By Triathlon.kiwi
Christchurch’s Victoria Murray-Orr and Wellingtonian Ian Phillips have joined the Triathlon New Zealand Board of Directors, adding a wealth of tri-specific, wider sport and commercial expertise to the national body’s already powerful governance.
Murray-Orr is the Head of Global Marketing and Communications at the Challenge Family which is responsible 33 full and half-distance races across 27 countries, including Challenge Wanaka. She served as Race Director of the “world’s most scenic middle distance tri” from 2007-2016 before being integrated in the Challenge family.
Phillips, meanwhile, has spent the past six years in various roles at Weta Workshop, the best part of the last four as Commercial Business Manager. Before that, he served as Cycle Sport Manager for British Cycling, the governing body for UK cycling policy, recreation and performance.
Murray-Orr and Phillips bring the Board up to its limit of seven members, joining President Natalie Smith, and fellow elected members Neil Miller (Vice-President), Evelyn Williamson, Rebecca Grace and appointed member Rueben Tucker. Like Tucker, both newcomers were appointed by an independent appointments panel as ‘Part B’ members under the Tri NZ constitution.
The appointments were ratified at Tri NZ’s Annual General Meeting in Auckland on September 30, along with the re-election of Garth Barfoot as Patron.
“As CEO, it’s great to work with such a strong and dedicated board,” said Tri NZ Chief Executive Pete De Wet. “A special welcome to Victoria and Ian, who join the board for the first time, and welcome back to Evelyn and Neil, who are both serving in their final three-year term”.
Murray-Orr’s passion for the sport is infectious and will be on full display again at Challenge Wanaka on February 17-18 on what again shapes as one of the preeminent weekends in the “Suzuki Summer of Tri.”
“It’s a real honour to support triathlon in New Zealand as a newly-appointed board member of Tri NZ,” Murray-Orr said.
“Having dedicated the last 15 years to triathlon, both locally here in NZ and globally with Challenge Family, I’m looking forward to using my expertise in a governance role to help support the athletes and the continued growth of the sport.”
Phillips is likewise excited to bring his experience to bear at an exciting time for the sport with the Paris 2024 Olympic Games on the horizon.
“I am honoured to be contributing to the future of Triathlon New Zealand and thrilled to be reconnecting to sport’s governing community,” he said.
“With an academic and commercial background linked to sports, communities and membership organisations, I am thoroughly looking forward to using these experiences to further Triathlon New Zealand’s vision and purpose.”
