Previous Editions

NZ Masters Games Media News 2017

Updated...click on the links below to read the latest articles about the New Zealand Masters Games:
21 Feb 2017 82 years old and still winning medals, including 5 this month Stuff 20 Feb 2017 Ariana Blackwood pulls out all stops to win heptathlon title Stuff 17 Feb 2017 Medal haul for Masters pair Bendigo Advertiser 16 Feb 2017 Incident-free Games draws police praise Wanganui Chronicle 14 Feb 2017 Open water swim inspires competitor Wanganui Chronicle 14 Feb 2017 Games competitors still in decline Wanganui Chronicle 13 Feb 2017 Rivals meet again in 8-Ball final Wanganui Chronicle 13 Feb 2017 Hockey has great turnout Wanganui Chronicle 13 Feb 2017 Visitors dominate football Wanganui Chronicle 12 Feb 2017 Football holding strong at NZMG Wanganui Chronicle 12 Feb 2017 Police trump triathlon Wanganui Chronicle 12 Feb 2017 Netball well down on entries Wanganui Chronicle 10 Feb 2017 Yachties get their wind Wanganui Chronicle 10 Feb 2017 Sensational sisters at NZMG tennis Wanganui Chronicle 10 Feb 2017 Fossils and Rebels Wanganui Chronicle 10 Feb 2017 Cambridge Legends football team reunite for NZMG Waikato Times 09 Feb 2017 Masters golf becomes Aussie open Wanganui Chronicle 09 Feb 2017 Volleyballers still determined to have fun Wanganui Chronicle 09 Feb 2017 Champion fencer with more than one talents The Country 08 Feb 2017 Masters, a double-edged sword Wanganui Chronicle 08 Feb 2017 From dance floor to dart board Wanganui Chronicle 08 Feb 2017 Beating the homesick blues Wanganui Chronicle 08 Feb 2017 Masters Games begin Wanganui Midweek 08 Feb 2017 Work like an Egyptian at Masters Wanganui Chronicle 08 Feb 2017 Lomu's legacy promoted in Whanganui Wanganui Chronicle 07 Feb 2017 This bike is made for racing Wanganui Chronicle 07 Feb 2017 Masters hat trick Wanganui Chronicle 07 Feb 2017 Rain-soaked masters tennis Wanganui Chronicle 07 Feb 2017 Gallery: Day Three of Master Games Wanganui Chronicle 06 Feb 2017 Bale bails on his chasers Wanganui Chronicle 06 Feb 2017 Ross made to work in Springvale Wanganui Chronicle 06 Feb 2017 Reaching the vertical limit Wanganui Chronicle 06 Feb 2017 Go fast live long, says master Wanganui Chronicle 06 Feb 2017 In the swing of the games Wanganui Chronicle 06 Feb 2017 Surprise boost for master competitor Wanganui Chronicle 05 Feb 2017 All into the pool Wanganui Chronicle 05 Feb 2017 Nesbitt flies at the velodrome Wanganui Chronicle 05 Feb 2017 Nesbitt too quick over 10km Wanganui Chronicle 05 Feb 2017 Copper goes quicker Wanganui Chronicle 05 Feb 2017 All quiet on the Springvale front Wanganui Chronicle 05 Feb 2017 Athletes still enthusiastic Wanganui Chronicle 05 Feb 2017 AWRC and Collegiate defend their river Wanganui Chronicle 05 Feb 2017 Gallery: Day Two of Master Games Wanganui Chronicle 05 Feb 2017 A touch of fun for Whanganui whanau Wanganui Chronicle 05 Feb 2017 Whanganui archer aims for master shot Wanganui Chronicle 05 Feb 2017 Gallery: First day of the Masters Games Wanganui Chronicle 03 Feb 2017 NZ Masters Games opening ceremony kicks off in Whanganui Wanganui Chronicle 03 Feb 2017 Masters Games opens under blues skies Wanganui Chronicle 02 Feb 2017 Games can survive crowded schedule Wanganui Chronicle 01 Feb 2017 Ready for the Masters Wanganui Chronicle 31 Jan 2017 Over-60s cricket