Michael Holmes (Ngāti Ranginui) has been elected Chair of Sport Waitākere, succeeding Dr Katie Bruffy who has stepped down from the position.

Bruffy is actively supporting the leadership transition and will remain on the Board until her term concludes next year.

Previously Deputy Chair, Holmes has been a member of the Sport Waitākere Board since June 2020.  He brings extensive commercial acumen and business management experience, with a background working across both large multinational companies and SMEs.

Raised in West Auckland after moving to Whenuapai in 1976, he is a proud West Aucklander.  Holmes attended Waitākere College, before going on to complete a Bachelor of Commerce at the University of Auckland.  He is an avid sportsperson and has played club rugby at Waitematā and club cricket at Waitematā and Suburbs New Lynn.

“I’m thrilled to take on this new role working with an exceptional group of people.  I am looking forward to moving into this next exciting phase for the organisation, guided by our innovative and ambitious new long-term ‘Impact Strategy’ which will take us to 2043,” says Holmes.

The Sport Waitākere Board would like to acknowledge and thank Katie Bruffy for her significant contribution during her tenure.  Bruffy has been an active member of the Sport Waitākere Board since 2016, and was appointed Deputy Chair in 2020 before stepping into the position of Chair in 2023.  Throughout her time on the Board, she has been a strong advocate for improving access to physical activity and wellbeing in West Auckland.

Bruffy says that the strong interest from the trustees to take a leadership position on the Board is testament to the strength of the Board collective.

“This is particularly unique for volunteer boards and speaks volumes to the calibre of our people.  I am thrilled to hand the leadership reins over to Michael and look forward to continuing to contribute to the governance of Sport Waitākere,” says Bruffy.

Ivan Harré has been elected to the role of Deputy Chair.  Raised in Fiji, he relocated to Auckland in the mid-1970s and has deep family roots in West Auckland after raising his three sons there.  He is passionate about the benefits sport can bring to people’s health and wellbeing, and is currently Global Development Lead for World Netball.

The new Chair and Deputy Chair appointments have taken effect immediately.  

(Pictured: Michael Holmes)

Article added: Wednesday 20 November 2024