My life in sport: Peter Miskimmin

Peter Miskimmin. Photo / Supplied

Peter Miskimmin was a good enough hockey player to turn out 150 times for New Zealand. These days he faces challenges of a different, but no less demanding, kind as he doles out the dough to sporting and recreation bodies around the country.

As chief executive of Sparc, Miskimmin, in the job for a year since taking over from Nick Hill, has a budget of close to $100 million and a staff approaching 100. It is a task he takes seriously even if, more often than he wants, he is forced to make the tough calls.

When those tough calls led to a funding cut for his beloved hockey, he excused himself from the meeting, but returned to fully support his board's call to send the Black Sticks women "back to the basics" and start over again.

Miskimmin, currently coach of the Junior World Cup-bound national junior men's side, is as passionate about his sport as he is about seeing New Zealanders getting off their backsides and "doing something".

What inspired you to embark on a career in sport?

Our family was steeped in a hockey tradition. I can't even remember when I first played, it was just something I had been around all my life.

When you were 13 years old, what sport did you fancy yourself as a future star in?

I played everything but only hockey was really an absolute passion.In what position?When you are young and eager you want to play up front then you work your way back. At some time I have played in all positions except goalkeeper.

What are the proudest achievements of your sporting life?

There have been highs and lows but two spring to mind. We lost 12-3 to Pakistan in the 1982 World Cup at Eden Gardens. We were hit hard by illness but still managed to get to 3-3 at one stage before it fell apart.

I also vividly remember playing Pakistan in the opening match of the 1984 Los Angeles Olympics and coming from behind to snatch a dramatic 3-3 draw.

The darkest moment?

Being selected for Moscow only to learn five days before we were scheduled to leave that we wouldn't be going.

Some players from that team never got to play for New Zealand again.

Who is the most inspirational coach you have dealt with?

Kevin Towns. I have always admired his ability to mould a team and to get results with often limited resources. I also learned plenty from Doug McLean in Wellington when I was still at school.

Who in the world do you most admire?

Nelson Mandela. He had so much to grumble and be angry about, but didn't. And Sir Edmund Hillary. We met him in India when he turned up at the airport to meet us before a tournament and invited us to his house.

Describe your job?

I lead an organisation and sector whose aim is to make people fitter and lead healthier lives and hopefully stay in sport for life.

What is the best thing about your job?

The opportunity to work in a professional environment. It energises you to get up every day and work with wonderful people.

And the worst?

Never having enough money to go round and having to make the harsh calls and have frank conversations with the affected organisations.

Are there enough quality administrators in New Zealand sport?

The chief executives are doing a great job.

Managing sport has become more and more complex and they spend a lot of time wrestling with a lot of challenging issues.

Are they coping?

In any organisation there are times when things become stressed. Rugby league is one example. Helping sports like that is crucial - it is a sport for New Zealanders. Football [soccer] went through their problems and now we are working with tennis. It is up to me, us, to help sports ride the tough times.

Are there good leaders out there?

Yes, there are. Just as there are good and bad boards.

How much money does Sparc have to allocate each year?

It's over $90 million, probably closer to $100 million now - that's up from $40-50 million five or six years ago.

What percentage of that goes to "sport" as opposed to "leisure"?

One-third goes to high-performance aimed at success on the world stage. Building capability accounts for just under 10 per cent. The rest goes to national sporting and recreational organisations and regional sporting trusts.

How many staff do you oversee?

About 95, it was 100. About 30-40 work in the office but the majority are out in the sector.

Do you fear for long-term funding streams, given the fall-off in revenue from the pokies/gaming trusts?

It is an issue for sure. Life is tough. For 10 years gaming money flowed, now there are real concerns. Local bodies can't keep raising rates to provide facilities. Sports will have to go back to traditional fundraisers - bottle drives, meat raffles and painting houses. We have all done that.

How close do you work with the Government?

Very. We are a Crown entity with a board and connect with many Government departments. We work directly with the Minister of Sport and to a slightly lesser extent the Minister of Internal Affairs.

If you were not doing what you are now, what would you be doing?

I would love to coach, and not necessarily a national team.

Who would you play in a movie?

I really don't know. I love watching them and I suppose I would want to be the guy taking the vital shot in the last minute.

Name the one career ambition that you want to realise before you retire?

See New Zealanders win over 10 gold medals at an Olympics. And win World Cups in whatever sport we can. Also, see a lot more children come into sport. That's what we do every day.

PETER MISKIMMIN

CV

Born: Christchurch, moved to Wellington as 6-year-old.
DOB: November 20, 1958
School/university: Hutt Valley High, Victoria University (BA in history).
International debut: 1978 (as 19-year-old), Pakistan (at inaugural Champions Trophy tournament).
Last international: v India at 1992 Barcelona Olympics.
International caps: 150.