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NZ Herald
7 days ago
- Sport
- NZ Herald
Ōwairaka archery club's lease terminated, seeks new home after 50 years on Auckland maunga
'There are presently two archery clubs operating on two maunga and each requires significant space for exclusive use on most days of the week. Based upon the independent advice from a parks specialist consultant and in terms of the governing Integrated Management Plan, the management team recommended that the Mountain Green Archery Club expired lease not be continued. 'At today's hui, the authority terminated the lease while delegating to the chair and deputy chair agreeing the final terms for ending this lease. This approach gives the club some time to plan for relocation. The authority also requested management to work closely with the club to support finding and transitioning to a new site.' The Mountain Green Archery Club will have to move after 50 years on the Ōwairaka maunga. The outdoor range on the Ōwairaka maunga has been a fixture since the early 1950s. The club also has an indoor range at the Badminton Hall in Massey, West Auckland. In 2014, the tūpuna maunga (ancestral mountains) were given to a combination of mana whenua (Māori) and Auckland Council to co-govern. Since that time, the club has worked closely with the Tūpuna Maunga Authority. Kelly Atkinson, past president and current committee member of the club and current president of the Auckland District Archery Association, said while they are disappointed at the outcome, they are trying to stay positive. 'MGAC supports the vision of the Tūpuna Maunga Authority to govern the maunga,' Atkinson told the Herald. 'It's really unfortunate for us that their vision will cause significant disruption to our club as we now have to find a new home, and fast.' The Mountain Green Archery club has indoor facilities at Massey, West Auckland. Atkinson said while moving the club does not come as a surprise, the speed at which it may have to vacate has. 'This was a surprise. We only had four days' notice that the TMA were voting to terminate our lease. In meetings with TMA staff even as recently as late July, they talked in general terms about transition options but never said that we wouldn't, or weren't likely to, get a new lease at all – we only found this out when we saw the published agenda for the hui by which time there was no way for us or others to advocate for the club to stay.' The Mountain Green Archery Club has been on the Mt Albert maunga for 50 years. 'The timing has caused massive stress on our volunteers. We've worked very hard during our entire time on Ōwairaka/Mount Albert to use the range space with care and respect but we've also been unable to make improvements like refurbishing or replacing our aged clubroom built in 1957. 'Our beginner courses to learn about archery and our huge youth coaching programmes will continue and we hope our new home will be in central/West Auckland so we can keep serving the local community. We're looking toward the future now and getting excited about what we could make happen in a fresh new space. If readers have any suggestions for public or private land anywhere for our new home, we'd love to hear them at info@
Miami Herald
18-03-2025
- Business
- Miami Herald
AmeriLife's 'Empowering Voices' Campaign Celebrates National Women's History Month
Campaign honors women leaders, their achievements, and forward-thinking attributes for the next generation of insurance and financial services industry leaders CLEARWATER, FLORIDA / ACCESS Newswire / March 18, 2025 / AmeriLife Group, LLC ("AmeriLife"), a national organization that develops, markets, and distributes life and health insurance, annuities, and retirement planning solutions, is celebrating National Women's History Month through the theme of "Empowering Voices" as it recognizes the remarkable women leaders driving innovation and excellence within its industry. This month-long celebration underscores AmeriLife's unwavering commitment to fostering a unified workforce that values diverse perspectives, contributions, and leadership. One of the key initiatives supporting this mission is the Distribution Women's Leadership Council (DWLC). Now in its third year, the Council is committed to recruiting, retaining, empowering, and advancing women within AmeriLife's Distribution business. The DWLC maintains a forum for sharing best practices, fostering mentorship, and providing networking opportunities. These efforts are crucial in leveraging market opportunities and achieving its business objectives. "We are thrilled to celebrate the incredible women making a significant impact at AmeriLife," said Mike Vietri, Chief Distribution Officer for Wealth at AmeriLife and executive champion of the DWLC. "Their leadership and dedication are instrumental in shaping our company's future. The Distribution Women's Leadership Council plays a vital role in ensuring that we continue to support and empower women at every level of our organization." The DWLC has been instrumental in developing programs that provide Distribution with the skills and resources they need to succeed. From leadership training to networking events such as its monthly "Sips & Strategies" gatherings and annual conference, the Council is dedicated to creating an environment where individuals can thrive and reach their full attendance at community events such as the Valspar Executive Women's Day, the ANNIKA Women's Leadership Summit, and the SharpHeels Career & Leadership Summit is a key extension of its mission, providing invaluable networking opportunities and connections with other professionals beyond the office. "We are committed to building a workforce that reflects the diverse communities we serve," said Kelly Atkinson, AmeriLife's Senior Vice President, Distribution Operations & Chief of Staff, Wealth Distribution, and founding member of the DWLC. "By empowering women and recognizing their contributions, we are strengthening our company and positively impacting the industry." The Power of Mentorship Mentorship is not just a pillar but a driving force at the DWLC, essential for fostering growth, development, and success. Each member is committed to embracing this vital role within their respective positions. "As women in finance, we can use our experiences and influence to inspire the next generation and ensure they have access to clear, easy-to-understand education," said Rayna Reyes, Principal of American Federal. "Women leaders today can make a significant impact by mentoring young women and, more importantly, shaping policies to create inclusive work environments," said Angela Palo, Chief Operating Officer of Pinnacle Financial Services, Inc. Ana Hernandez, Managing Director of Grupo Latinamericano de Seguras, agrees, saying, "Women leaders can leverage their influence and experiences to inspire the next generation and ensure equitable and empowering education for young women by actively mentoring and sponsoring young females, ultimately creating a visible pathway for future female leaders." Stephanie Kirk, Chief Executive Officer of Secure Benefits, Inc., added, "Young women need mentors. Someone willing to teach them by inclusion, not just instruction. My philosophy is the best education is to learn by doing. Being a woman of influence gives me an excellent opportunity to roll up my sleeves and work hard alongside someone trying to get to where I am. The next generation of women coming behind me will reach even greater heights because I'm giving them a shoulder to stand on!" Learn more about the Distribution Women's Leadership Council and its lead-by-example philosophy. About AmeriLife AmeriLife's strength is its mission: to provide insurance and retirement solutions to help people live longer, healthier lives. AmeriLife develops, markets, and distributes life and health insurance, annuities, and retirement planning solutions to enhance the lives of pre-retirees and retirees across the United States. For over 50 years, AmeriLife has partnered with top insurance carriers to provide value and quality to customers through a national distribution network of over 300,000 agents, financial professionals, and more than 160 marketing organizations and insurance agencies. For more information, visit and follow AmeriLife on Facebook and LinkedIn. Contact Information Jeff Maldonado Media Contactmedia@ Alex Hyer Corporate Developmentcorporatedevelopment@
