We have some fantastic charitable and community sports organisations here on the Shore, the majority of which rely on the devotion of good sorts volunteering their time to keep the organisations running smoothly. This month, we share the stories of some of our local sports’ good sorts who give up their precious time for the community groups they love so much. They all have their own stories, but their dedication is clear; most of them have been in their volunteer roles for decades and absolutely love what they do.
Robyne’s devoted to bowls
As well as meeting her husband through bowls, the sport is part of Robyne Walker’s family history; two of her ancestors (including a grandfather) are members of the Bowls New Zealand Hall of Fame. President of Takapuna Bowling Club and Chair of Bowls North Harbour, Robyne lives on the Shore with her husband, Brett O’Riley. They raised their two children in Northcote Point, Rothesay Bay, Hillcrest and Milford, and the family also had a two-year stint living in Western Australia. Robyne talks about why she volunteers and shares some of her sport-related highlights over the years.
What do you love about being involved in sport of bowls?
I love that bowls is a game for all ages, all walks of life, ethnicities, and abilities, played in a friendly and supportive environment. I started playing in my 20s and met Brett through bowls. I then stopped for over 30 years, while I pursued my career and raising our family, restarting in 2017 to play in the World Masters Games. I have been able, with my club mates, to win two New Zealand title gold medals and several silver and bronze medals since then – what we have called, ‘The Takapuna Blue Wave’.
How long have you volunteered in the sport and how did you get into it?
I was given the opportunity to volunteer as the Takapuna Club secretary from my first season back playing in 2017 and had the time to be able to help. I really enjoy being able to give back to our sport and the community. Election as Takapuna Club president came in 2021, when I also joined the Bowls North Harbour board and became chairperson during this season.
What are some highlights of your volunteering experience?
My biggest highlights are Takapuna winning the Bowls New Zealand Club of the Year in 2021, the work we did supporting our club members during the Covid lockdowns, and our growth in membership since 2017 (to over 200) with a significant increase in engagement in club playing and social activities. We are looking at some big transformation opportunities for Bowls North Harbour – watch this space!
Why would you recommend volunteering to others?
There is great personal satisfaction from helping create sporting experiences for people to enjoy as part of a functioning community, whether they are competitive or social members. I also enjoy developing processes and systems that enable volunteers to administrate more productively.
How important are volunteers to your sport and the local community?
Volunteers make our sport what it is, and the number involved is a great sign of a club’s health. It helps create a great experience for members and others in the community, through programmes like corporate bowls, Krak-a-Jack, and secondary schools’ bowls.
What do you do for enjoyment outside your volunteering role?
Playing competitively for Takapuna and North Harbour at the highest level is great fun and very fulfilling. I attended the Commonwealth Games last year with Brett, as part of his role on the World Bowls Board, and we enjoyed watching club-mate Selina Goddard win two bronze medals. I like travel and exploring new places, and time with family is precious.
Simon’s life of service to rugby and our borders
Simon Williamson has lived a life of service to his community. Retiring earlier this year after an impressive 44+ years of service with New Zealand Customs, for the past 23 years he’s also been managing or administrating rugby in a volunteer capacity at the Northcote Birkenhead Rugby Union Sports Club (NBRUSC). During his career in Customs, he represented New Zealand interests in Australian drug enforcement for five years and was made a Member of the New Zealand Order of Merit in 2016 for service to New Zealand Customs. Simon is happily married with three children and four grandchildren, all of them are involved in sport in some way. He chats to Channel Magazine about his service to the community and all things rugby.
What do you most love about sport?
Watching young people enjoying themselves and develop into good citizens through camaraderie, self-esteem, team ethos and sound values that team sports provide.
How long have you volunteered and how did you get into it?
For the past 23 years I have been managing or administrating rugby at the Northcote Birkenhead Rugby Union Sports Club (NBRUSC). Prior to that, I was an active player and coach. I also coached youth rugby and cricket in Sydney for five years.
What are some highlights of your volunteering experience?
Helping to manage a NBRUSC Premier Two rugby team that won five North Harbour Championships over a ten-year period. Becoming president of the NBRUSC and, recently, vice-president of the North Harbour Rugby Union (NHRU).
Why would you recommend volunteering to others?
Achieving a sense of achievement in ensuring young people have a good start in life, with sound support.
How important are volunteers to your sport and the local community?
Critical in ensuring that over 550 registered players are able to participate in club rugby every weekend and each rugby season.
What do you do for enjoyment outside your volunteering role?
Socialising with friends and also supporting my four grandchildren – spending time with them is great.
It’s softball all the way for Roberta
Roberta Blair-Stilwell is North Harbour Softball Association’s chairwoman and has been volunteering for the sport on the Shore for more than 15 years. She lives on the Shore with husband, Rik Stilwell. Together they have three adult children, Brooke, James and Reina and have recently become proud grandparents for the first time. Roberta answers questions about her connection to the sport she loves and why volunteers are vital, not just for softball but for all sporting clubs.