growing Wanganui Chronicle 31 Jan 2017 One time the wind is welcome Wanganui Chronicle 27 Jan 2017 Aiming for zero waste at Masters Games Wanganui Chronicle 26 Jan 2017 Athletes gather for NZ's largest annual multi-sport event Scoop 19 Jan 2017 Mate's mission to honour Jonah legacy Wanganui Chronicle 16 Jan 2017 Master's event big draw card for social players Wanganui Chronicle 15 Jan 2017 Masters goes to the dogs Wanganui Chronicle 11 Jan 2017 Masters to get Whanganui buzzing Wanganui Chronicle 06 Jan 2017 Whanganui's sporting year ahead Wanganui Chronicle 04 Jan 2017 Classic athletics series looms Wanganui Chronicle 03 Jan 2017 Trust head brings skills to city Wanganui Chronicle 28 Dec 2016 Christchurch husband and wife duo to blokart The Press 28 Dec 2016 Simon set to master Games catering Wanganui Chronicle 28 Dec 2016 Taking a dive Wanganui Chronicle 24 Dec 2016 Mars staff make master stroke for games Wanganui Chronicle 15 Dec 2016 Masters Games bags given away Wanganui Chronicle 13 Dec 2016 Paul Lundon - no sign of slowing down for Masters athlete The Dominion Post 22 Oct 2016 Masters Games village shapes up with exciting new look Wanganui Chronicle 17 Oct 2016 Top netball player proves big attraction Wanganui Chronicle 23 Sep 2016 Women's cycling series launched Wanganui Chronicle 24 Aug 2016 Masters meet up with old mates Wanganui Chronicle 28 Jul 2016 New event for Masters Games Wanganui Chronicle 21 Jul 2016 Ambassadors picked for games Wanganui Chronicle 20 Jul 2016 Smoothing the Olympic path Wanganui Chronicle 18 Jul 2016 Grant Kereama picked for games Wanganui Chronicle 18 Jul 2016 Registrations open for new-look NZ Masters Games Voxy 15 Jul 2016 Magnificent Seven to play at Masters Wanganui Chronicle 06 Jul 2016 Whanganui features in 2017 NZ athletics calendar Wanganui Chronicle 22 Jun 2016 Masters riding the Classic Trials Wanganui Chronicle 15 Jun 2016 Classic Trials back at Handley's Wanganui Chronicle 13 Jun 2016 Feilding granddad still tears up motocross track Stuff 28 Apr 2016 Games to head downtown next year Wanganui Chronicle 11 Apr 2016 A big farewell for masters of the games Wanganui Chronicle		82 Years Old And Still Winning Medals Open Water Swim Inspires Competitor Hockey Has Great Turnout Football Holding Strong At NZMG Police trump triathlon Sensational Sisters At NZMG Tennis Masters Golf Becomes Aussie Open Champion Fencer With More Than One Talents From Dance Floor To Dart Board Work Like An Egyptian At Masters Bale Bails On His Chasers Reaching The Vertical Limit Go Fast Live Long, Says Master In The Swing Of The Games Copper Goes Quicker Athletes Still Enthusiastic A Touch Of Fun For Whanganui Whanau Whanganui Archer Aims For Master Shot Masters Games Opens Under Blues Skies Ready For The Masters Aiming For Zero Waste At Masters Games Mate's Mission To Honour Jonah legacy Masters To Get Whanganui Buzzing Trust Head Brings Skills To City Christchurch Husband And Wife Duo Blokart Mars Staff Make Master Stroke For Games Paul Lundon - No Sign Of Slowing Down Top Netball Player Proves Big Attraction Smoothing the Olympic path Grant Kereama Picked For Games Magnificent Seven To Play At Masters Masters Riding The Classic Trials Games To Head Downtown Next Year

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Bocce & Farmers This Friday!

