At the 60th AGM of Squash Central on Sunday, 15th March 2026, Ohakune’s John Laurenson was awarded Life Membership to Squash Central.
John joins an esteemed list of life members: Mr Brick Mathieson (d) Stratford, Mr Andrew Doig (d) Taupo, Mrs Lois Mills (d) Feilding, Mrs Joss Urbahn Foxton Beach, Mr Graham Randolph Tauranga, Mrs Marilyn Dolan (d) Levin, Mr Grant Smith Palmerston North, and now John Laurenson ( Ohakune).
John Laurenson became involved with the Central Squash committee many years ago whilst acting as President of the Ohakune Squash Club after playing a pivotal role in constructing the Ohakune Squash courts in 1993.
John was elected as the Participation Director, one of five directors, on the inaugural Central Board in 2000. Key responsibilities involved co-ordination of the district calendar and participation growth, district-wide. He has held the responsibility for the calendar production ever since and still has this responsibility today.
He participated as a Board/Committee member up to and including 2025, including the President’s role in 2012. John is the main voice for the Ruapehu zone.
John has also been a huge supporter of Squash Central events. He is one of Ohakune Squash Club’s main drivers for events such as Superchamps and Champion of Champions and ensures that there is a player/team for as many divisions as possible. He has developed district rules for events such as Champion of Champions (renamed Graded Champs) and ensures that the event has continued to run year after year.
Thank you for your service, John.
