Andrew McLean says he likes to see Auckland's tournaments run well. Photo / Paul Estcourt
Annual leave is not something most people give up lightly, but Andrew McLean does not mind giving up his spare time for badminton.
Every year since Auckland hosted the 1990 Commonwealth Games, Mr McLean, now 46, has helped out with national and international tournaments in the city.
Auckland
Badminton Association executive director Yvonne Rodgers believes without Mr McLean the organisation would not be able to host major tournaments.
"In fact, I wouldn't put my hand up for them if we didn't have people like Andrew around.
"I don't know what we'd do without him. Basically we ring and say we have an event and he just immediately makes arrangements to be here."
Ms Rodgers says Mr McLean supervises and assists with preparing the courts for tournaments and ensuring the correct shuttles are ready for games.
"He comes in and rolls up his sleeves and he sweats and he sweats all day. He's quite incredible."
She said the tournaments were vital for the profile of the game in New Zealand.
This year's New Zealand Open will be held in a stadium as opposed to a badminton hall because of the increased interest in the sport.
"He's the sort of guy who won't take any thanks or recognition."
Mr McLean said the success of the tournaments was very important to him.
"I just like to see the tournaments in Auckland run very well, because we've actually got quite a good name.
"We had the Junior World Champions last year and for Auckland to get that was a big coup.
"I like being involved and encouraging other people to get involved."
He also volunteers at the Greenlane Christian Centre, helping out wherever he can.
"If you see anything to be done, you just go and do it."
Mr McLean says helping people is in his nature.
"A person can have a calling to be a pastor. I'm not called to do that - I've always had a bit of a servant heart."
