Personnel

2006 New Zealand Masters Games Executive Committee Dunedin

John Bezett (Chairman)
Paul Allison
Ryan Craig
Ron Esplin
Jim Harland
Peter Brown
Ron Palenski
Colin Strang
John Carlyle
Bill Acklin
 Dunedin City Councillor
CEO, Sport Otago
Domestic Marketing Manager, Tourism Dunedin
Vocational Trainer
Chief Executive, Dunedin City Council
Strategy & Development, Dunedin City Council
CEO, NZ Sports Hall of Fame; Games Patron
Managing Director, Colin Strang Financial Services
Marketing Services Manager, Cadbury
Dunedin City Councillor



Aaron Joy comes into his second Games as Manager, having taken on the role in January 2003.

" What I love most about the Masters Games is mixing with so many people from all walks of life and seeing many lifelong relationships develop ".

Christchurch born and educated, Aaron has been working in the events industry since 1998. Notable events Aaron has worked on are:

World Paralympics Swimming Championships, World Wheelchair Championships, New Zealand Wheelchair Tennis Open, FINA World Masters Swimming Championships and the World Fire-fighters Games
Games Manager
Aaron Joy



Elly Finnerty is the Office Manager for the 2006 Masters Games in Dunedin. Elly has over 20 years of office administration experience and is the Sports Co-ordinator for pool.

Dunedin born and bred Elly is President of the Dunedin Pool Association, Immediate Past President of the NZ Pool Association, she has run many tournaments and has worked alongside and assisted others in doing sports draws, getting results collated and other administrative tasks associated with sports Associations.

"I am looking forward to working with a wide range of people, renewing old acquaintances and making new friends. I have always found the Masters Games a great social event with much friendly rivalry among participants."
Office Manager
Elly Finnerty




Sports Liaison Officer
Geoff Simons

Geoff Simons is the Sports Liaison Officer for the 2006 Masters Games, he will be on board with the games office from early December to liaise with all sports co-ordinators. Geoff has been involved in organising sports events for 25 years. His initial roles were in rugby, in which he still is involved, but this became across many sports when he was appointed to the Regional Sports Director for Otago Secondary Schools.

Geoff has lived all of his life in Dunedin and currently lecturers at the Sports Institute of Otago. Earlier this year he finished his five-year role as Secretary of the NZ Secondary Schools Athletic Association. His experience in the administration of multi-sport events includes organising three NZ Area Schools Tournaments and being Event Manager of two NZ University Games.

"I enjoyed being part of the games in Wanganui this year and have always enjoyed participating in the games when they have been in Dunedin, so hopefully I can play a role in making these games enjoyable for others."



Nicola Monteith
Volunteer Coordinator
Nicola Monteith has taken on the role of Volunteer Coordinator for the 2006 Masters Games in Dunedin. Originally from Hawke's Bay she has recently settled in Dunedin after five years of working in the travel industry at home and abroad. Nicola's last role enabled her to combine her passion for sport with travel, as she worked in the UK organising supporters tours to the Lions NZ Tour in June/July 2005 and was lucky enough to guide one of the tours herself.

Nicola is really looking forward to seeing the Masters Games come together with the valued help from volunteers who will form the backbone of the event. The volunteer's contributions are fantastic and always greatly appreciated.