Celebrating Marilyn Downey
29 years with Bay of Plenty Hockey
Earlier this month, Bay of Plenty Hockey had the opportunity to formally recognise and celebrate Marilyn Downey and her remarkable 29 years of service to Hockey in the Bay of Plenty Region.
As a special acknowledgement of Marilyn’s time with Bay of Plenty Hockey, she was presented with a watch on behalf of the Association. The occasion also provided an opportunity to present Marilyn with her Hockey New Zealand Life Member certificate and badge, awarded by Hockey New Zealand in recognition of her exceptional contribution to Hockey and the game at a national level over a long period of time.
PHOTOS: KATHY SNODGRASS
The recognition marked Marilyn’s recent farewell from the Bay of Plenty Hockey Board, following nearly three decades of dedicated service. Marilyn’s involvement with Bay of Plenty Hockey began in 1997, and over the years she became a well-known and respected figure within the organisation. She served as Vice President from 1999 to 2009, helping guide the direction of hockey in the region and supporting the development of representative programmes and competitions.
Across her time with Bay of Plenty Hockey, Marilyn contributed in many ways, from governance and administration to managing representative teams and helping deliver major tournaments hosted in the region. She was also part of the group involved in the 2009 restructuring of Bay of Plenty Hockey, helping shape the way the sport operates locally today.
While Marilyn played an important role at governance level, what stood out most was her passion for the people involved in the game. She has always been a strong supporter of grassroots hockey and junior development, spending many years coaching young players and helping them build both their skills and confidence.
Those who know Marilyn will recognise the energy she brings to everything she does. Whether organising tournaments, supporting representative teams, or encouraging young players, she is always willing to step in and help wherever it was needed. Her commitment to hockey and to the wider hockey community has made a lasting impact on the sport in our region.
In May 2025, Marilyn’s decades of service to hockey were formally recognised at the 37th Hockey New Zealand AGM, where she was awarded a Life Membership.
This well-deserved honour celebrates her outstanding contribution to the sport, reflecting the dedication, commitment, and care she has shown to players, teams, and the wider hockey community throughout her career.
After almost three decades of involvement, Marilyn leaves behind a significant legacy. Bay of Plenty Hockey sincerely thanks her for the time, dedication, and care she has given to the sport and to our hockey community.
We wish Marilyn all the very best for the future and thank her for the lasting contribution she has made to hockey in the Bay of Plenty.
Do you have any digital photo’s of Marilyn with Bay of Plenty Hockey over the years? We would love to share them, please email them to admin@bophockey.co.nz