The Churchill Club Committee

Employment or past employment:
Previously Head of Marketing & Communications for Coastguard New Zealand, 18-months ago I stepped out to run what had been our side hustle, our portable cabin business ‘RoomMate Cabins’ full time in addition to multiple Director roles for some great kiwi companies. That said, the most important job of all is that as Family Operations Director for Team Smith with our 3-young kids (Benji, Toby & Maggie) growing up far to fast!

How long have you been associated with the Churchill Club?
We joined the Churchill Club four years ago after friends invited us down for one of the DJ Summer Beats. We signed up there and then and the rest is history! I’m a big believer in what you put in you get out and am passionate about making Aotearoa a better place.

I jumped on the Committee in 2025 to support Ronnie as the then President where together we were clear on our vision for the sustainable future of Club. With Ronnie stepping down this year I took up the challenge and am so grateful to the amazing humans on our volunteer committee who have done the same.

My husband Greg enjoys being part of the team that makes the Annual Fishing Comp happen for the community, and I love seeing the kids get in there and help sell the Meat Raffles for the benefit of the Club.

What activities are you involved with at the club?

• Leading the Committee and Churchill Crew
• Club Environment
• Membership Experience

Why do you enjoy the club?
As a family we love the camaraderie that the Club brings from the atmosphere of an All Blacks match, the connection on Members nights right through to our favorite Open Mic Sessions out on the deck in the sunshine, cold rose in hand at the water on your door step – it’s hard to beat!

I have been a member of the Churchill Club Glendowie for 3 years.

A builder by trade and an avid darts player.

I am originally from Toronto.

I joined the committee to assist with building maintenance and minor repairs.

Favourite drop: a nice cool Guinness.

Employment or Past Employment:

I am currently a stay at home mum to three young boys. Before focusing on family, I worked in shipping and logistics and previously held roles within the luxury hotel industry. These roles provided valuable experience in customer service, operations, relationship management, and event coordination, skills that continue to be useful in both family life and my involvement with the Churchill Club.

How long have you been associated with the Churchill Club?

I have been associated with the Churchill Club for approximately 18 months.

What activities are you involved with at the club?

• Event planning and coordination
• Supporting club functions and community events

Why do you enjoy the club?

I enjoy the friendly atmosphere and strong sense of community at the Churchill Club. Membership nights on Wednesdays are a great opportunity to catch up with friends and meet people from the local area. The club is close to home, offers great value, and provides a welcoming place for people to connect and enjoy a range of events and activities together.

Employment or past employment:

Work in clinical research, recently stepped down as Vice Commodore of Royal Akarana Yacht Club (volunteer)

How long have you been associated with the Churchill Club?

Been a member for 3 years

What activities are you involved with at the club?

Events team

Why do you enjoy the club?

Being part of the Churchill Club genuinely feels like being part of something bigger. The more you get involved, it becomes a place where you feel you belong the moment you walk in — there’s always someone you know, a friendly chat waiting, and a real sense of community. Sounds like the old tv series ‘Cheers’, but it truly does have that unique factor. We enjoy the Club’s great location, family‑friendly vibe, and welcoming atmosphere make it a place people naturally gravitate to. A place to meet, socialise, share your week. It’s a unique asset to our neighbourhood, and a place many of us are proud to support and give back to.

Employment or past employment:

My career in people and culture I have worked across a range of organisations and industries, giving me the opportunity to work with lots of different teams and challenges along the way. I’m currently an HR Manager at the Commerce Commission, and prior to that I’ve held roles such as Head of HR at ASB Bank and Change Manager at Auckland Council. I’ve also spent time in senior HR roles with organisations like MIT, Fletcher Building, Fonterra, and HealthAlliance, each experience adding to the way I approach supporting leaders and teams today.

I hold a BSc (Hons) and Graduate Diploma in Employment Relations.

How long have you been associated with the Churchill Club?

I first visited the club in 1997, soon after emigrating from the UK, and immediately felt a real sense of belonging. Over time, that feeling has only grown, and I’ve now been an active member for more than 15 years.

During that time, I’ve had the privilege of seeing the club evolve and adapt. The old gaming/pokie room has been transformed into a space for families and children, reflecting the changing needs of the community. We also came through the challenges of COVID together, which really highlighted the strength and resilience of the club.

There have been moments where we’ve all had to pitch in — particularly when catering was a challenge. During those times, my husband, friends, and I rolled up our sleeves to help prepare and serve meals for large sporting events. Looking back, those moments of coming together really capture what the club is all about — a strong, supportive community where people are always willing to step up and support one another.

What activities are you involved with at the club?

• HR support/advice
• Support for pool related events
• Engagement in other events as needed

Why do you enjoy the club?

What I enjoy most about the club is the atmosphere and sense of community. There’s nothing better than being there on a sunny afternoon, overlooking the water and catching up with people. Whether it’s playing a few games of pool (purely for fun… unless it’s competition time!), or sitting down to a chicken schnitzel, it always feels easy and welcoming.

I love the variety of people you can chat with — there’s always someone up for a conversation, which makes it really special. More importantly, it’s a place where I feel completely comfortable going on my own when my husband’s out. It’s a safe, relaxed space where I know I’ll always feel welcome.
Over the years, the club has created some fantastic memories for me through its events — from Halloween parties and mid-winter Christmas celebrations to the fishing competition, and more recently the open mic afternoons. I’m really looking forward to working alongside the other committee members not only to deliver more fun and engaging events, but also to help build a vibrant, successful club that continues to bring people together.

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Employment or past employment:

Recovery Specialist at Chubb Insurance, BA, and Post-Grad in Journalism Studies.

How long have you been associated with the Churchill Club?

Been a member for 8 years.

What activities are you involved with at the club?

Marketing & Communications

Why do you enjoy the club?

I enjoy the strong sense of community and the fact that everyone is welcome, whether young, old, or somewhere in between. Most of all, I appreciate the convenience of having it right at the bottom of our road!

Employment or past employment:

General Manager Roundpizza Ltd

General Manager Allied Pinnacle, NZ

How long have you been associated with the Churchill Club?

Been a member since 2017.

What activities are you involved with at the club?

Strategy, Planning and Funding
 & Quiz host

Why do you enjoy the club?

Convenient, great value, quiz nights, live music