Geoff Knights Trust
For The Promotion of NZ Water Polo Refereeing
The Geoff Knights Trust was settled in May 1999 by the NZ Water Polo Association Inc. It is administered by Trustees in terms of a formal Trust Deed. You are invited to contribute to the Trust.
Objectives Of The Trust
- To commemorate the role of Geoff Knights in NZ water polo
- To help maintain high levels of respect of players for referees
- To foster dedication, integrity and a constant striving for excellence in NZ water polo refereeing
- To encourage and assist as many referees as possible to obtain national and international qualifications
- To support the free and open sharing of skills and knowledge between referees by supporting clinics and workshops for all grades of referees throughout New Zealand
- To provide funding for NZWPA referees and trainees to help cover the costs of training and travel
The Trust Fund
The capital of the Trust is to be accumulated and not eroded, The income from the Fund is to be allocated from time to time to meet the objects of the Trust.
Geoff Knights
Geoff Knights was dedicated to water polo. At the time of his death in June 1997 he was New Zealand's top referee - graded internationally by FINA. He devoted much of his life to furthering his sport, working at every level, in every area.
Geoff played at first class level for many years. He spent countless hours coaching young players and took great delight in supporting and encouraging them. Geoff was heavily involved as a national selector and manager. He served many terms as a local and national administrator and as Chairman of the national executive. In all of these roles, Geoff had uncompromisingly high expectations of himself and those around him.
"Geoff the Ref" was a special person with a unique sense of humour. His passion for excellence, drive to improve standards, and determination to ensure that referees received the respect they deserve, have helped to raise the skills and standing of NZ referees nationally and internationally.
How To Contribute To The Trust Fund
The initial capital of the Trust Fund was settled on the Trust by NZWPA and the Trustees have since received grants and commitments from interested people and organisations. Your support of this charitable and sporting trust is welcomed.
It might take the form of:
- a personal donation
- a charitable grant
- a corporate contribution
- a memorial recognition
- a legacy in your will
- an acknowledge of help received
- a specific bursary
Your tribute will be appreciated and acknowledged by the Trustees.
Download Contribution Form
Click Here to download a form to contribute to the Geoff Knights Trust. 1 page, 720 kb
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Trustees
Colin Bright, Auckland
Barrister and solicitor, Member of the Auckland Water Polo Board.
Ian Gunthorp, North Shore
Chartered Accountant; former captain of NZ team and A grade referee; played with Geoff in Canterbury team which jointly won the national championship in 1967.
Steve Knights, North Shore
Marketing Manager; Geoff's middle son. FINA referee; former NZ representative; first professional water polo coach in NZ; attended VIII World Water Polo Champs in Italy 1994 as only father/son refereeing team ever in the world.
Advisory Trustees
Jack Mazzoleni, Auckland
Patron and Life Member of NZWPA; player, coach and administrator for over 50 years.
Murray McGirr, Christchurch
Former NZ representative; played with Geoff in Canterbury team which jointly won the national championship in 1967.
Doug Campbell, Hamilton
NZ A grade referee; coach and administrator of Waikato Water Polo.
Liz Burman, Wellington
NZ referees' convenor; FINA internationally graded referee; former NZ representative.