Lifesaving boss quits as change rolls through Bay

The chief executive of Surf Lifesaving Bay of Plenty has resigned as the national organisation faces one of the biggest changes in its 100-year history.
Megan Cleverley finished at the organisation yesterday after two-and-a-half years in the job.
Her resignation comes as Surf Lifesaving New Zealand is on the brink of voting in a new national structure, which would eliminate the  middle layer of districts.
The change - part of an initiative known as Project Groundswell - will be voted on in the Bay of Plenty next Saturday.
That vote will then be cast at a national meeting on September 19, which is expected to give the green light to the change.
If the district system is abolished, four jobs in the Bay of Plenty will be disestablished - chief executive, operations officer, coach force officer, and an administrative role.
Under Groundswell, five new roles would be established in the Bay, reporting directly to the national organisation.
There are 14 surf lifesaving clubs in the Bay of Plenty district, from Hot Water Beach to Opotiki. A club service manager will be appointed for every seven clubs - giving the Bay two club service managers. There will also be a regional business manager, administrator, and a position overseeing sports and lifesaving.
The Bay of Plenty would become part of the Eastern region, which would include Gisborne.
Surf Life Saving Bay of Plenty chairman Ray Scott, who has been involved with Surf Lifesaving for over 20 years and is a chartered accountant, supports the change.
"There's a duplication of services. We've got the national structure in Wellington, then nine districts around New Zealand with their own organisations.
"What Groundswell is saying is we've got nine districts with nine boards, nine CEOs and district staff. They are saying we can cut that out and become more efficient."
The new structure would save $1m nationally in administration costs, which could go back into lifeguarding. Money raised in the Bay of Plenty would still be spent in the region.
While beach-goers this summer probably won't notice a difference in surf patrols, the service will be better, Mr Scott said.
"There are different demands for different clubs - clubs like Mount Maunganui, Omanu and Papamoa are very different to Hot Water Beach.
"There will be one club service manager dealing with seven clubs, so they can concentrate on what the club needs - they may help them with admin, finances, budget. It's a matter of someone who can give that direct support."
Ms Cleverley was leaving the organisation on amicable terms, but she did not see herself as part of its future under Groundswell, Mr Scott said.
He praised the work she had done during her time as chief executive, including club development, training, and liaison with councils.
"Megan has achieved a lot in the last couple of years, she's taken the organisation forward.
"Megan has elected not to stay in the organisation so we've got to move forward from that."
The changes come as the organisation faces its busiest time of the year - preparing for the start of the summer season at Labour Weekend.
Mr Scott hoped to see Project Groundswell kicked off by then. It was likely a staff member would be employed on a short-term six-week contract before Groundswell begins.
Plans for the summer season continue this weekend as 50 Bay of Plenty lifeguards attend training at Raglan.
Mr Scott acknowledged it was a difficult time for Surf Lifesaving Bay of Plenty's paid staff, whose job security was uncertain.
"They don't know whether they have got positions - they have to apply for the jobs. It's an uncertain time for the workforce, but it may be an opportunity to get into Groundswell."