01/06/2026
The Auckland Swimming Association is incredibly proud to advise that Shirley Mackay was awarded the MNZM (Member of the New Zealand Order of Merit) in the King's Birthday Honours List on 1st June 2026.
Shirley's involvement with swimming began over 40 years ago with the Waitakere Swimming Club (formerly Western Districts).
Since then she has been involved with swimming in a volunteer capacity in many ways, serving on both club and regional boards, most recently as Chair of the Auckland Swimming Association until retiring in August 2025.
She played a large role in ensuring the original West Wave competition pool was built before the 1990 Commonwealth games.
Shirley has led the grassroots development of the sport since 1985 by leading the Waizone Level 3 meets, the foundation stone of swim racing for young swimmers. Without this strong and consistent leadership ensuring quality competition in a safe environment, many of these swimmers would not progress to the level of achievement that some of our top swimmers have reached. The importance of grassroots swimming cannot be ignored as an important stepping stone in the path to the pinnacle.
See more here:
https://www.swimmingauckland.org/news-info/shirley-mackay-mnzm