Chad Hoggard to Step Down as Executive Officer
Statement from Amish Fermah, Chair of the Bay of Plenty Hockey Association .
It is with mixed emotions that I announce the resignation of Chad Hoggard from his role as Executive Officer of the Bay of Plenty Hockey Association (BOPHA).
The Board established the Executive Officer position to provide essential management support to our volunteer Board members and staff. Previously operating with only a part-time Administrator and CoachForce Officer, we created this part-time role on a fixed-term contract to test the concept and demonstrate its value. Key objectives included building a solid financial foundation to sustain the position long term and implementing robust policies to guide our staff and operations.
Chad has exceeded all of our expectations in delivering on these goals. His strong financial experience has significantly strengthened BOPHA’s financial position. This has enabled us to reduce representative fees for our players and Secondary Schools this year, a rare achievement in a time of rising costs and increasing financial pressures. Chad has also worked closely with the Board to develop and embed the policies needed to meet growing compliance requirements for not-for-profit sporting associations.
Chad’s connection with BOPHA runs deep. He began as a volunteer Team Manager for our Under 16 Development Boys side many years ago and has since managed multiple BOPHA teams every year, while also supporting Rotorua Lakes High School sides. He has also served on the Board as Treasurer before taking up the Executive Officer role. His passion and commitment have been a tremendous benefit to our association.
A particular highlight of Chad’s tenure has been his volunteer leadership in our Indoor Hockey program. In just a few short years, he helped grow the program from one U18 Boys side in 2023 to seven sides last summer (three tournament winners and one runner-up) across various age groups. As Chad proudly noted, BOPHA is now the most successful association in Indoor Hockey in New Zealand.
Chad is departing to take up a new opportunity in the Primary Sector and will be relocating to Christchurch. We thank him sincerely for his outstanding contributions and wish him every success in his next chapter.
In the meantime, BOPHA is implementing interim arrangements to ensure continuity of operations while we commence the recruitment process for a new General Manager.
On behalf of the Board, staff and the entire BOPHA community, I extend our deepest gratitude to Chad for his service and dedication.
Amish Fermah
Chair Bay of Plenty Hockey Association