Devoy makes power play for spot on Squash NZ board
Dame Susan Devoy has resigned as Squash New Zealand’s patron as she pursues a position the board.
She stepped down as patron following the resignation of Squash New Zealand chief executive Jamie Tong and two board members.
Sport New Zealand has been brought on to help manage the recruitment process. The former Race Relations Commissioner confirmed her intentions to run for the board in an email to
‘‘I would like to contribute more than just being a figurehead,’’ she said.
Devoy said it is not possible to be both a board member and the patron.
Stuff understands the former world No 1 has been kept at arm’s length by Squash NZ, and she has asked to be more involved with the organisation for the last two years, since finishing as Race Relations Commissioner in 2018.
Stuff also understands there’s been calls within the squash community for all Squash NZ board members to resign to allow more diversity around the table. Currently, only two women sit on the volunteer run board.
There has also been a lack of communication and leadership between Squash NZ and its board with players and administrators at a regional and grassroots level, Stuff understands.
Former world No 3, Wellington-based Stuart Davenport is also standing for a board role.
He said Devoy would have more influence as a board member than as patron.
‘‘It’s crazy not to have her involved. She’s good. She’s sharp,’’ he said.
‘‘Susan speaks her mind and that will ruffle a few feathers. It won’t hurt Squash NZ to have a few feathers ruffled.’’
Squash NZ board chair David Hawes rebuked claims the organisation and board has ignored Devoy.
‘‘I wouldn’t say she’s been kept at arm’s length. I’ve encouraged her to be involved with the game,’’ he said.
‘‘I welcome the opportunity for her to be on the board with her knowledge, and skills.’’
Hawes said the sport is ‘‘united’’ with only one district asking for the board to stand down, but that proposition wasn’t supported by the wider squash community.
He said Squash NZ is ‘‘making a huge effort to engage with stakeholders’’.
‘‘Like many organisations, there’s people that if they don’t hear what they want, they don’t hear it,’’ he said. ‘‘There are people who are always disgruntled.’’
Board applications close on July 7 and the board make up has changed, in part with help from Sport NZ, he said.
Historically it was made up of elected members voted by the squash community. Now it will be a mix of elected and appointed members who go through a screening process.
Hawes said Devoy won’t automatically be appointed or elected to the board. She will have to go through the process with everyone else.
Outgoing Squash New Zealand chief executive Jamie Tong said there was ‘‘nothing untoward’’ happening in the organisation.
‘‘Sometimes this happens during the life cycle of an NSO [national sports organisation],’’ he said.
‘‘Since October last year it’s not been unstable, but there’s been lots of change. This type of thing happens.’’
Tong steps down at the end of August after two-and-a-half years in the job.