Barry Maister Explained

Barry John Maister (born 6 June 1948) is a former New Zealand field hockey player, who was a member of the national team that won the gold medal at the 1976 Summer Olympics in Montreal. He is also a former member of the International Olympic Committee.

Early life and family

Maister was born in Christchurch on 6 June 1948, and is the younger brother of Selwyn Maister.^[2] Barry Maister was educated at Christchurch Boys' High School, and then studied at the University of Canterbury, graduating BSc(Hons) in 1971, before completing a Diploma of Teaching at Christchurch Teachers' College.^[2]

In 1970, Maister married Cheryl Chamberlain, and the couple went on to have three children.^[2]

Sporting career

During his hockey career he played 85 games for New Zealand as a centre forward, and represented his country at three Olympic Games—in 1968, 1972, and 1976—winning a gold medal with the New Zealand team in 1976.^[3] He later coached the New Zealand junior academy team, and served on the executive of the New Zealand Secondary Schools Sports Council.^[2]

Maister was an International Olympic Committee member from 2010 until 2018 when, according to protocol, he retired from the role after turning 70.^{[4] [5]}

In 1991, the New Zealand hockey team that won the men's team gold medal at the 1976 Olympics was inducted into the New Zealand Sports Hall of Fame.^[2] In the 2012 New Year Honours, Maister was appointed an Officer of the New Zealand Order of Merit for services to sport.^[6] He was promoted to Companion of the New Zealand Order of Merit, for services to sport and the community, in the 2020 Queen's Birthday Honours.^[7]

Teaching career

Maister taught at Christchurch Boys' High School for 16 years, including two years as deputy principal.^[2] He then worked as principal of Riccarton High School, before moving to St Andrew's College where he was rector.^[2]

Notes and References

1. Barry Maister . https://web.archive.org/web/20161203140542/https://www.sports-reference.com/olympics/athletes/ma/barry-maister-1.html . 2016-12-03.
2. Book: Taylor . Alister . Alister Taylor . New Zealand Who's Who Aotearoa 2001 . 2001 . Alister Taylor Publishers . Auckland . 1172-9813 . 571.
3. Web site: Barry Maister . Olympic.org.nz . New Zealand Olympic Committee.
4. Web site: Olympic education at the core of Olympic movement . International Olympic Committee . 3 May 2018 . 8 September 2019.
5. Web site: IOC membership dips back below 100 mark as constructive critics retire . David . Owen . 6 January 2019 . Inside the Games . 8 September 2019.
6. Web site: New Year honours list 2012 . 31 December 2011 . Department of the Prime Minister and Cabinet . 8 January 2018.
7. Web site: Queen's Birthday honours list 2020 . 1 June 2020 . Department of the Prime Minister and Cabinet . 1 June 2020.