting environment.
Deb is a current member of the Southern Wahine Boardriders Club.
