BOARD OF DIRECTORS
2026/2027 BOARD MEMBERS
ALISTAIR LUKE – PRESIDENT
Highly regarded Whangamatā Area School Principal and nationally recognised education sector leader. Alistair sits on the
Ministry of Education’s Professional Advisory Group (NCEA) and is Chairperson of the Central North Island Secondary Principals’ Association (CNISPA)
and has sat on several appointment committees, including for Regional Director of Education (Waikato), and assisting several local schools with Principal
appointments. Alistair is a highly active club member across a range of programs and events and is a member of the Club’s surf lifesaving sport
committee. Alistair’s entire family participate across all parts of the club (SAR, lifeguarding. Junior Surf and surf-lifesaving sport).
SAM BARCLAY-FINANCE DIRECTOR
Sam has a professional background in supply chain with experience helping businesses manage everything from earthquake, pandemic and conflict impacts having recently completed an MBA. He is a long-suffering Warriors fan and has been involved with the
Whangamata Surf Lifesaving Club for over 20 years starting as a nipper but staying involved all the way through lifeguarding and now onto the
fossil patrol.
JULIUS BELL -club captain
Jules started at the club as a nipper, and comes from a life guarding family. The Club’s Head Lifeguard over the last two peak seasons; volunteer patrol captain; member of the Life Guard Committee (principally as power-craft officer). Highly regarded by his predecessors, peers
and team members as a skilled life guard and leader.
BRYAN BLACK – PATRON
A Life Member, Bryan qualified as a lifeguard over 50 years ago and has been an integral part of the surf club ever since. Still very active assisting the club with patrols, swim coaching and running the iconic event the Harbour Swim held annually that sees over 100 people swim from the northern point of main beach to Hauturu island and then into shore. Bryan was the driving force behind the revitalisation and rebuild of club rooms that were re-opened in December 2025.
JONO MORGAN
Jono has been a Whangamata Clubbie since 2003. During this time, he has been a Professional Lifeguard, a Director of Recruitment all the while continuing with volunteer activity, forming many long-lasting and deep friendships.
In 2011, Jono and his family moved to Australia, where he worked in the Telecommunications and I.T industries in roles across APAC. Now based in Auckland with his family, Anna and Olivia now members of Junior Surf.
Scott Cresswell
Scott received his bronze medallion in 1993, was a paid Lifeguard in the Central and Eastern Regions as well as competing for Omanu, Mairangi Bay, Ocean Beach Kiwi and Whangamata. He has two sons that have come through the Whangamata junior surf program with Mack qualifying as a lifeguard in 2025. Scott worked in professional sport for 15 years consulting to a range of athletes and sports – clients included: Silver Ferns netball, Triathlon New Zealand, England Rugby, Yachting New Zealand (including attending the 2008 and 2012 Olympic Games) and NZ Rugby Union. Scott served on the board of Yachting New Zealand as an independent director from 2011- 2014. He has 20 years’ experience in professional and financial services working for PwC, ANZ and Gallagher Insurance – where he is the Executive People & Strategy.
claire richardson
As a permanent resident in Whangamatā until recently, Claire has been involved in a number of local community
organisations. Her wider family has had long-standing engagement with the Surf Club, and places great importance on the community it offers.
A marketer by trade, and currently a full-time parent, Claire places great value on good communication and community engagement. Claire is a qualified Surf lifeguard, Surf SAR squad member, Junior Surf Parent, and a passionate ocean swimmer. Claire’s dream is for all kids to share love and respect for the ocean, and to be confident and competent in the water.
Dianna Harrison (DIDE) – CLUB MANAGER
Dianna (Dide) is the Club Manager since moving to Whangamata in November 2023. Dide has a high energy personality and enjoys working with people of different abilities and backgrounds. She has a degree in Sport and Recreation and has worked in various roles in community spaces including education, community development and health promotion.