Introducing our new Club President, Aaron Young!

Aaron, some readers will know of your role with the NZ Royal Yacht Squadron - please could you give us a summary of your background?

After 20 years of running my own businesses, I recently sold a majority share in Storepro (that I started in 2004) with 50 staff NZ wide so far fewer headaches now! I sit on a couple of advisory boards for SME’s (small and mid-size enterprises).  I also manage a couple of my other businesses in commercial property.  In terms of volunteer work - I am a trustee of the RNZYS.  I was on the board there for 11 years culminating in two years as Chairman / Commodore (2020 - 2022) with over 3500 members, 40 fulltime staff, the world’s most successful youth training programme and winning and hosting an America’s Cup etc. I chaired and managed the America’s Cup event in Auckland dealing with government, council, our own team, internationals etc - a huge range of stakeholders. I also previously chaired committees at Yachting NZ and International Yacht Club councils. 

What compelled you to become president of the TGS Rowing Club?

My son Ben!  He has really enjoyed rowing and the club thus far and it gave him a team sport that required physical and mental strength. I could see so many improvements and opportunities and I’m not a keyboard warrior who can sit on the sideline and criticise. I was considered a bit of an activist at the RNZYS who challenged the norm and set out a plan for the future. It’s far easier to do nothing or be a know-it-all from the sideline. Although I can’t do everything as quickly as I’d like, with a supportive and enthusiastic committee we can achieve a lot.

Did you row yourself? What sports did you compete in at school and more recently?

I never really rowed at school as boarding school early mornings were enough! I represented school at the top level (then university) in a lot of sports - rugby, squash, tennis, sailing.  I’ve been involved and competed at national level in squash and at international level for sailing. Sailing-wise, I have been a national champion in some classes, and still coach and mentor a few younger sailors. I still race competitively every week where winning is best but if you lose you learn. Rowing has a lot of similarities to sailing - it requires a team, is physical and mental, needs lots of time on the water and no matter how long you do it, every day on the water is different so you’re always learning.

What is your vision for TGS Rowing Club?

I aim high and as an achiever I have high expectations of those around me. TGS RC has a proud history that we need to respect and be very aware of. But we must also change and innovate to ensure the club has future success - from being very inclusive to cater for all that want to row for fun to allowing those who want to win Maadi Cups and beyond. We need the club to “grow up” a bit and be treated as a premier rowing club that the school and community are hugely proud of. A secure future would be the summary - we need to become more financially secure as this will also help the long-term goals. It can’t all be done tomorrow but we have a plan and have started a lot of work with a great supportive committee.  It will take a team effort, and we need to start thinking and acting like a successful club.