Tim Bacchus, age 14, is the youngest-ever CMOC Executive Committee Member. Photo: Finn Granich
Counties Manukau Orienteering Club (CMOC) welcomes 14-year-old Tim Bacchus, a Year 9 student at Saint Kentigern College in Pakuranga, as their youngest-ever Executive Committee Member.
Tim has been involved in orienteering since 2021 and joined the CMOC Executive Committee as Youth Representative in 2022. His election to the Executive Committee as a Member for 2023 gives him full voting rights and the ability to help shape the future of orienteering locally and nationally.
“I think youth in sport are very important, and a very important part of what CMOC does. I feel grateful to have the ability to represent them. I’m looking forward to getting to know our youth across the region better, and what interests them,” Tim says.
Youth are the future of orienteering,” says CMOC Co-President Anthony McGivern. “As a club we focus a lot on delivering events to schools and students, with a goal of providing an active and healthy recreational pathway that will contribute to their wellbeing for life.”
“As the average age of our leadership team got older, we realised that consultation and listening just weren’t enough anymore,” Anthony continues. “So we decided to bring on a new, younger member to our Club’s Executive Committee, as an equal – a full member of the team, not a ‘shadow board’ participant. We will provide them with exposure to governance and a mentor to help their academic and professional development, and in return we will get their fresh way of thinking, different perspectives, and authentic representation of their student peers.”
Tim has already proved a valuable asset to the Executive Committee, Anthony says. “Tim has impressed our group with his speaking up, lack of hesitation to question or challenge, and the insights and intelligence he brings to the table.”
An interview with Tim Bacchus
Q: How did you get into orienteering?
Tim: I did orienteering at primary school and enjoyed it, but I didn’t get back into it until 2021, when there was a sprint at my school. I was really keen to get back into it after that experience.
Q: What do you like about orienteering?
Tim: It’s great fitness. It’s awesome when you get out into the forest or on a farm – it’s just my happy place. And also it’s mentally challenging.
Q: What’s your favourite type of orienteering?
Tim: Farm orienteering. It’s similar navigational difficulty to a forest, but I prefer the environment. People will argue that it’s more of a “runner’s course” on a farm. But I do love a good sprint on a good sprint course – not just a park, because those can be just lots of running, but at a school or somewhere with more complex features.
Q: What has been your favourite orienteering course?
Tim: I think my favourite sprint was the one at the Epsom Campus of the University of Auckland, at the North Island Secondary Schools Orienteering Championships back in July 2022. I made a few mistakes, but I feel I ran that very well. My favourite farm, without a doubt, was Caanan Downs in Nelson, at the New Zealand Orienteering Champs last April. Beautiful country out there. And my favourite place to do forest orienteering is probably Waiuku Forest, which is just a local
classic. It’s the best forest in Auckland!
Q: What are your personal goals for orienteering?
Tim: I want to get better. I’m seeing a great improvement in how well I’ve been doing over this year compared to last year. Right now I’m working on my stamina and speed, and also finessing my navigational skills.
Q: Is your family involved in orienteering too?
Tim: Yes, my dad especially. My sister and my mum are also trying to get into it. I still like to do my own run solo, but it’s great to be able to come out with the family and introduce them to these cool experiences.
Q: What orienteering events are you looking forward to that are coming up?
Tim: I’m very much looking forward to the event CMOC is running at Eden Park in 2023. I think that’s going to be great. I’m also excited about next year’s King’s Birthday Weekend orienteering events. The sprint is at the University of Waikato, which I think will be a really interesting venue.
Q: Are there any other local events you’re keen to attend?
Tim: It will be great to get back into Waiuku Forest for King’s Birthday Weekend next year too. And the urban rogaine across Howick, Botany, and East Tamaki, which is similar to adventure racing, should be cool – I’m looking forward to trying out that map.
Q: What’s it’s like being a member of the CMOC Executive Committee?
Tim: It’s a pretty awesome experience. I’m learning a lot about governance and corporate management, and it’s great to be able to give back.
Q: How do you feel about the responsibility of representing the youth of orienteering?
Tim: I think youth in sport are very important, and a very important part of what CMOC does. I feel grateful to have the ability to represent them. I’m looking forward to getting to know our youth and what interests them.
Q: What are your goals now you’re a full Member of the Executive Committee?
Tim: I’m particularly interested in bringing up some of the smaller schools, and some of the schools that don’t currently have a big population of students who are orienteering. I would like to try to break down the school barriers and unite us as CMOC youth, not just youth representing
their schools at orienteering.
Q: What would you say to people who are considering giving orienteering a go?
Tim: I think people should definitely give orienteering a try! As a club we’re working on increasing coaching capabilities and our training and development opportunities, so when you come to a CMOC event – which are the best events! – you’ll see someone with a pink high-vis vest on and if you want some help, they can show you what to do, run around with you, give you tips on navigation, start you off on the right path. I suggest that if you want to know more about orienteering, come to one of our events and give it a try.