Friday 25th November 2016 - 5.30pm - 8.30pm

Come and play Bocce and do Late Night Shopping at Farmers!

Register with our Computercare Mobile Team to go in the draw to win back your registration fee. Meet us on the grass verge between the Farmers Carpark and Maria Place, Whanganui. 

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2017 Entertainment

We've got 10 exciting entertianment packed days happening at the 2017 Games starting from Friday the 3rd of Februrary. Click on the days below to see what's on.

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	Friday 3rd February Opening Ceremony Cooks Gardens 5.15pm Gates Open 6.00pm Ceremony Starts			Wednesday 8th February The Big Bike Film Night Pop Culture Quiz
	Saturday 4th February			Thursday 9th February The Big Bike Film Night Street Feast
	Sunday 5th February			Friday 10th February
	Monday 6th February Theme: Kiwiana NZ Triva Quiz			Saturday 11th February
	Tuesday 7th February Theme: Glam! Farmers Fashion Show			Sunday 12th February Closing Ceremony War Memorial Centre 6.00 pm Ceremony Starts

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THEME NIGHTS

The 2017 New Zealand Masters Games Village will feature two themed evenings, but we encourage you to dress up anytime you like. 

Monday 6th February - Waitangi Day 'Kiwiana' - participants encouraged to come dressed in what makes them feel like a kiwi - rugby jumpers, red bands, stubbies & the like.

Tuesday 7th February - 'Glam! Evening' - participants encouraged to dress Glam for the evening which will begin with a Farmers Fashion Show.

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World Masters Games Giveaway!

Win two free registrations for World Masters Games 2017. Auckland is set to welcome the world in April next year, with the city playing host to World Masters Games 2017.

Twenty-five thousand participants from 100 countries are expected for the 10-day festival of sport, which includes an Opening Ceremony at Eden Park and an Entertainment Hub on Auckland’s waterfront. And we’ve got two free Bronze Athlete participation package to give away!

All you have to do to go in the draw is register for the New Zealand Masters Games between Wednesday 30 November and Monday 12 December 2016. We’ll randomly draw one winner, who’ll be given a promo code to use with their registration, which must be completed by 31 January 2017. Please note, no refund can be offered if the winner has already registered for WMG2017.

For more information about WMG2017 and to register, check out: www.worldmastersgames2017.co.nz

Don’t delay, five sports have already sold out and several more are nearing capacity!

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Entrant Stories

Sara Kennard

A passion for swimming leads to friends for life at the New Zealand Masters Games

Fifty-year-old Sara Kennard works at the Makino Aquatic Centre as a swim and aqua instructor so it’s no surprise her chosen sport to compete in at the New Zealand Masters Games in February is swimming.

Sara is no stranger either to the NZ Masters Games – she has attended every one in Whanganui since 1993, and has competed in Masters swimming competitions since 1989.

A swimmer since she was seven, Sara has also competed internationally in Lifesaving, in competitions in both Australia and Singapore.

“I am passionate about all aspects of swimming and what I love about competing at the NZ Masters Games is the good friends I have made over the years both in and out of the water. I love to meet up with likeminded people who have put in the hard yards have seen the benefit for their efforts. I love the atmosphere that is created by the event and it also gives me a chance to do what I love – swim.”

Sara says she would encourage everyone to give the NZ Masters Games a go. “You only live once, and you never know unless you give it a go. In February I’m expecting to have a good time, and not fast times!”

The New Zealand Masters Games, the country’s biggest multi-sport event, is on in Whanganui from 3 to 12 February 2017. Around 6000 competitors are expected to compete across 55 sports.

