Raewyn, a long standing member of AOC, passed away last month (November 2015). Raewyn made an enormous contribution to club life including roles as our Treasurer and equipment officer. A few members attended a memorial service for Raewyn in December. This was a fitting celebration of her life and contribution to yachting, conservation and orienteering.

Raewyn’s knowledge was vast. Orienteering is a complex sport - we ask people if we can use their land, we ask that members build things for us, we ask if members can fix things and we ask for advice. Everything is done with precision and the highest levels of accuracy. All this work, voluntary of course, was the true domain for Raewyn.

Our orienteering controls built by Raewyn and John are the best there's ever been. Others have fallen but the Bennett's controls stood. Raewyn also procured our big purchase of high tech equipment and managed exchange rate dealings and freight forwarders as well as the finances in her role as Treasurer. If you needed a "bloke" with a 4WD Raewyn would be the first to put her hand up. The steep sandy tracks in Woodhill Forest were no problem to her. Towing a fully loaded caravan with equipment - no problem.

Raewyn was instrumental in organising the 24 hour Rogaine AOC hosted a few years ago. This was a huge logistical challenge for the club but Raewyn without even a blink was up for the whole 24 hours organising and delivering logistics to the most remote parts of the Port Waikato area.

Raewyn also understood what was required to manage first aid and safety issues. Without her our club may have breached the required standards many times.

Raewyn's volunteering was enormously inspiring and energising. We have lost a great member but the amazing legacy that Raewyn has left for the club will be visible for many years ahead. The club sends it’s deepest sympathies to John, Jono and Alex and the wider family.