New Zealand Alpine Club (NZAC) appoints Programme Manager
NEW ZEALAND ALPINE CLUB, CHRSTCHURCH, NEW ZEALAND
Media Release
Tuesday 24 July.
New Zealand Alpine Club General Manager Sam Newton announced today that Sefton Priestley of Christchurch has been
appointed Programme Manager of the New Zealand Alpine Club (NZAC), effective September 2nd 2013.
“The newly established role of Programme Manager is the key outcome of the recent review and restructure of the club’s
professional staff. As such, appointing the right person into such a crucial role has been paramount,” Mr Newton said.
“Sefton brings a unique mix of event management, instruction and commercial experience to the role. And his enthusiasm
for climbing and the climbing community is obvious to anyone who has met him.”
“I am excited that Sefton is coming on board and I know that he will strengthen NZAC’s range of outcomes and services.”
“Sefton will be well known to many people in the climbing community, especially amongst the rock climbing and bouldering
scene. He has twice been NZ Sport Climbing Champion and has been a NZ representative at the Sport Climbing World
Champs.”
“More recently, Sefton has volunteered for NZAC as the organiser of the National Indoor Bouldering Series—a role in
which he has excelled.”
“Professionally, Sefton has established his marketing and commercial credentials by establishing the very successful Uprising Ventures Ltd. Prior to that he was a successful facility manager, coach and instructor within the indoor climbing industry.”
In accepting the role, Mr Priestley acknowledged the history and members of The New Zealand Alpine Club.
“The New Zealand Alpine Club is an amazing institution with so much history and it is a real privilege to have the
chance to be involved as its Programme Manager.”
“I'm looking forward to working with the existing staff at the NZAC HQ, as well as all of the members in the club
sections. Their efforts are what makes the club succeed and it will be great to have a chance to be involved,” he said.
Background
The New Zealand Alpine Club was formed in 1891 and aims to promote and support climbing at all levels within New
Zealand. The club has over 3200 members, and five full-time staff based at its headquarters in Christchurch. The scope
of its activities are broad, including publishing, the provision of 17 alpine huts and base lodges, instruction,
advocacy, insurance and support for overseas climbing expeditions.
ENDS