Rob Garden

Profiled June 2017

Rob is a legend in the NW club! His infectious enthusiasm for orienteering and genuine desire to make it an enjoyable experience for anyone new has resulted in a huge number of new members over the years. He is always keen to add just one more event to the calendar and if you join in with one of his trips to overseas events, you know you are destined to have a great time! Thanks Rob for all you do for our sport, not only as Club Captain, but in so many other ways!

Number of years orienteering?
37 years, and still loving it.

How were you introduced to orienteering?
I had a flatmate who taught with Jill Dalton in 1980, and had a go and was hooked from the start

Key orienteering achievements to date?
My best result was winning the 1986 Milo 7 day held by 7 clubs between Auckland and Taupo, and an idea Wayne Aspin was behind. I had a big year in 1984, and won more races than anyone in NZ.

Current orienteering project or goal?
Rogaine series organiser along with Marquita, and starting to think about next year’s Jaffa weekend, as long as Jenny Cade is the organiser!!

Favourite map and why?
I loved the Lake Rototoa map, Marquita and I got to know so well setting the Oceania long event. Loved the Masters Qual 2 and final maps also. My favourite Australian maps are Cascades and Kooyoora.

Map you have yet to experience but aspire to orienteer on?
Central European maps need more exploring, and Scandinavia is a permanent challenge.

Orienteering hero?
Alistair Landels showed everyone what could be done from our little nation in the early 90’s, but Tim Robertson, Matt Ogden, and Nick Hann have amazing talent, and some stunning results for a country with so few coaching resources.

Day job?
All sorts with a farm, property development and share trading, but mostly retired, with time to train, and have lots of holidays.

Other interests?
Mountain biking, MTB orienteering and adventure racing, and active holidays.

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