Anthony Nelson

Ngati Porou

Anthony grew up in Gisborne, New Zealand, following in his father’s footsteps as a qualified carpenter.   He moved to Sydney in 1985 with his wife Georgina and was employed by the Department of Corrective Services NSW in a number of sectors and for a number of years before retiring as a Special Response Officer and member of the Hostage Response Group (specialised training) in 1993.

Anthony and his family moved back to Tikitiki on the East Coast where he took on the demanding role of “home manager” for a short time before becoming  involved with the East Coast Rugby Union (New Zealand’s smallest rugby union), firstly as a representative player, as rugby manager and finally as the Chief Executive Officer. As CEO he was responsible for the oversight, development and management of all East Coast Rugby Union activities which culminated in an exciting two years for Ngati Porou and  East Coast Rugby where the team was relegated from the bottom of the third division to the top.  The following season the team attained subsequent promotion to the 2^nd division, a feat never before achieved by this team in its history and a proud moment for the Ngati Porou people.

Anthony and his family returned to Melbourne in 2002 to pursue new challenges and now own and manage a successful satellite communications and installation business.  Despite being committed to developing the company and keeping up with the increasing demand for commercial satellite television installation and services, Anthony still tries to find the time to be actively involved with local junior and senior rugby union and touch rugby as President of the Endeavour Hills Rugby Club, and as a committee member of MaraeMelbourne.

“The formation of MaraeMelbourne acknowledges and progresses the value of the work undertaken by the South Pacific Foundation of Victoria (SPF) from 2003-2008. The report *Pasifika Victoria: The Way Forward” informs the direction for Marae development in Melbourne. This kaupapa is underpinned and driven by the values of tikanga Maori. MaraeMelbourne is also committed to embracing the exciting opportunities that Multicultural Victoria provides. Together, these strands will combine to deliver a contemporary Marae for our people in Melbourne.”