Surf life saving: Calls to sack the board

Graham Cullen. Photo / Mark McKeown

Moves to unseat the chairman of the board of Surf Lifesaving New Zealand, Graeme Cullen, have failed, so further steps are now being taken - this time to dislodge the entire board.

A vote of no confidence in Cullen, spearheaded by SLSNZ's northern clubs, was thwarted when the board re-affirmed his leadership. Now the northern clubs are seeking a special general meeting to hear a vote of no confidence in the whole board.

SLSNZ is in the grip of its worst financial slump in modern history. A landmark restructuring (known as Project Groundswell) helped pitch the organisation into financial difficulties. Groundswell was touted to save $1 million a year but planned staff cuts turned into extended numbers; with many additions being at the "fat" end of the salary scale.

Before Groundswell, there were 37 paid staff. There are now 45. The nationwide roadshow to celebrate the organisation's centenary this year cost $600,000. There was also $140,000 spent to relocate the national championships after the Christchurch earthquakes.

Other financial costs which saw the organisation's forecasted loss for the year at $1.3 million (before depreciation and write-offs) against a budgeted loss of $0.3m.

In a letter to members, dated June 30, Cullen wrote: "Whilst we have reserves to cover this, the Board and Management are focused on rebuilding our financial position and we will. Budgets and plans for the year ahead show the organisation returning to a surplus. Meantime, we will continue to be cost conscious.

"Last year was an exceptional year but we must now return to normality and a balanced financial performance."

Many remain disgruntled over Project Groundswell and the financial position of SLSNZ. Some feel the only way forward is to dismantle the current governing structure and start again.

The northern clubs which have negotiated out of Groundswell remain "in transition" - outside its reach and effectively self-governing. Sources also say many are still to make their minds up about the appointment of new CEO Pat Waite. He is the former president of the New Zealand Institute of Chartered Accountants (Cullen is an accountant, based in Tauranga).

Waite replaces former CEO Grant Florence who left SLSNZ in June. Florence was appointed during the implementation of Project Groundswell.