The Coastbusters committee for 2008 is made up of a core team of six members, supported by a number of working groups and enthusiastic volunteers.

Paul Hayward is a Mechanical Engineer with a passion for computers. Moving to New Zealand from his native Canada in 1982, he continued his work in Industrial Control and Automation Engineering. For the last 17 years, he has run his own business, specialising in database design and small business computing.

Paul paddled canoes as a boy and sailed extensively in New Zealand; but during the last 7 years Sea Kayaking has become his major sport.  Paul was a committee member for the 2004 Coastbusters Symposium and Chair for the 2006 event.

Stephen Law comes from a sales and marketing background spanning some 20 years with large international organizations. Stephen has since founded his own business enterprise which operates within the building industry.

Steve joins the Coastbusters committee for the first time this year and his experience in advertising, marketing and sales has lead to him taking responsibility for this portfolio.

Sea Kayaking has been Stephen’s passion for nearly six years, largely on the east coast of the Upper North Island, lakes throughout New Zealand and memorable paddles through the Marlborough Sounds and Abel Tasman in the South Island.

An enormous enthusiasm for kayaking led Steve to plan one of the more exciting paddling challenges of recent years. In 2006, he led a group of 9 keen souls from Auckland to Cape Reinga – raising a sizable chunk of money for NZ Child Cancer Foundation.

A foundation and life member of the North Shore Canoe club, Gerry Maire has enjoyed a lifetime in kayak sport.

Gerry enjoys nothing better than to see other people enjoy the sport and has been a key committee member for the last seven Coastbusters Symposiums.

Christine Watson is a chartered accountant (CA), specialising in financial systems and works in local government.

Christine took up kayaking six years ago and has built up her skill and knowledge through membership of Auckland based Kayak clubs.  Christine has undertaken leadership training and regularly leads kayaking trips for club members with varying skill levels. Christine has participated in previous symposiums both as a committee member and as a speaker.

Neil Watson is a project manager and Civil Engineer.  Over the last ten years, Neil has become an avid kayaker. He is an active member of two NZ clubs, participating in Leadership / Water safety programs and taking an interest in promoting the sport to new club members.

He also enjoys club trips and the odd expedition – a highlight was a paddle last winter from Takapuna to Cape Reinga.

Neil played a major role in the last Coastbusters Symposium – taking charge of the special kayak-building event and the Pod sessions.

David Williams is a Certified Information Systems Auditor who is employed by a major bank. David has over 25 years of experience in IT and IS Audit.

David built his first kayak in 1974 at the age of 17, but says he has only been kayaking seriously since 2003. Since then, his enthusiasm for kayaking has rapidly developed his skills and experience. He joined the Coastbusters Committee for the CB-2006 event as Treasurer.

David rates being selected to participate in an “on the water” rescue exercise with the Westpac Helicopter at Coastbusters 2004 as one of the highlights of his kayaking experiences.