OUR TEAM

Who We Are

Andrew Falconer

CHAIRMAN

I grew up overseas, but moved back to New Zealand 21 years ago to manage a family-owned business.

I have always played some kind of sport—football was my passion—but repeated injuries left me unable to play most. Just over 2 years ago, I had a go at disc golf, and have been hooked ever since.

It’s an awesome sport—the courses are free and discs are affordable; it’s playable year round, solo or with others; the rules aren’t complicated and the game is easily accessible for most ages and stages of life.

I can see its potential and am looking forward to growing the sport and making it even more available in Christchurch and Canterbury.

Lorenne Botha

SECRETARY

Originally from Cape Town, South Africa I relocated to Christchurch with my family 10 years ago.

I have worked as an administrator and bookkeeper over the years in various industries such as the accounting, construction and university sectors.

I have been in the positions of Secretary or Treasurer for the Club, since it’s inception in 2016 and am excited for what the future holds for disc golf within Christchurch and Canterbury.

Zac Taylor

TREASURER

I have a Bachelor of Environmental Management and Planning at Lincoln University, which led into 2 years Biodiversity Monitoring for the Department of Conservation (DOC) at remote sites across New Zealand. I then continued my studies to complete a Masters of Teaching and Education at Canterbury University, before continuing with DOC, this time in the Social Monitoring sector. I have now been in this role for the past 2 years.

Phil Botha

GENERAL COMMITTEE MEMBER

Originally from Cape Town, South Africa I have lived in Christchurch since 2011 and have spent the past 8 years involved in the sport of Disc Golf. I have been a General Committee member in Christchurch Disc Golf Club since its inception.

Over the past couple of years I have worked in the retail sector. I love teaching disc golf at various schools and host the Club's corporate and disc hire events.

My goals are to continue growing the sport within Canterbury and to take on a supporting role for future courses.

Ewan Craig

GENERAL COMMITTEE MEMBER

I'm Ewan and I've been hooked on disc golf for nearly 2 years now. My family and I were first introduced to the sport through scouting, and it quickly became something we could all do and enjoy together regardless of our different levels of physical abilities.

My game is still developing and I love the learning that comes from playing with others, the social connection that comes from being a part of the disc golf community in Christchurch, as well as travelling for competitions. We are a rapidly growing sport and I appreciate that we are inclusive of each other, with the wide range of people I've met who live for flight and chasing chains.

My motives for joining the Club and putting myself forward for the committee stem from my love of our Ascot course. I'm aware of the strong population of players we have out east and I want to represent our interests at committee level while establishing and improving our Club presence out east.

I believe in communication and hearing a range of views for adequate representation and look forward to exploring ways of improving this within the Club and continuing to grow both the Club and also the sport within Christchurch.

Caleb Norriss (Chuckie)

GENERAL COMMITTEE MEMBER

I started playing disc golf in January 2021, like most it was through someone who was already addicted to the sport, trying to get as many mates into it as possible. Later that day I went and bought my first starter pack, I was hooked.

I have a Bachelor of Commerce majoring in Finance and Operations Management and my working life has included a variety of sectors revolving around logistics and project management.

In my role on the committee, I aim to support the core goals of the club by supporting players across the region and installing new courses. In addition, I seek to see an improved level of communication amongst all disc golf players.

Tom Baker

GENERAL COMMITTEE MEMBER

I have been playing Disc golf since 2018 where I first discovered the sport from a YouTube recommendation while I was learning to play Ultimate Frisbee.

Raised in and around Christchurch for most of my life, I have a passion for all things Digital Marketing and eCommerce.

My Goals are to grow the awareness of Disc golf within the community and further establish our memberships.

Matthew Vannoort

GENERAL COMMITTEE MEMBER

I was introduced to disc golf by my father in law, and took it up in late 2020. I love the social aspect of the sport, and enjoy getting outdoors and enjoying our beautiful city.

I am a high school Chemistry teacher and have introduced the sport at my school, getting a large number of staff and students involved. I am keen to grow the sport with the youth and get an inter-school competition underway.

Arne Burgess

GENERAL COMMITTEE MEMBER

Ko Arne Burgess Tōku ingoa. (My name is Arne Burgess) He uri tēnei o Ngāti Whātua Ōrākei me Ngā Puhi. (I am a descendent of Ngāti Whātua Ōrakei- Auckland & Ngā Puhi – Northland).

I have been playing disc golf for just over a year and to put it plainly I am addicted. I love Disc Golf for its accessiblitly and affordability. Paying over $1000 a year for a ball golf membership and even more on equipment, Disc Golf is a welcome financial relief for my wife.

As a guy that has ‘all the gear and no idea’ I enjoy playing on cards with people I haven't met yet and if you are way better than me I will 100% try to copy your line AND your throw AND probably fail miserably but laugh at myself and move on. That's why I love the sport.