Hockey: Local stalwart honoured for services

Sue Shepherd is presented with the Pakistan Trophy by Hockey NZ CEO Ian Francis.

Northland hockey stalwart Sue Shepherd has been honoured for her services to the sport.

Mrs Shepherd was awarded the Pakistan Trophy at an annual dinner held to coincide with Hockey NZ's AGM and workshop meeting in Wellington.

The presentation at the weekend was in honour of her services to hockey in 2015, as well as acknowledging work done over many years.

Mrs Shepherd's husband Bill, Hockey Northland chief executive officer Grant McLeod and Hockey NZ life member Crichton Christie were present for the awards. Mr and Mrs Shepherd are also Hockey NZ life members.

"It was a very special evening and great to have Bill, Grant and Crichton at the function. These guys have supported much of the work I have done over the years for Hockey Northland, we make a great team."

The Pakistan Trophy was presented to the New Zealand Hockey Association in 1976 by the Ambassador of Pakistan, to be awarded annually in recognition of outstanding service to hockey.

Several Northlanders - including Mrs Shepherd's husband Bill - have received the Pakistan Trophy.

They are Trevor Blake (1981), Ross Pennington and Crichton Christie (jointly - 1985), Jenny Riddick (1987), Murray Lints (1992) and Bill Shepherd, Crichton Christie, Neil Edmundson and Steve Everitt (jointly 2006).

"I am a very proud to be a part of the the Hockey Northland family. There have been many who have contributed to the success of this association. I believe as a group we have added great value to our sport and the Northland region."

The awards coincided with the Wellington launch of the book Striking Gold by Suzanne McFadden.

Striking Gold tells the story of the team which won gold at the 1976 Olympics.

"Suzanne had rung me when she started the book to ask if she could use some of the photos from the chapter on Neil McLeod in my book Northland Hockey Heroes in her book - I was only too delighted to help," Mrs Shepherd said.