23 Sept 2003
Waikato Hockey's Neil Thistlethwaite continues to move up in the International men's hockey scene. He was appointed Judge for the Australian vs NZ three test series completed last weekend.
Neil frequently travels overseas to hockey Tournaments and gathers ideas which he has modified for local use. He has brought new dimensions to Local Body and Corporate involvement in the staging and presentation of Test hockey. He implemented ideas which have been replicated by other Associations to bring a more festive and carnival atmosphere to Test Match venues.
A major project he was involved with this year was the 2003 National Mens & Womens Hockey Masters Tournament held in Hamilton in March.
Neil coordinated and initiated the acquisition of permanent, portable seating for the Gallagher Centre by securing from WEL Energy a grant for seating creating a stadium complex on Innes Common.
He gives an unstinting devotion of time to hockey, the sport he loves.
Neil Thistlethwaite (centre), Judge for 3 test series against Australia
Neil Thistlethwaite's engineering skills at the National Masters 2003