My Little Local catches up with new South West Otago Sports Activator Fiona Wilkinson. Fiona works with the twenty Cluster Schools across South/West Otago to deliver practical sports sessions. Outside of work, Fiona keeps busy by giving back to the community through volunteering and raising a young family.

Tell us about yourself:
Hi I’m Fiona and I’ve lived in the Clutha District since 2008. I’m a trained PE & Health teacher and have worked at both South Otago High School and The Catlins Area School. My husband and I are raising 3 boys and have a busy construction business in Kaka Point.

How are you involved in the community?
I am the Treasurer of the Owaka swimming pool, Junior co-ordination of the Owaka Rugby Club and Kaka Point Surf Life Saving Club and Schools liaison for the Clutha District Hockey Club. I try to help the Kaka Point community group where I can.

What do you enjoy about your position?
I am really enjoying getting to know all the many teachers and students at the 20 different schools I get to visit. The students are always eager to learn and to make the most of their time with me. I like visiting the different towns and learning about the community and what people like to get up to in each area. People who live in small towns and care about their community are great to get to know.

Who or What inspires you?
My Dad has always been an inspiration. As a school teacher he gave a lot of time to others. He didn’t let living rurally hold anyone back, and made the opportunities available for those who wanted to achieve at higher levels. 

What is your greatest achievement?
We have a happy and healthy family so that’s an ongoing achievement in itself. Before children I competed in various regional and national sports, namely hockey and mountain biking. But with a busy family life these days, it all seems like a long time ago.

What do you love about Clutha?
There is so much to do and get involved in, when you start looking. I like the rural feel about the place and how much people I know in the area care about the land we live on. The variation between sea and bush is unique to our area and we should all feel grateful to live in such a natural setting not surrounded by high rise buildings or fast moving subdivisions.

Where is your favourite place in the Clutha District?
The Nuggets on a calm, sunny morning in a boat or kayak is a pretty magical spot. As a family on our small boat out at the Nuggets,  we once heard a whale….and later saw it. It was both exciting and scary at the very same time, waiting to see where it would pop up next!

If you could travel anywhere where would it be?
A snowboarding trip to Japan with the family is definitely on the 40’s bucket list. 

If you could have dinner with anyone past or present who would it be?
Life has gotten pretty busy for our family in the last wee while, a dinner date with my husband wouldn’t go amiss.