Hayley Gillespie joins Yachting New Zealand as new regional development and sustainability manager

Hayley Gillespie's first sailing encounter wasn't one she remembers fondly. In fact, ending upside down in an Optimist during a Waterwise session at Howick Sailing Club was enough to put her off small boats, and sailing more generally, for a long time.

Decades later, it is hard to imagine Gillespie anywhere other than on or near the water, which comes in handy given her recent appointment as Yachting New Zealand's regional development and sustainability manager.

Gillespie joins the organisation following a restructure of its regional development manager network last year, completing a four-person team alongside Jenny Armstrong (regional development and coaching manager), Nigel Richards (regional development and safety manager) and Ingrid Harder (regional development, governance and advocacy manager). Her role will see her working closely with clubs across Auckland, the Waikato and Tauranga, with a focus on dinghy clubs, while also leading and supporting sustainability initiatives across the national network.

Hayley Gillespie has joined Yachting New Zealand as its new regional development and sustainability manager. 

Originally from the South Island, Gillespie is now based in Westmere, Auckland, where she lives with her fiancé, retired elite rower Nick Dawe. Together, they run a rowing and watersports business and take every opportunity to be on the water.

"My first sailing experience wasn't until I was about eight, and I managed to capsize very quickly," she said. "I never went back to small boats after that. I even remember being grumpy with my parents for making me walk around the America's Cup village on my 10th birthday."

That resistance didn't last.

"As an adult, all I want to do is be on and around the ocean," she said. "I started socially racing keelboats around six years ago at the Royal New Zealand Yacht Squadron, and the sailing and boating community now feels like home."

Her professional background spans media and public relations, environmental and social non-profits, sporting start-ups, ocean science and business development. She joined Yachting New Zealand from Fullers360, where she was the Corporate Communications Manager, and she is also in her third year as a membership and house committee member at the Squadron, where she sails regularly.  

Gillespie has also volunteered extensively in the environmental sector, from campaigning and advocacy through to hands-on work such as tree planting and waterway clean-ups. Her experience includes working with Sustainable Coastlines and serving on the board of the youth climate action organisation Generation Zero. Most recently, that interest took her into the Pacific on a scientific expedition focused on deep-sea research.

"Our people and our environment are deeply connected," Gillespie said. "That connection matters to me, and I believe culture and environment should be part of how decisions are made."

It was the overlap between community, environmental responsibility and sport that ultimately drew her to the role at Yachting New Zealand.

"My skillset fits both the regional development and sustainability aspects of the role, and I like that it allows me to move between the office, events and clubs."

Gillespie started sailing socially around six years ago. 

Her first weeks in the position have reinforced that view.

"The early impressions have been really positive. There's a lot of capability across the organisation, and a strong sense of momentum. I'm looking forward to what comes next," she said.

In the months ahead, Gillespie will focus on building relationships across the Auckland region and getting to know the club network.

"I'm keen to spend time listening and learning - meeting with clubs, commodores and committees, and understanding what's working and where support is needed," she said. "I want to be useful practically and strategically, and to bring my communications and media background into the mix where it adds value."

To get in touch with Gillespie, email hayleyd@yachtingnz.org.nz.