Hockey stalwarts awarded for decades of service

Crichton Christie, Sue Shepherd and Bill Shepherd awarded Hockey New Zealand Life Membership. Photo / Supplied

Three Northland hockey stalwarts who helped create New Zealand's best hockey facilities and one of the sport's strongest centres have been awarded Hockey New Zealand's first Life Memberships.

Crichton Christie, Sue Shepherd and Bill Shepherd received the honour at Hockey New Zealand's AGM in Napier on Saturday night.

"Hockey Northland has punched well above its weight over many years. We are recognised within the hockey fraternity to be one of the most forward-thinking of all associations in the country," Mrs Shepherd said.

Northland Hockey chief executive Grant McLeod said the honours were richly deserved by all three recipients.

Hockey Northland now has one of the top hockey venues in the country and the only one with a covered grandstand, which as an added bonus is one of the region's heritage buildings.

Crichton Christie received his Life Membership for services to hockey over 45 years, specialising in development projects for the sport in Northland.

A Life Member of Hockey Northland, since 1975 he has had roles as treasurer, board chairman, president and committees at local and national level.

He was a board member of NZ Hockey Federation (later Hockey NZ), and awarded the NZHF Pakistan Trophy for services to hockey in 1985 and again in 2009.

Bill Shepherd was also awarded the Pakistan Trophy it in 2009.

His Life Membership Award is for special services to hockey and a number of capacities at club, association and New Zealand level since 1962.

He was president of Hockey New Zealand from 2011 to 2014, and is chairman of Hockey Northland. Achievements include Life Membership of Ruatangata Hockey Club for 50 years as a player and club leader; Life Member of Hockey Northland; a Hockey New Zealand Long Service Award and Hockey Northland Sportsman of the Year in 1984.

He was a New Zealand Senior Masters player in Perth in 1998, Hong Kong in 1996, winning the gold medal, and Adelaide 1994, also winning the gold medal.

Mr Shepherd received a Queen's Service Medal in 2013 for services to farming and hockey.

His wife Sue was also awarded Life Membership for special services to hockey for over 50 years as an administrator, coach, board member, fundraiser, photographer and promoter.

Mrs Shepherd has coached and managed teams from junior club to regional level over many years and convened a number of local and national tournaments in Whangarei for Hockey NZ.

She has been a main player in improving Whangarei's nation-leading facilities.