Just as well the retiring Chair of the board of Bowls New Zealand, Tony Lepper, is a Baby Boomer.

Because he would make a p*ss poor Millennial, let alone a Generation Zer or a Generation Alpha … so reluctant is he to talk about himself, preferring instead to focus on those around him.

He would be the last person ever to be an ‘influencer’ .. so disinclined is he not to push his own barrow and put his view ahead of others.

And he would make a terrible ‘A lister’ (even a terrible ‘B’ lister or ‘C lister’) … so resistant is he to being in the limelight.  He would make a hopeless JAFA … instead feeling far more comfortable in the quiet authenticity of Central Otago.

Yet it’s all this unassumedness which paradoxically has made Tony so influential. And has lead him to be an amazing exemplar for the bowls community over the past decade.

But unfortunately, good things must sometimes come to an end.  And Tony Lepper has recently come to the end of his nine-year term on the board of Bowls New Zealand.

We will miss him.  Not that there aren’t other people on the board of Bowls New Zealand like Tony who are both lovely and streetsmart (and greensmart!).  But Tony is, and was, exceptional.

“When I became President,” recalls Ann Wright, “And joined the board of Bowls New Zealand, Tony in his role of Chair made it very easy and comfortable for me.  It took me a while to speak up, as you do when you’re new, but Tony always actively encouraged mine, and others’ opinions.”

“He was very fair, and always keen to do the best for bowls … he had no other agendas,” says Ann. “I found him very good in meetings … a very good chair.  Even when we wandered off topic, he could bring us back again.  He understood governance.”

“He’s been a great leader.  But he shuns the trappings of leadership.  He could walk into any bowling club in the country and fit in as just another ordinary bowling bloke.  And he does.”

But Tony’s leadership abilities are not surprising … he’s been involved in ‘leading and governing’ for years in Central Otago.

Tony was on the Clyde Earnscleugh Rugby Club Committee for 27 years, including 13 years as Treasurer and 3 years as President.

He helped introduce canoe polo to the Central Otago area, becoming Treasurer of the Central Otago White Water Club and helping get resource consent for the Hawea Water Park.

Tony was the Treasurer of the Central Otago Multisport Club from 2006 to 2013, and has been President of the Central Otago Racing Club.

He was the Chair of Sport Otago from 2006 to 2013, and chaired the committee to set up the annual Central Otago Sports Awards.

Tony became involved with the privatisation of the Earnscleugh Irrigation Scheme when the government decided to get out of irrigation in 1989.  He was a member of the Clyde Recreational and Reserve Committee in 1989, staying until 2010 and was made a Life Member in 2009.

He served two terms as Mayor of Central Otago from 2010.

And in 2017, he was appointed to the New Zealand Conservation Authority.

The list goes on …

“He’s also a very handy bowler,” says Ann.  “I’ve played with him a few times … and I probably dragged him down!  He’s very competitive.  And very engaging with everyone on the green and in the clubhouse.   He’s a lot of fun.”

“He loves his bowls.  He’s probably only got two greater loves : his family (his wife Bernie and his two kids Blake and Brie) and curling.  Yes.  He loves his curling.  And why not … that’s pretty much bowls on ice!”

“He’s been a fantastic Chair,” says Mark Cameron, Chief Executive of Bowls New Zealand.  “He’s been able to walk that difficult line between providing a strategic vision and direction for the bowls community in New Zealand, and yet give the executive team the freedom to implement that vision in the way we see fit.”

When it comes to retirement from the bowls board, Tony’s kept his cards pretty close to his chest.

“No doubt he’ll continue to play bowls … and almost certainly a lot of curling,” says Ann. “And I’m sure he’ll continue to be heavily involved in his beloved Central Otago.”

“All the best, Tony. You’ll now have more time to throw a chunk of wild venison on the barbie.”