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Rudolph Meltzer

Christchurch 75-year-old blo-karting his way to the New Zealand Masters Games in February

Rudolph Meltzer calls himself a Cantabrian: he and his wife emigrated from Holland in 1968 and settled in Christchurch, Templeton to be specific.

The retired couple share a love of an interesting sport – Blokarting – a sport Rudolph will be competing in for the second time at the New Zealand Masters Games in Whanganui in February. It was a sport that Rudolph didn’t take up until five years ago.

“My chosen sports up until then were shooting and car club activities and sailing. I sailed in Holland from when I was 14 years old. Unlike sailboats, blokarts are drier and always able to be sailed so we chose them!”

Rudolph started Blokarting in 2011 in production class and after six months, moved to performance class. “We sold our trailer sailer, a Noelex 22, adn my wife Louise got a Blokart as well. We are very lucky that our local Blokarting club can use part of the old Wigram airbase to train in. We love the sport because of the likeminded people and the technical side and skills needed to sail Blokarts.”

Rudolph says he also loves the speeds the Blokarts can attain. “We get up to 70kmh in the blokarts and I also enter track days at our local Ruapuna race track in our Mazda MX5 as well for the speed thrill!”

Although he doesn’t expect to win a medal at the NZ Masters Games in February, Rudolph says meeting all the other ‘karters’ is fun.

“Blokarters are one big family worldwide, with over 10 000 members whom
all sport what we call the ‘Blokart smile’.

The New Zealand Masters Games, the country’s biggest multi-sport event, is on in Whanganui from 3 to 12 February 2017. Around 6000 competitors are expected to compete across 55 sports.

Image: Rudolph in action sailing his Blokart to victory

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Cambridge Legends

Cambridge athletes reuniting for New Zealand Masters Games

In February 2017, a group of friends will reunite in Whanganui to compete on the football pitch at the New Zealand Masters Games.

Tony McIsaac is one of the ‘Cambridge Legends’, a group of “40 and 50 somethings” who play regularly in the WaiBop Waikato A Division winter senior football competition.

“In the Waikato there is no over 35s or over 45s competition, so we were playing mostly against players in their 20s! We were actually still pretty competitive and since 2007 we’ve won four League Championships and several Cup Competitions.”

Earlier this year the Legends retired, opting for more sedate sporting codes including golf and darts. However, Tony says they couldn’t pass up the chance to play football again at the New Zealand Masters Games in February, the third Masters Games outing for the group.

“Most of us began our love affair with the game as four or five year olds and have played ever since.
The Cambridge Legends was established by a group of well decorated footballers who had retired from serious competition, but wished to carry on playing at more of a social level.

“We would absolutely recommend the Masters Games, especially the team sports with a group of mates. You are a long time sitting on the couch watching sport on the TV, so if you are still able, then why not? We all expect to have sore heads, aching stomach muscles from the laughter and no sleep. Our expectations are low as far as the football is concerned, but every dog has their day and we might just spring a surprise or two,” laughs Tony.

The New Zealand Masters Games, the country’s biggest multi-sport event, is on in Whanganui from 3 to 12 February 2017. Around 6000 competitors are expected to compete across 55 sports. www.nzmg.com for more details and registration.

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June Hyde

New Zealand Masters Games 2017 in Whanganui providing perfect training ground for Northland cyclist June Hyde.

Cycling is in 79-year-old June Hyde’s blood: her grandfather was a keen cyclist, as were her parents, who rode their tandem, complete with sidecar for the children, 150 miles to the seaside for a Sunday outing in their native UK. She remembers her interest in biking starting when she was five.

June Hyde training and competing in preparation for the New Zealand Masters Games in February

“I used to take it upon myself to visit grandma, who lived three miles away. I remember my little legs going like the clappers down the steep hill as three-wheelers are fixed wheel bikes. When I turned up she said “get back home”, so I had to go back the same way I got there – under my own steam through busy roads and steep hills. I joined the Leeds Westfield Cycling Club when I was 16 and we would ride 160 to 200 miles regularly on our Sunday run - rain, hail or snow. We were tough!”

