The KIWI Athletics Cub – 100 years
On Saturday evening the Kiwi Athletics Club celebrated is centenary with special dinner at the “The PInes” in Houghton Bay with many guests with past connections to the club on hand to celebrate.
The foundation of the Kiwi Athletic Club (KAC), formed as the Kiwi Amateur Athletic Club (KAAC) and briefly known in 1990 – 2002 as Rose and Crown Kiwi Athletic Club (RCK), began like many great sports clubs from the smallest beginning on Wednesday 13 October 1926 in the old YMCA building in 150 – 152 Willis Street in Wellington City. The Club is now known as the Kiwi Athletic Club (Inc). In the
beginning a group of men elected Jack Howell as the first President with another 21 on the Committee.
Kiwi Athletics club over the years as history as the club of many leading Athletics personalities during its 100 year history and Peter Jack is the local identity who is synonymous with the club now over the last 60 years having spent time with the club in many roles including as a still active masters athlete today, a coach, an administrator, a club captain, the President and an honoured Life member.
The club has had many internationals who have represented New Zealand as administrators at the highest level such as Geoff and Marion Jackman ( both Life Members of Athletics NZ) and athletes of which Bevan Smith 1972 Olympian over 400m and long time national record holder and the Commonwealth Games representative in Shot Put Glenda Hughes may be a couple of the best known. Over the years it has produced many of New Zealand’s top sprint representatives who have been part of the club including Penny Hunt, Matthew Coad, Andrew Collins, Anthony Green and Craig Purdy to name a few. Throwers have been an integral part of the club too with the likes of Shaka Sola, Ryan Tinkle, Faleone Seve. The Kiwi Throwers meeting is an annual meeting still today.
The club is know for its inclusive nature too, supporting Para Athletes like Stuart Minifie and more recently Corran Hanning and many masters athletes to reach their goals in track & field.
