Stanley to Head New Zealand Olympic Committee

Olympian and Millennium Institute Chief Executive Mike Stanley has been elected President of the New Zealand Olympic Committee (NZOC) replacing the retiring Eion Edgar.

A member of the New Zealand's 1984 Olympic rowing eight, Stanley is a strong advocate of sport in New Zealand and has been involved at all levels of sport development, management and governance.

After five years on the board of the NZOC Stanley will now step up to a leadership role. His focus will be on encouraging young people to participate in sport and promoting the needs of sport at government level.

"The New Zealand Olympic Committee is currently in very good shape," Stanley told Australasian Leisure Management, adding "there are financial reserves in place and the leadership provided by former President Eion Edgar and by current Secretary General Barry Maister has set the organisation in good stead.

"I'm passionate about sport and the Olympic Movement and will work hard to ensure the gains made to date under Eion and Barry will be capitalised. We'll be looking at ways to support the IOC in their fight against inactivity in youth and how to steer our way through the current economic crisis."

Secretary General Barry Maister is delighted Stanley agreed to take on the Presidency, adding "Mike is a natural leader and a proud New Zealand Olympian. He has the skills and knowledge to make a very strong contribution to the NZOC."

Stanley has 15 years experience in sport management and is currently on the board of the Academy of Sport North Island. Allowing him to spend additional time with the NZOC, Stanley has resigned from the board of Rowing New Zealand.