Justin Davies current Deputy Chair has recently resigned due to his relocation to a new position in Brisbane from Christchurch. Chairman Geoff Dickson, accepted the resignation of Justin Davies with full understanding and considerable disappointment. Justin has provided AFL New Zealand with many years of distinguished service, not just on the board but also as a coach in our high performance program.
We welcome Andrew McKenzie.
Andrew McKenzie has played over the past fifteen years in Wellington for the Saints and in Auckland for Mt Roskill and Auckland. He has three sons who have also played the game within New Zealand, two being members of the NZ men’s team.
He has over sixteen years of senior executive experience in both corporate and operational roles within organisations that have had provision and support of sporting bodies as part of their roles. He has led a variety of corporate groups, operational businesses and large scale, complex projects as well as managing corporate groups including finance, legal, HR, property, IT, strategy, treasury, subsidiary monitoring and procurement. His experience and responsibilities have been wide ranging.
He has an extensive range of contacts in both the private and public sectors that will be relevant to AFL NZ, including within Sporting bodies and facility providers. He has also been a member of a number of boards and industry bodies so the role of a director is one he is familiar with.
Most recently Andrew held the position of CFO of Auckland City Council until his recent recruitment into the role of General Manager Finance for Fletcher Construction. Andrew is based in Auckland.
We also welcome Michael Nettlefold
Michael Nettlefold played 79 games with St Kilda and Fitzroy in the Victorian Football League (VFL) between 1979 and 1985.
He was appointed to the position of St Kilda CEO in April 2009 up until Feb 2013 after having joined the Board in 2008. His appointment was based on his depth of successful business experience, management style and background with both the game and the club.
Highlights of Michaels management career at St Kilda included;
. Record membership of 42,000
. 3 Grand Final appearances
. Nicky Winmar Reconciliation Match St Kilda v Collingwood 2014
. Led strategy and delivered the multimillion dollar government funding package into the new Moorabbin Oval Community Facility. ( collaboration AFL)
. Shaped and led strategy to provide funding for the complete resurfacing and resizing of the Trevor Barker Oval ( Sandringham FC VFL affiliate )
. Negotiated, contracted and managed the relocation it St Kilda to the new Elite Training Centre in Seaford in 2011.
. Conceptualised and delivered the AFL fixture match to be played for premiership points on Anzac Day in Wellington New Zealand.
. Delivered the Australian Armed forces annual carnival to Moorabbin Oval
. Developed the Soldier On initiative for the recognition of wounded returned service men and women
. Wrote St Kilda FC Strategic Framework 2013 to 2018 document (current blueprint)
During Michaels extensive commercial career he was founder and owner of Eye corp, which was the largest Out of Home Advertising business in APAC. Eye corp operated media assets including the largest national holding of roadside and rooftop advertising displays within Australia and exclusive internal airport advertising rights in all major and regional airports. Eye corp also pioneered the development of Shopping Mall advertising in both Australia and New Zealand and had operations in many major Asian markets including Indonesia and Malaysia.
Michael was also founder and owner of the highly regarded age care company Nextt Health which provided In Home Age Care services through operations in Melbourne, Brisbane and Sydney.
Michael is currently based in Melbourne.
Rob Malone although ending his tenure as an Elected Director, will continue in his role as part of the High Performance Programme in a coaching capacity. Robs ongoing involvement is a crucial ingredient to the talent programme and AFL New Zealand is in gratitude of his ongoing service to our organisation.
