Board

The Board

Mike Knell - Chair

Mike is the chief executive of New Zealand Community Trust. He has an MBA from Massey University and has attended a short residential course in strategy at Harvard University. His passions are in governance, strategy, leadership and sports of all kinds. He believes strongly in further education and professional development. Work experiences has also been within a large national transport and logistics provider and with the New Zealand Fire Service.

Blair Hannah

Chartered Accountant by trade and now work as a finance contractor. A local lad who grew up in Paparangi and then went through Newlands College. A massive sports fan and participant in my earlier years, particularly in cricket and football. In recent years been actively involved with the Johnsonville Rugby Football Club and Chairperson on the Committee.

Kerry Saywell - Treasurer

Kerry Saywell is a Chartered Accountant with an extensive range of Accounting and Commercial experience in Local and Central Government. Kerry is the current Treasurer for North Wellington Junior Football Club and has a passion for the development of children through sporting activities. Kerry believes that the development of a sports hub at Alex Moore Park will be a fantastic asset for the six member clubs and the Northern Suburbs community.

Dave Adams
MA Sport and Leisure Management, BCA

Dave is an experienced leader, relationship builder, strategic thinker and communicator with extensive experience in the recreation and sport and central government sectors. Currently, Dave is Head of Government Relations and Strategic Foresight with responsibility for getting the recreation and sport sector positioning itself to be fit for purpose into the future; and connecting Sport NZ and the sector more strongly with the Government’s priorities.

In his 20 years in the sector has worked at the Office of Tourism and Sport and was the Minister for Sport and Recreation’s advisor for two years, in addition to his time at Sport NZ. Dave has led investment, policy, and relationship functions and has worked extensively with national recreation and sport organisations, regional sports trusts, funders, and government agencies. Prior to his current role, he was the General Manager for Sector Engagement at Sport NZ.

Dave is married with three daughters and has previously played football, cricket and tennis with Johnsonville clubs, and was a junior member of the athletics club some time ago. His local interest includes completing an annual summit of Mount Kau Kau with his aging mates (inclusive of compulsory weigh-in – an effective fitness motivator).

Anton Sammons

Anton served as President of Wellington Deaf Society, is currently Chairperson of Wellington 2020 New Zealand Deaf Games Organising Committee, and Executive Board member of Deaf Sports New Zealand. Anton has a passion for volunteering, and has been actively involved in Deaf community organisations. He uses his experience and expertise to bring Sport and Deaf culture together and believes sport can also help showcase NZSL. Just like kiwi culture, sports and recreation are also an important part of Deaf culture. Sport is one of the key binding ingredients for all communities are no different. Anton looks forward to deliver sport and recreational opportunities for the local community and the Wellington Deaf community.

Zoe Ogilvie

Zoe is a communications and engagement specialist who's passionate about enabling communities to make well-informed decisions about the things they care about. She has experience in marketing, communications, engagement, strategy and psychology and has worked in central and local government roles leading strategic communications. She is also a committee member of Whaitua Te Whanganui-a-Tara and the Ministry for Primary Industries Women's Network Committee.

David Rayner

David has had a 40 year career in financial services with a focus on relationship roles mostly dealing with large businesses and member-based organisations. He has a keen interest in business strategy and investment markets. He is currently the Chairman of North Wellington Football Club. David is married with two adult sons that he has supported through their ongoing sporting involvement.

Alex Moore Park Sport and Community Inc.

Alex Moore Park Sport and Community Inc is based on the 'sportville concept', where sports clubs collaborate in partnership under one single, independent entity owned by all the clubs involved.