Auckland Hockey AGM – Dean Couzins elected Board Member, Nick Paterson named Chair and Jenny Pooley Deputy Chair

On Friday 2nd of May, Auckland Hockey Association held it’s 2025 AGM at Auckland Hockey Stadium, Lloyd Elsmore Park.

The AGM provided the opportunity for President and Chair Pam Elgar to reflect on the achievements of 2024 before stepping from her caretaker role as Chair some 12 months on from the 2024 AGM which saw the ushering in of a new AHA Board.

Incumbent Board Members, Nick Paterson (Howick Pakuranga Hockey Club) and Jenny Pooley (Somerville Hockey Club), were named as our new Chair and Deputy Chair respectively.

Alongside Pam, fellow Officers Trish Rangi (Vice-President Female) and Neil McCorkindale (Vice-President Male) were recognised for their invaluable contributions and support to the new AHA Board and CEO throughout 2024, all of which will continue in their Officer roles. The AHA Board and CEO James Sutherland expressed their immense gratitude to Pam, Trish and Neil for their guidance and support over the past 12 months, during a challenging transition period.

James Sutherland stated “these three outstanding individuals have dedicated their service to our sport and Association not only over the past 12 months but for much of their lives. Their selfless contributions, guidance and steady hands over the past 12 months in particular have been of tremendous support to our board and also myself in my first year as CEO. On behalf of the AHA Board, our clubs and members, thank you very much for your support, countless hours of counsel, guidance and grace over the past 12 months. Auckland Hockey is all the better for it and we look forward to your continuing contributions”.

With four appointed and four elected Board Members, the 2025 AGM also required the election of a fifth elected Board Member. Dean Couzins was elected unanimously, shifting from an appointed role to an elected role to ensure the constitution balance of five elected and three appointed Board Members required.

Couzins, a former Black Stick with 318 test caps, says “I am passionate about creating an environment where all hockey players can thrive in their own way, be that high performance or participation. I believe that my experience in both sports and professional governance, combined with my leadership skills and commitment to excellence, make me a valuable candidate for the AHA board. I am focused on creating a strong risk culture, nurturing the next generation of athletes, and contributing to the strategic direction and success of the AHA”. Read more about Dean Couzins appointment as elected member here.

The 2025 AGM also saw the election of our 34th and 35th AHA Life Members, Diana Dowdle (HPHC) and Vinod Patel (AISC). Congratulations to both Diana and Vinod on your Life Memberships, click to read more about Diana‘s and Vinod’s accolades.

We were also able to recognise our 2024 Club of the Year awards. Somerville Hockey Club were named Women’s Club of the Year winners Howick Pakuranga were named Men’s Club of the Year and Overall Club of the Year winners.

View the 2024 Annual report here.