Hamlin reappointed to MotorSport NZ board

Invercargill’s Nick Hamlin has been reappointed to the MotorSport New Zealand board of directors for a three-year term.

Hamlin has already contributed to the governance of MotorSport NZ as an appointed board member from October 2016 to May 2019 where he focused on assisting the organisation to meet health and safety regulatory requirements and served as the board liaison person for the ClubSport Advisory Commission.

Under the Constitution of MotorSport NZ, following a major review in 2015, the board is made up of six members, four elected and two appointed. A vacancy for an appointed board member was created at the last AGM in May this year when Hamlin’s first term was completed. The board, at its last meeting in June, reviewed its strengths and requirements and sought nominations from member clubs in early July.

MotorSport NZ President Wayne Christie says he is delighted with the board’s decision to reappoint Hamlin to the vacant board member position.

“Nick brings valuable skills such as his experience with health and safety from the construction sector, as well as his all-round commercial experience as a director,” says Christie. “Nick’s commitment to continually improve his own understanding and application of governance issues is also a great asset to our organisation.”

Hamlin put himself forward to be considered for the board again because he wanted to see several initiatives started during his first three-year term through to more success. These initiatives included health and safety reporting for member clubs, the implementation of an international prize for MotorSport NZ ClubSport champions, the development of a volunteer welfare policy, and MotorSport NZ’s successful inclusion in the world-wide TCR race series.

“During my first term, the board has helped give direction and guidance to move the organisation forward across a range of aspects of its operation,” says Hamlin. “I’d like to continue to be involved and help lead all the great work being done to fulfil our vision of being New Zealand’s most exciting sport. I aim to bring good governance, strategic and fresh thinking, and engage in healthy debate and leadership of a sport I love.”

A member of the Southland Sports Car Club, Hamlin was one of the club’s executive members for a decade, fulfilling the treasurer’s role and contributing to health and safety requirements, branding and marketing, and the development of ClubSport, or grassroots, events.

Outside motorsport, Hamlin is the managing director of Maxis Projects Ltd, a building consultancy he founded in 2018. Previously Hamlin worked for Arrow International as their Southern Director and Manager.

Hamlin is committed to improving his own governance skills, having recently completed study in financial management and strategic planning with the New Zealand Institute of Directors. He is enrolled in a course on governance essentials later this year.

Last month, Hamlin was selected as a finalist and named the runner-up in the 2019 Otago Southland Emerging Director Award run by the NZ Institute of Directors (Otago and Southland regions). The award recognises newly engaged directors who show ongoing commitment to career learning and development to the highest level in governance. As part of the runner-up award, Hamlin will be mentored by an experienced director to help progress his own knowledge and skill set.

More information about MotorSport NZ can be found on the website www.motorsport.org.nz. MotorSport NZ is an incorporated society comprising 97 member clubs throughout the country.

Media release: Kate Gordon-Smith for MotorSport NZ