OFFICE BEARERS

Our hard working Committee members are all volunteers who are passionate about making this Club the best that it can be.   It is no small task and we thank them for generously sharing their time and expertise.

BRENT CAWTHRAY - PRESIDENT
Serves on Full Committee and Executive Committee

I am General Manager of Manawatu Cold Storage, where I have been employed for the past 32 years.

I have always had a strong interest in many sports, and have previously managed the Feilding and Oroua Senior Rugby teams, and was also President of Oroua for 3 years. 

This is my 11th year on the committee at MGC and my 4th year as Club President – a role that I am still really passionate about. This is such a fantastic club.

My background in rural servicing has assisted my transition into a committee role and particularly the course committee to improve the general appearance of our course and maintain its ranking as one of the leading courses in the country.

The challenge our course presents to all levels of golfers is a testament to our original founders on this site in 1895. There maybe subtle changes in the coming years however the Course will always be suitable for a wide range of golfers.

Retirement has allowed me time to devote to the MGC in various voluntary roles and now the Committee. Our club is blessed to have so much voluntary assistance on an ongoing weekly basis from a loyal group of supporters.

This combined with excellent management and staff make the club the success it is. The club is ably supported by an extremely qualified professional team who encourage all members in the improvement of their game. The active junior members benefit greatly from this programme.

The all round services of the cafe, golf shop and course make me proud to be a member of MGC.

The interests of all members is important to me and I would be pleased to listen to any suggestions that may further improve our wonderful club. 

ALVA JOE - TREASURER
Serves on Full Committee, Executive Committee and Finance Committee

I was introduced to the Manawatu Golf Club through the Discover Golf Programme in October 2014. Having no previous golfing experience, I was lucky enough to be guided and taught the ropes by the 9 hole group. This group not only play golf but socialise after the round usually at the Hokowhitu Cafe and went on roadies to play other golf courses around the district and further afield.

I was born in Palmerston North and where I undertook my primary and secondary education. I went to Victoria University of Wellington where I gain my Bachelor of Commerce & Administration degree.

I am a qualified Chartered Accountant with over 30 years commercial experience based mainly in Palmerston North. I had a dual role as General Manager of Monument Finance (a subsidiary of Crombie Lockwood) and Group Financial Controller of Crombie Lockwood for fifteen years. Prior to this I worked at Fieldair, Allflex and Ernst & Young. My work has taken me all over the place - in New Zealand, time in Auckland, Wellington, Christchurch, Dannevirke & Pahiatua to name a few; internationally there has been Perth, Paris, Madrid, Dallas, Sao Paulo, Montevideo, Melbourne & Sydney.

I look forward to working with my fellow elected representatives, James Lovegrove and his team at the Golf Club. There are some exciting developments this year that will bring new challenges and, collectively, draw on our experience and common sense.

ALAN SAVELL - CLUB CAPTIAN
Serves on Full Committee

I have been a member of the Manawatu Golf Club since 1993 and as a player have immensely enjoyed the facilities & friendships of our great Club.

I have lived here in Palmerston North all my life.

I started work with a 3 year stint at the ANZ Bank. Since then I have been a self-employed retail businessman and have owned SOUND AUTOS, retailing Used Cars & Car Audio. This business evolved from the original longstanding family retail stereo sales business of SAVELLS SOUND CENTRE..

I am very passionate about most sport. Before my body “gave up the ghost” I represented Manawatu in Soccer and Cricket, later becoming Treasurer then Club Captain of the Palmerston Cricket Club. I then raced Speedway Super Saloons. So with crook knees and skin cancers, I took up golf and had the pleasure of meeting many new and not so new people. Golf continues to be the most difficult and trying sports I have ever played.

I was elected on to the MANAWATU Golf Club Committee in 2010 and 2019. Having now retired from fulltime work, the time is now right for me to again give something back to the club for all the years of benefits and enjoyment I have received thus far.

I believe in people skills, honesty, accountability, transparency and reliability, a very important requirement to handle 45years in public retail sales. I offer my services with no previous attached –baggage, along with a practical common sense attitude and a down to earth approach. I believe I have the necessary credentials and experience that is required to continue the great traditions of the Manawatu Golf Club, whilst looking forward & upwards to continue making this golf club “the best” around.

