Graeme and his támity were involved with WHAtór over 40 years atter his earlier lifé in Canterbury where he had played club and representative hockey.

While playing in Hamilton club hockey Graeme also became involved in the promotion and coaching of hockey for primary school age boys. This was the beginning of a new era. Graeme commenced years dedicated to the promotion and development of hockey for primary age boys in the Waikato.

Graeme’s impact was significant. Many of the players in his Hatch Cup teams later progressed to become integral members of secondary school teams, Waikato U15 and U18 Boys rep teams and adult Waikato players. Amongst the developing players were Graeme and Margaret’s sons, David and lan, who also became integral members of Waikato club and rep teams until work took them from Waikato.

Besides years of successful Hatch Cup involvement, Graeme was a significant contributor to club and Masters hockey. He maintained his skills and enthusiasm playing for Waikato and NZ age group teams, including travelling overseas for Masters international tournaments. As one of his Masters team contemporaries said, “Graeme was a consummate team man, who possessed and retained his hockey skills, along with his enthusiasm and his sense of humour.”

The WHA acknowledges Graeme and Margaret Haste, for decades of participation, contribution, fellowship and the enduring benefits they left to Waikato Hockey. R.I.P, Graeme