Smith is currently the chief executive of Academy of Sport South Island and the vice-president of the International Netball Federation.

She has also previously worked as a Private Secretary at the Minister of Sport, Fitness and Leisure for the New Zealand Government

Smith replaces the outgoing Barry Maister, who had the post since 2001, as the NZOC changes the position to more of a chief executive-type role.

Maister, a member of the New Zealand hockey team that won the Olympic gold medals at Montreal in 1976, was appointed as a member International Olympic Committee earlier this year and is currently attending the Association of National Olympic Committees (ANOC) currently taking place here.

He will continue to sit on the New Zealand Olympic Committee board.

NZOC President Mike Stanley claimed Smith was chosen for her strong leadership ability, strategic expertise and commercial and financial acumen.

"Kereyn is both highly qualified and a motivational and inspirational leader," said Stanley.

"High performance sport in New Zealand is undergoing a period of review and change and Kereyn is the ideal person to provide the strong strategic direction necessary at this time.

"The Olympic rings symbolise the pinnacle of high performance sport in New Zealand.

"Kereyn will maximise the value the New Zealand Olympic Committee adds to sport, athletes, commercial partners and all New Zealanders."

Smith's main tasks will be securing that the NZOC continues to raise enough funding.

"In order to deliver consistently high performance environments at Olympic and Commonwealth Games and to on behalf of athletes in New Zealand, financial security is crucial," said Stanley.

"Kereyn will be part of ensuring this security."



Smith will take up her role in January 2011 just 18 months out from the London Olympic Games.

She will be only  the tenth secretary general of the NZOC, an organisation that celebrates its centenary in October 2011.

"I am honoured to be appointed to the role of  Secretary General," said Smith.

"I am also acutely aware of the very real challenges that lie ahead.

"With less than two years to the London Olympic Games, a dynamic and changing high performance landscape, and the ongoing need to secure the necessary financial resources to add value to sport and athletes, it will certainly be a testing time.

"Kiwi athletes have unreasonable ambition and expectation that they will take on the best in the world and succeed.

"This means sports organisations and their leaders must also step up their pace.

"I’m excited to be part of this drive for success."

Contact the writer of this story at [email protected]


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