The Coastbusters committee for 2006 is made up of a core team of six members, supported by a number of working parties.

Paul Hayward is a graduate 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 15 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 5 years Sea Kayaking has become his major sport.  Paul was a committee member for the 2004 coastbuster symposium.

Natasha Romoff is a project manager in the IT industry.  Over the last eight years, Natasha has become an avid kayaker. She is an active member of NZ clubs, participating in Leadership / Water safety programs and taking an interest in promoting the sport to new club members.

She has gained experience of the sea sailing both in SA and NZ as well as wind-surfing.  This will be her third term on the Coastbuster's committee and so brings a wealth of experience to the new members

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 six coastbusters symposiums.

Tony Dumper has owned an established import agency business, and is now involved in the real estate industry on the North Shore – with Harcourts Takapuna.  Experience in advertising, marketing and sales has lead to him taking responsibility for this portfolio for Coastbusters 2006. 

An extensive sailing background in various parts of the world introduced an enjoyment for long distance paddling and involvement with senior level sea kayaking.  Tony is an instructor and qualified Sea Kayakers Operators Association of NZ (SKOANZ) guide and this is his second successive term on the organising committee.

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

Christine took up kayaking four 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. While Christine has participated in previous symposiums as a speaker, this is her first time as a committee member.

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 is the kayaking “newbie” on the Coastbusters Committee. He built his first kayak in 1974 at the age of 17, but has only been kayaking seriously since 2003. 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.