Steel chief executive embarks on new family-focused challenge

After almost eight years at the helm, Ascot Park Hotel Southern Steel and Netball South chief executive Lana Winders is calling full time.

Winders will leave the organisation on 30 November to take up a role with family business, Forde Winders Shearing Contractors.

“It is a deliberate reduction in work intensity as I look to balance work with another new role of

‘taua’ to my grandson,” she said.

“I will depart from Netball South proud of the achievements we have made together as a team. Building financial sustainability and capability within the Steel coaching and management team and the community netball team has been a juicy and highly enjoyable challenge.”

Transforming the organisation from $187,000 negative equity to positive equity was a key highlight during her tenure.

Caption: Netball South chief executive Lana Winders, left, with Ascot Park Hotel Southern Steel captain Shannon Saunders and head coach Reinga Bloxham. Photo Michael Bradley Photography

“Achieving financial stability in the sporting sector is a constant battle and I am proud of what has been accomplished in the face of significant hurdles like the Covid pandemic,” Winders said.

“I have had the opportunity to work alongside amazing funders like ILT, Community Trust South, Mataura Licencing Trust and the Otago Community Trust. I truly believe the general public don’t realise how incredibly lucky we are to have these organisations.

“Weighing up the health, well-being and life skills sport brings to our young people, versus being able to buy wine in a supermarket is a no-brainer. We have to hang onto, protect and support these locally owned and led community assets.”

Netball South was in strong heart from a staffing and governance perspective.

“I am excited for the energy and engagement brought by the current board members. This leadership will move Netball South into the future strongly and is exactly what is needed at this time.

“It has been a privilege and a delight to work with netball legends like Colleen Bond and Wendy Frew, while within our talented staffing ranks are passionate, hard-working women I will really miss. I’m proud to say some of our people are ready for more and I am happy to now step out and create fresh opportunities for them.”

Winders predicted a successful 2023 ANZ Premiership campaign for the Steel.

“It has been rewarding to see the franchise evolve over the past eight season. Bringing Noeline Taurua into a head coach role in 2016 was instrumental. It reset our whole environment and gave Reinga Bloxham the best preparation possible to step into a head coach role in 2017 and take back-to-back premierships in 2017 and 2018,” she said.

“I’m eager to see what can be achieved in 2023 and will absolutely be in the stands with the Riverton Steelers cheering on our mighty Steel.”

Netball South board chairman Dean Johnston wished Winders well in her future endeavours.

“On behalf of the board, we have been really impressed with the work Lana has done for netball in the south,” he said.

“Not only have the financial results been turned around, the entire zone is working well together with a fantastic number of players enjoying the rewards of our sport.”