June emigrated to New Zealand in 1962 and presently lives in Dargaville. Her chosen sport for the Masters Games is cycling, although for three years she took up running, competing in her first half-marathon just shy of her 65th birthday.

“After that event I started having knee problems so gave up running and that’s when I went back to cycling. I love the freedom you feel when on the bike. Fresh air and lovely countryside. I say ‘nothing ventured nothing gained’ when it comes to competing in the NZ Masters Games – have a go! The Games attracts all the athletes who think they might win a medal, but also all the athletes who just love the feeling of competing alongside like minded people. I have ridden the Bike The Lake event in Rotorua for three years and love the feeling of competing. With a bit of luck, I may even get a placing in the NZ Masters Games in February! It will be perfect training for the World Masters Games in April.”

When she’s not cycling, June is a writer and her book ‘When the bad times were good’ documents her life growing up during the war years in the poor area of Leeds.

The New Zealand Masters Games, the country’s biggest multi-sport event, is on in Whanganui from 3 to 12 February 2017. Around 6000 competitors are expected to compete across 55 sports.

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ComputerCare Mobile Team

AGE ON THE GO EXPO

Sue & Pauline did a FANTASTIC job for us representing the New Zealand Masters Games at Age on The Go Expo last Friday.

Sue & Paulie are both Sport Coordinators so they were able to wear their SC shirts which was handy also! They handed out approx. 100 Entry Guides & took entries on the ComputerCare tablets.

We're excited about getting more Mobile Team members out there.

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2017 Food Court

The NZMG Forecourt is loaded with some of the best food trucks in the country. Come grab lunch and dinner..

Here are some choices for you to get your lunch or dinner sorted

• Three Little Birds - Jamaican Jerk
• Origin Gourmet Food Shack - Gluten Free Delights
• Dutchy's Burger Joint - Burger Classics
• Toro Churro - Spanish

 

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Masters Moments’ Giveaway Winner

Congratulations! to our Masters Moment WINNER

Tarsh Boniface

Thank you to everyone who posted their Masters Moments.

Awesome to see so many happy faces enjoying this spirit of the New Zealand Masters Games...you're all winners in our books!

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We all know the number one reason for coming to the Masters Games is for the exercise right??

This classic shot was found in the photo archives from 2004!  To celebrate its revival we have a Tui jumper, shorts and jandals, Tui glassware and a Tui Chilly bin to giveaway.

Be in the draw to win all of this by sharing one of your favourite ‘Masters Moments’on our Facebook page.

Simply post a photo in the comments section of the Masters Moments' promo on our Facebook Page to go into the draw.

The winner will be selected on Friday 30 September 2016 at 3.00 pm.

Terms and Conditions of Entry

• You must own or have permission to publish the posted photo
• Photos must not contain any offensive material or excessive drinking
• Winner will be private messaged via Facebook
• If no response received by Tuesday 4th October – the runner up winner will be selected
• No correspondence will be entered into

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2017 Massage Providers

Feel like a good rub down, check out our massage providers:

• Darnelle Parkin – Mobile Massage 06 3439789
• Aydie Holland – 0274 838384
• Alicia Agor – Inspire Gym 06 345 9486
• Paul Duxfield – Inspire Gym 06 345 9486
• Deborah McEwen – 06 347 2290
• Tracey Eades – Worsfield 027 649 4034
• Kellie – weekends and evening – 027 529 9113

And within the Village at the Rowo Herbal Sports Gel container are FREE chair massages

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2017 New Zealand Masters Games

We're excited to announce the dates for the next New Zealand Masters Games in Whanganui. Mark it in your calendars now - Friday 3rd - Sunday 12th February 2017 Get ready for a recharged Games experience! SUBSCRIBE to the newsletter and stay in touch with more information as it comes to hand.

 

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