A beacon of service in New Zealand hockey
It is with immense honour that we celebrate the many contributions of Sharon Williamson, the newest life member of Hockey New Zealand. Sharon's unique journey, encompassing roles in administration, governance, coaching, managing, and playing, has made her a special icon in our sport.
Her life's work and her dedication to hockey in New Zealand are testaments to her commitment to the sport.
Since 2014, Sharon has served on the Hockey New Zealand board, enriching the sport at the national level with her leadership and strategic insight. On a local level, she has been a pivotal figure in the North Harbour Hockey Association, wearing several hats with great effectiveness.
As a board member and Chair from 2010 to 2013, Sharon oversaw a strategic review, a financial turnaround, and a significant change process, including the development of a sustainable financial and operating model. She even stepped into the role of Interim CEO, guiding North Harbour through a critical transitional period.
Simultaneously, Sharon has been a committed Trustee since 2009 for the Harbour Hockey Charitable Trust, which owns the National Hockey Centre at Rosedale Park, Albany. As Chair from 2014 to 2017 and Deputy Chair since 2017, she has been instrumental in facilitating the new $50m+ facility for North Harbour's hockey community.
Under her guidance, the relocation of the North Harbour Hockey Stadium and the upgrade of the former NHHA sand turf to a high-performance facility was successfully completed.
Sharon's extraordinary contributions to hockey have earned her a life membership at the North Harbour Hockey Association in 2018, a HNZ Gold Service award in 2019 for over 25 years of service, the Pakistan Trophy in 2020, and the esteemed FIH Sultan Azlan Shah award in 2021. Her dedication to the sport has been recognized and celebrated at local, national, and international levels.
Notably, Sharon has also shown her support for the sport financially, with the Williamson family having been a founding donor to the Hockey Foundation.
In addition to her administrative roles, Sharon has a rich history as a player. She represented both the North Shore (pre-1992) and North Harbour (post-1992) Hockey Associations across all age groups, culminating her player career at the HDF Hockey Club in 2011.
But her involvement didn't stop there. Sharon has been a tireless coach from the early 2000s to 2019, leading numerous representative teams across various age groups, winning multiple national titles, and coaching at primary, intermediate, and secondary school levels.
Sharon also managed two North Harbour rep sides and many HDF club sides, providing invaluable leadership and guidance. Remarkably, she has undertaken all these roles voluntarily, balancing them with demanding corporate responsibilities and familial commitments.
Her ability to manage her time effectively, along with her dedication, communication skills, and commitment to her community, make her an inspirational figure in New Zealand hockey. Her reputation as a female leader within the hockey community serves as a shining example to young females at North Harbour Hockey.
Sharon's lifelong involvement in the sport showcases an indomitable passion for the game and an enduring commitment to the hockey community in North Harbour and New Zealand at large. It is this dedication that we celebrate as we proudly welcome her as a life member of Hockey New Zealand.