Thanks for taking the time to find out a little more about me……….SAVS

LEANDER TYACKE - WOMEN'S REPRESENTATIVE
Serves on Full Committee

WAYNE MASTERS
Serves on Full Committee

I have been a member of MGC since 2001, after having been a junior member in the 1970’s.  Over that time, I have seen significant progress in all aspects of the club’s operations not just from a course perspective but also the café and function center.  It is truly a facility that all members should be proud of and the feedback I hear from visitors from outside the club supports this.

I am passionate about my golf (too passionate my wife Vicki would say) and after each round, where my hopes are inevitably dashed, I’m all too keen to get back on the first tee and try again.  It truly is a game where your character is tested and that’s the attraction.

Outside of golf, I am Managing Director of Yorb, one of the largest privately owned technology services companies in NZ.  Over the past 20 years in this role, I have gained an extensive range of business experience and skills that will prove valuable in my role on the committee.

I regard it as a great privilege to represent the members on the committee and I look forward to working to ensure the ongoing success of MGC.  My ear is always available to hear your thoughts so don’t be a stranger.

Dave Boswell
Serves on the Full Committee and Match Committee

I am delighted this year to be the men’s Deputy Club Captain in my fifth year as a member of the Manawatu Golf Club.

To me one of the things that enables this club stand apart from others, is the combination of tradition and innovation which makes it both exciting and relevant to today’s expectations, but at the same time not forgetting where this outstanding Golf Club came from.

The other unique thing I’ve found is the friendliness shown by members. Not only to each other but to new and visiting golfers (suits me, I’m pretty social minded). Combine that with excellent input from staff, committees and volunteers in all areas of the club and we can’t help but win.

I’m always ready to listen to any member who wants to discuss anything regarding the golf club, so please take the opportunity if you so wish.

As a committee member, I have the time, I have the passion.   

I am proud to say; “I am a member of the Manawatu Golf Club”.

James Amon
Serves on the Full Committee

I am a proud Manawatu local who feels very privileged to have been a member at the Manawatu Golf Club for the past 13 years. I was born into a motor racing and golfing family with my late Grandfather Ngaio ( a well decorated Man/Wang golfer) getting my twin brother and I into golf at a very young age. I remember coming into the old MGC club house and seeing his name up on the honours boards which not only made me want to become a member here one day, but to also get my name up there. In 2013 I managed this feat and it became my proudest golfing achievement and one I hope my daughters will aspire to replicate one day.

I have worked at Massey University for close to 20 years managing Fitness Centres and working with elite athletes.  As a strength and conditioning coach, I’ve worked with local Olympians and World Champions, through to representative teams and a number of aspiring young golfers. What my career has taught me so far is we are very spoilt to have such an abundance of talent and resources in this region which provides a real opportunity for our athletes.  I believe the Manawatu Golf Club provides this same opportunity to every member with our enviable golf course, practice facilities and our pro shop and café. The staff that support all these areas make this place what it is and we are truly lucky to have the best in the business supporting this club.

I believe every member should have great experience here at the MGC. Being a member of the committee allows me to play my part in ensuring that the club continues to thrive. I feel lucky to represent our members on the committee and will always be happy to discuss matters relating to the MGC with you all.

Natasha Meyer
Serves on the Full Committee and Course Committee

Having joined the Manawatu Golf Club shortly before a worldwide pandemic as a very green golfer from Discover Golf, serving on the Women’s subcommittee as New Member Convenor from 2021 and being co-convenor of the Saturday 9-holers this year, I am very pleased to have been newly elected onto the MGC Committee in 2022.  

As a club with commercial entities through our Pro Shop and the Hokowhitu Café and Bar our greatest asset, apart from the course itself, are the amazing staff, club members and volunteers, who all contribute towards the club’s success.  

I’m keen to continue the values that the Manawatu Golf Club was built upon and ensure we, as a club, achieve our Mission and Vision through our strategic plan, while also being progressive and innovative to ensure both the growth of our club and the growth of golf, the game.

I look forward to representing you on the Committee.