Patron’s Opening day
Patron Mike Hartley officially opened the season on Saturday 5th September! He reflected on the skills and growth that rowers gain through the sport that serve people well regardless of what path they choose to take.
We welcomed a number of distinguished members to the event including: Life Members Mike Hartley, Dan Ashby, Bronwyn Menhinick, Kim Littlejohn, Colin Cordes, John White and Lloyd Banton (happy 70th birthday!); member of over 50 years Clive Wood; and the names Roger McGarry, Vic Lange and Shane O’Brien will also be very familiar to those rowing in boats! And it is always a pleasure having our first female members in attendance: Colleen Tonei, Barbara Iversen, and Bronwyn.
After unveiling our Official Unofficial Names of the Whau (thank you to everyone who submitted names and voted on the Instagram polls!), we had three 8+s out on the water to race for the Thomas Peacock Memorial Shield. This shield was found broken in the attic four years ago, but we quickly unpicked the history. Thomas Peacock was WERC’s first Patron, taking on the role in 1892 and holding it for 30 years. After his death, the family donated the Thomas Peacock Memorial Shield in 1926 to commemorate his contributions to the club. The shield was awarded to the winners of the Trial 4+s racing that was held. It seemed only fitting that with the shield restored, and it being 100 years since the shield was gifted, that it be awarded to the winning crew of the Trial 8+s race at Patron’s Opening Day!
For those who have seen many a Trial 8+s race, it was not surprising to see questionable race lines being taken, tight racing, changes of leader, a gear breakage, and a crew that stopped before the finish line! It certainly provided a lot of entertainment for those on the pontoon.
Congratulations to the winning crew, racing in the Tony Hurt: Lola Aiuta, Mia Bailey, William Dobbs, Kenzie Holden, Lilly Kerr, Holly O’Connell, Kiwa Setoga, Elandra Shewan and Rosie Stones.
The final formality was presenting Holly Chaafe with her Red Coat, earnt by her win in the Premier 4x at Nationals. Earning a Red Coat is one of the most prestigious achievements in New Zealand Rowing, and we were grateful to have Kelsey Campbell (nee Bevan) in attendance to do the formal presentation. Kelsey is Olympic silver medallist from Tokyo in the women’s 8+, is a two-time World Champion (2019, 2014). Holly’s win in the Prem 4x was one of three medals she won at 2026 Nationals with an additional gold in the Women’s Senior 1x, and bronze in the Women’s Senior 2x with Jasmine Brake. Welcome to the blazered bunch Holly!