Now the Redcliffs resident is hoping to make his community proud, as a new trustee of the Sumner Ferrymead Foundation.
“I have lived in and been a part of this community all of my life, and was very pleased to be approached to join the foundation. I am honoured to work with this group that assists and encourages such a wide range of activities,” Mr Christensen said.
Representing New Zealand at three Olympic Games is not the only thing under Mr Christensen’s belt.
After attending Redcliffs Primary School and Christchurch Boys’ High, he went on to qualify as an engineer, and in 1981 was appointed to the job of borough engineer at the Lyttelton Borough Council. He later became the environmental services manager at the Banks Peninsula District Council and then at Selwyn District Council until 2015.
Mr Jones has lived in Sumner for many years and has contributed to the development of the Taylors Mistake Surf Life Saving Club.
The business consultant was the surf club president for 11 years and has been recognised with life membership.
Mr Christensen and Mr Jones were appointed following the death of New Zealand Order of Merit member David Cox and the retirement of long-standing trustee John Brown.
Founded 26 years ago, the foundation has been the beneficiary of many donations and bequests by residents who have wanted to leave their mark on the community.
Trustee Jim Keegan said the commercial and administration skills of Mr Christensen and Mr Jones, along with their long and close association with their communities, will make them “very valuable” to the foundation.
•Donations to the foundation can be put towards remembrances, such as a seat, a shelter or a drinking fountain. If you want to donate, phone secretary Daniel O’Carroll on 021 288 1871 or email info@sumnerferrymead foundation.co.nz
