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The start of something extraordinary

Mary McFarlane Awarded New Zealand Order of Merit

    

Huge congratulations to our Technical Official, Mrs Mary McFarlane. An extremely well deserved Queens Birthday honour, to be an Officer of the New Zealand Order of Merit.

Mary has been involved with swimming officiating for over 50 years, volunteering at local, national and international events.

Based in Otago, Mary continues to officiate at NZ Open and Age Championships for many years. In 2019 alone she spent 232 hours volunteering on the pool deck of national events, more than any other New Zealand Technical Official.

Mary says she did not do it for any reward.

"I do it because I like it.

"I enjoy the company and I’ve had such good support from Kiwi Club, the Otago Centre and my late husband. If it hadn’t been for Paddy — he just encouraged me.

"I’m absolutely humbled by this."

The whole swimming community thanks you Mary, we are extremely proud of your achievement.