A long-standing board member and former chair of WaiBOP Football, Dave Ireland, has resigned after deciding to relocate from the region for career reasons.
Ireland (59) first joined the WaiBOP board in 2002, serving a seven-year term, before re-joining in 2014 and being elected as the organisation’s chair.
After eight years as chair, he stood down last year, after a change in employment, and has since continued as an elected board member.
WaiBOP appointed Mark Browning to replace him as chair, with Cherie-Lee Atkinson as deputy chair.
In an announcement, WaiBOP said:
“It is with mixed emotions the Waikato Bay of Plenty Football board have accepted the resignation of David Ireland.
“With Dave’s career move taking him outside the region, he has decided to relocate and is unable to invest the time required for his role with the board.
“Dave has been a hard-working board member and additionally positioned the organisation very well with all key stakeholders.
“It is with sadness we accept Dave’s resignation, but it is with happiness we wish him all the best for his new role.
“He hono tangata e kore e motu; ka pa he taura waka e motu. Unlike a canoe rope, a human bond cannot be severed.”
Recruitment for a new board member will begin soon.
Ireland has been involved in football most of his life, including playing in various leagues up to and including National League.
He was president of Te Awamutu AFC for many years and is a Life Member of the club.
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