What is it you love about softball?
Softball is a whānau-orientated sport through which you can make lifelong friends and connections. Softball provides opportunities for our rangatahi (youth) to grow mentally, physically, and emotionally and enables a sense of belonging.
How long have you been volunteering and how did you get into it?
I have been involved in volunteering at softball on the North Shore for more than 15 years, from coaching at club and representative levels, managing teams, being a committee member, board member, trust member and now as chairwoman of North Harbour Softball Association (NHSA).
What are some highlights of your volunteering experience?
My highlights would be my time as venue manager at the WBSC Men’s Softball World Cup held at Whakaata Māori Stadium, Rosedale Park in 2022. Also, for the Tradestaff Fastball45 National League 2021 — our house looked amazing!
Why would you recommend volunteering to others?
It’s great way to meet new people. It’s also a great way giving back to your community and a sport that you are passionate about.
How important are volunteers to your sport and the local community?
Volunteers are vital to the success of any sport or community group. Due to increasing costs of maintaining and providing safe facilities, sports clubs and local community groups would not be able to function, maintain and provide services or events for their communities without volunteers.
What do you do for enjoyment outside of your volunteering role?
Spending time with whānau, weaving, watching sport and travelling.
Ko Taupiri te maunga
Ko Waikato te awa
Ko Tainui te waka
Ko Waikato me Tuwharetoa oku iwi
Engari, no Motupohue ahau
Ko Roberta Blair-Stilwell toku ingoa
Ko ahau te heamana mo te pouika o Te Tai Tokerau
Tēnā koutou, tēnā koutou, tēnā koutou katoa.
Riding for the Disabled’s longest serving volunteer
Colleen Masters is North Shore Riding for the Disabled’s longest serving volunteer. She is married with three children, four grandchildren and three great grandchildren, and worked with her husband in their own business until retirement. She played many team sports in her younger days but says she didn’t have any experience with horses or knowledge of children with special needs or a disability when she began working with North Shore Riding for the Disabled. Her time as a volunteer started with a coincidental meeting at a street barbecue. Colleen answers Channel Mag’s questions about her lengthy role with the organisation and what keeps her involved.
What do you love about being involved with North Shore Riding for the Disabled (NSRDA)?
I love being able to make a difference in the lives of people with disabilities. I often think how freeing it must be for a physically disabled rider to get on a horse and be able experience what it feels like to have legs.
How long have you volunteered and how did you get into it?
My journey with NSRDA started at the beginning of 1998, after moving to Browns Bay. I met one of our neighbours, who was a volunteer at NSRDA, at a Christmas street barbecue. As always, they were looking for volunteers. I had no experience with horses (apart from falling off one) or with special needs children.
What are some highlights of your volunteering experience?
I am so very glad I became a NSRDA volunteer. My 24 years have been very rewarding in all aspects. I have met so many wonderful people, and value the friendships of many. The additional experience and fellowship I have gained is invaluable. There is so much more I could say, as it truly has been a wonderful journey.
Why would you recommend volunteering to others?
It is a great opportunity to help people with disabilities develop their potential and have an enjoyable experience whilst getting into the outdoors and getting some exercise.
What do you do for enjoyment outside your volunteering role?
I enjoy spending time with my family and being a big part of their lives in all areas. My husband and I also enjoy travelling and gardening.
How important are volunteers to your sport and the local community?
Without volunteers we simply would not be able to function and provide the wonderful service that we do. Volunteers are an integral part of our community. With these often being retired people, they tend to bring time and patience to their roles.
Luisa’s riding high as a volunteer
Luisa Shanahan is a local Milford resident, having lived on the North Shore for most of her 60+ years. Like Colleen, Luisa volunteers for North Shore Riding for the Disabled and has done so for over 15 years. The organisation provides therapeutic horse riding for people with disabilities to improve physical, intellectual and emotional wellbeing. Luisa talks about her background with horses and her love for the volunteering she does.
What do you love about the organisation you volunteer with?
I have always been around horses. I am a mum of four and a grandmother to three and I was previously a teacher, so children
are a big part of my life and I really enjoy the role I do at Riding for the Disabled.
How long have you been volunteering and how did you get into it?
A dear friend, Cherrill Carter, volunteered with Riding for the Disabled for many years and earmarked me for her replacement as she stepped slowly away - that was nearly 15 years ago!
What are some highlights of your volunteering experience?
All these factors drew me to RDA and still keep me there; the smell of and contact with our beautiful herd, who just have so much to offer disabled folk, our clients who make me feel humbled and bring me joy and laughter, and my fellow volunteers who are spirited, generous and dedicated.
Why would you recommend volunteering to others?
Being a volunteer is what each of us make of it. I feel lucky to be able to be one.
