| abstract | - Swimming New Zealand chief executive Paul Veric has resigned after more than three years in the position. The former kayak international has enjoyed outstanding success in his role as chief executive of Swimming New Zealand. Under his leadership SNZ has earned status as one of SPARC’s seven priority sports. During his time he has overseen the restoration of relationships with regional associations and key aquatic partners, the implementation of a robust high performance and development programme, best practice swimming education programmes, and a high performing management team. “Paul has made an immense contribution to swimming and to Swimming New Zealand,” said SNZ chairman Murray Coulter. “We are obviously disappointed to see him go but at the same time totally support his own career aspirations. “This organisation was not in the best of health when Paul joined us. He leaves an exciting organisation which has developed international traction in the areas of high performance and education. More than that Paul has been responsible for rebranding Swimming New Zealand and delivering a clear strategy for our organisation around ensuring that every New Zealander should be able to swim, and with those skills, safely enjoy all the wonderful benefits around the many water settings that New Zealanders love. “Thanks to Paul our organisation is now well positioned to build on this strong base and looks forward to an exciting future.” Mr Veric will not be lost to water sports. He has accepted a two-year contract consulting to Surf Life Saving New Zealand where he will deliver a national project focused on the prevention of drowning and injury for communities throughout the country. He said while the move has come sooner than he planned it leaves a fantastic opportunity for someone else to come in and work with such a superb board, staff and membership, something that is hard to leave behind. “Water sports are my passion and the opportunity to work on such a worthwhile project was too good an opportunity to let pass.” CEO of Surf Life Saving New Zealand, Geoff Barry, said Veric was ideally suited to take up the project. “Club and regional development is a significant challenge for all not-for-profits and national sports organisations and we are confident the work Paul will do for us will be sector leading. Mr Veric said he has greatly enjoyed his time in swimming. “I leave the sport confident that there is an excellent group of people around the country with a combined culture, commitment and desire to achieve something extraordinary whether that be learn to swim through to producing an Olympic champion.” For further information
* Murray Coulter, Swimming New Zealand, 029 4151890
* Geoff Barry. CEO, Surf Life Saving New Zealand, 0274 571 001
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