Fern farewell

Published date24 September 2021
Publication titleSports Tab
How long have you been in the NZOC role, Kereyn?

Nearly 11 years. By the time I pass the baton to somebody else, I’m anticipating it will be 2022, which will be 11 years for me.

That’s a good stretch. Does it just feel like time to go?

Yeah, I think my original thoughts were that post-Tokyo 2020 would be a good time for reflection, and time to move on. With the Covid delay, the complexity around planning and preparation was not really conducive to moving on. There is a window now to get someone in place for the next Commonwealth Games then on to the Paris Olympics in 2024. It’s just the right time for me and for the organisation. I feel really lucky to have been involved in this job at a time when New Zealand sport has really stepped forward.

What are your plans?

I’m going to wait for the phone to ring, ha ha. I’m sort of imagining I just want to spend a little bit of time reflecting on things. I’d really love to do some projects — not that I know what they will look like — that can kind of use some of the cumulative experience and knowledge that you gain in a job like this. I’m really looking forward to just pursuing something, but no fixed plans at this point.

How has the Olympic role changed from when you started?

It’s changed a lot. It’s really interesting because it feels like sport has been professional in New Zealand for a long time, but in reality, it hasn’t. I was only the third or fourth CEO of the NZOC. It’s moved to become an organisation that is about leadership, that every day is contributing to New Zealand sport, both domestically and internationally. It’s got a clear role and function that isn’t just around the Olympic and Commonwealth Games. It’s a real leader of New Zealand sport. So I think the organisation is more enduring, and has more purpose and meaning.

You’ve been a strong advocate for women in sport. Have we seen that area take a leap over the past decade?

Definitely. One of my proudest moments was in 2015 when the New Zealand Olympic Committee won the global IOC award for its work in women in sport. That kind of recognised where we had moved to, in terms of an organisation working with female athletes and how we advocated for them. It reflected our policies and our representation, as well as the success and profile female athletes were achieving. That’s just continued to evolve. Diversity and inclusion are now the big things that have also evolved.

What’s been the toughest thing to deal with?

I’ve certainly reflected, over the...

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