A Great Week For Alan Dennis

Ray Harper has one, Sir Tim Shadbolt has one and now Alan Dennis has his name on a stand in the ILT Stadium Southland.

Reflecting on his surprise this week when stadium board members decided to name the ILT stand after him, Alan said being involved since its inception has been a real labour of love.

“I’m lucky that in my life I have done things that I love and worked with positive people.”

The current chair of the Southland Indoor Leisure Centre Charitable Trust and ILT Stadium Southland board since 1998, Alan said he was “thrilled” with the stand, which acknowledges 20  years of hard work and dedication.

Admitting it has been time consuming being involved in so many boards, (including the ILT itself and its funder), he said it has also been very rewarding.

The former high school principal and Invercargill City councillor has decided to step down from the ILT board where he has been president since 1994, and is not seeking re-election this October.

But he said he would remain committed to the stadium charitable trust to make sure it was financially secure.

“It’s important that we keep the funding streams going – and it keeps me out of trouble.”

Acknowledging the struggles of the stadium over Covid lockdowns and restrictions, he said it was now getting busier and busier.

“A lot has to do with opportunity.”

Alan also played a lead roll in getting the stadium rebuilt after it collapsed in 2010.

“We’ve had some struggles and we’re getting through it all now.   It’s time to wear it out with youth.”

And in a fitting end to the week, Alan was one of the first people to stay at the Langlands Hotel, to try out the new facilities before it is open to the public for business.

“The rooms are just lovely.”