With 14 years service to the KartSport New Zealand Board, Graeme Moore has made a significant mark in KartSport. First joining in 2008 as North Island Board Member, he then moved into the position of President in 2014 – a title he held until this year’s National Conference. Perhaps helping put the sport on a more professional and sustainable footing than anyone in the sport’s history, some of Graeme’s achievements include;

• Before even joining the KartSport NZ Board, Graeme set up and became the first Director of the KartSport Academy.
• In 2008 Graeme led the Cadet Chassis review project. For many years we effectively had a spec chassis. Result was no change at that time.
• In 2010 Graeme was closely involved in our big ‘whole of sport’ research project and national branding, which subsequently resulted in clubs adopting the KartSport trademarks.
• In 2013, following the late 2012 advice from Radne that they were ceasing manufacture of the Raket 85, Graeme quickly established and led the Cadet/JR Class Engine Review Working Group that resulted in the Vortex Mini ROK engine being adopted. For the first time the sport entered into a formal partnership with an engine manufacturer to ensure long term consistency of specification and supply – something that was truly transformational for the sport and resulted in an easier class transition for our younger age groups.
• Graeme was instrumental in affiliating Vintage Karting to KSNZ in 2013 and the introduction of Vintage and Practice Licences in 2014.
• In 2015 Graeme oversaw the introduction of the Briggs classes – another transformational change for KSNZ and instrumental for grass roots karting. Once again, a formal partnership was agreed with the supplier.
• He led the Yamaha Engine Replacement project in 2017 which saw the introduction of the Vortex ROK DVS, again with a long-term partnership agreement with the manufacturer.
• Graeme was also the person most responsible for pushing Rotax DD2 to National Championship status in 2017.
• Graeme oversaw his last big equipment related project with the transition to the 950 chassis for Cadet and VMR, further simplifying the transition for our younger age groups and aligning NZ with most other countries.

Beyond special projects, Graeme was also heavily involved in a wide range of initiatives for the sport;

• Developed strategic plans to act as road maps for the Board.
• Changed and evolved Conference format so all Clubs had annual input to shaping the sports future.
• Introduced Photographer of the Year and then auctioned the prints with proceeds to Club of the Year.
• Introduced Volunteer of the Year and pathways to help recruit more volunteers and of course the Conference Awards Night.
• Involved with three Judicial Code reviews and introduced Codes of Conduct.
• Increased sponsorship, marketing and promotion. Our current partnerships with the Giltrap Group, Carters Tyre Service and SP Tools are largely due to Graeme’s endeavors.
• Oversaw improved IT and management systems and processes including our recent move to the Sporty platforms with digital Licencing.
• Helped the development of our various websites and social media pages.
• Introduced a more professional governance and management structure.
• Enhanced the Competitions Department with the appointment of dedicated staff.

Graeme had planned to retire at the 2020 Conference, however he unselfishly agreed to stay on for one more term. Little was he or anyone to know that the world would be plunged into disarray due to the COVID pandemic, which saw him actually stay until August 2022. 

Graeme retires from his position with the sport in very strong shape as best demonstrated by Competition Licence Membership, which is the highest it has been since November 2011. Following the nomination by KartSport Nelson, seconded by KartSport Taranaki, KartSport Manawatu and KartSport Wellington, the Board had great pleasure in conferring Graeme Moore with the 26th Life Membership of KartSport New Zealand.

Article added: Wednesday 24 August 2022