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Yachting New Zealand Chair and President Jan Dawson was last night named the winner of the Excellence in Sports Governance Award at the inaugural Women in Governance Awards Ceremony held at the Villa Maria Estate in Auckland.
The Excellence in Sport Governance Award recognises an individual woman who has made an outstanding contribution to the leadership and governance of sport over an extended period of time (at least five years) and Jan Dawson was named the winner.
“We congratulate Jan, on being voted by her peers as the winner of the Inaugural Women in Governance Award in the Excellence in Sport Governance category recognising her many outstanding achievements,” says David Abercrombie, Yachting New Zealand’s Chief Executive.
“Jan will step down this year following nine years on the Yachting New Zealand Board. Jan has been inspirational to work with, generous with her time and expert guidance, and I know that I speak for all our members in thanking Jan for her tremendous contribution to yachting.”
The honour is testament to the quality governance Jan has brought to the sport of yachting through her term as Yachting New Zealand Chair and President as well as the international role she plays in her positions on ISAF which include ISAF Council Group L Representative, ISAF Audit Committee Chair, ISAF Events Committee and the ISAF Women’s Forum member.
Lesley Whyte, CEO of Women on Boards New Zealand (WOBNZ) described the Awards, which were held at Villa Maria Estate in Auckland, as a huge success. “I couldn’t be more pleased with how our inaugural event turned out,” Ms Whyte said. “The event was a sell out and we were thrilled with the quality of nominations received for the Awards,” she said. “It’s fantastic to see the amazing women out there in the governance and leadership space being recognised for their contribution.”
The inaugural Women in Governance Awards were launched by Hon Jo Goodhew, Minister of Women’s Affairs. Other Members of Parliament in attendance included Sue Moroney (Labour Spokesperson for Women’s Affairs), Tracey Martin (NZ First Spokesperson for Women’s Affairs) and Louisa Wall (Labour).
The Awards were sponsored by NEXT magazine along with Altris Limited, Trelise Cooper Boardroom, and Sport New Zealand.
