Sun, Fun & Rum

It is said that some things are meant to happen. And this was especially true for the Squadron’s Membership Manager, Nikki Harkin, who two years ago sent her CV to the club on the off-chance there was a vacancy in the admin area.

“I have been around boats and sailing all my life,“ said Nikki, who previously worked for a building consultancy. “My parents were yachties, my father Jack Rogers was Rear Commodore of the Ponsonby Cruising Club, my husband and I progressed from a little runabout to a 32’ launch and our three children all own boats. So, when I knew the America’s Cup was coming up, I wanted to be involved.”

Nikki was lucky. She was granted an interview and was soon behind the desk at Reception. At the beginning of this year, she took on her present role when Kim Bond left.

“It was a natural progression to move into the more managerial role. But they were big shoes to fill. Kim had been here for five years. “

As Membership Manager, Nikki works towards making sure all members feel valued and are receiving the benefits they expect. She is also responsible for ensuring new members want to be part of the Squadron’s culture and engage in the club’s activities off or on-water.

“I’m keen that our new members know about our history and what people love about the club.”

As well as coming up with events to engage members, Nikki oversees member communications, maintains the membership database and oversees the retail store’s product and display.

Nikki’s 2022 events calendar filled fast. It started with the successful Squadron Picnic, New Members’ Night, then Summer Prizegiving, a Speaker Series Luncheon, the Squadron’s Gala celebration, August’s AGM and a Matakana Wine & Food appreciation evening. Nikki: “Of course with Covid, people have been reluctant to go out and socialise. We try our best to encourage people to come here, with the safety protocols we have in place. We adhere to the rules and make sure visitors feel safe.

“Our events have always been organised around the numbers we are allowed. Our events team are amazing magicians, coping with member, corporate and private functions, while adapting to the circumstances Covid has imposed.”

Nikki and her team – Sera Puka, Faye Hallett and of course, Concierge Terence Brady at the door for special events – are ready to allay any fears.

“During lockdowns our members missed us and we missed them. Life is a lot different now and we are getting through it.”

Nikki’s former role at Reception gave her little opportunity to go sailing, but now she wants to get back on the water. “Hopefully in this role I can sneak away to do a Havana Cup Rum Race. I’ve had lots of invites, but up until now no time to take them up.”

The Hauraki Gulf turned on a perfect day for the 2022 Rayglass RNZYS Annual Picnic – the tropical theme was very apt! A great turn-out by Squadron members along with Rayglass boat owners for a fun-filled, sun-filled day. The games were a hit for the families as usual – triathalon for the kids: egg & spoon races, sack jumping and a running race; a running race for ladies and gents; and then our very popular tug of war between Power and Sail. With our sponsors, it was appropriate that Power won! Thank you to Rayglass for supporting the event and providing fantastic giveaways and prizes and to all who attended to make the day a success. – Nikki Harkin / Beth McDonald Photos