Central Otago is proving the perfect fit for Kate Guildford and Ben Hamilton, as they blend their passion for sport, work, and family in the region they both proudly now call home.

The couple started new jobs in Sport Central’s Cromwell office recently, Kate as physical education (PE) and play advisor and Ben as sport and recreation advisor. 

Kate (26), who grew up in Cromwell and still has family in the district, left Central for secondary and tertiary education.  

She studied in Dunedin, before furthering her studies in Tennessee, USA, and later Christchurch, where she completed a Masters in Teaching and Learning and a Bachelor of Science.

During that time, she also played top level women's football. 

She eventually went on to become a science teacher at Rangi Ruru in Christchurch.

Kate said being active provides great growth in all aspects of life.

 “I am a strong believer that everyone should have the confidence and ability to participate in physical activity – in whatever form.

“I have benefited from physical activity in many ways – meeting new people, travelling, general health, [and] new opportunities. My motivation is [for] everyone to experience those benefits.”

Her role facilitates, enables and initiates play and PE for tamariki in early childhood education and primary schools in Dunstan, Upper Clutha and Wakatipu zones, which she was looking forward to embracing.

“I am looking forward to meeting new people and encouraging healthy lifestyle habits for both our tamariki and their whānau.”

She said the best thing about working in Central was the relationship building.

“Within small towns, there is the ability to reach a large range of individuals with varying needs. We have a beautiful backyard so our play and PE experiences are unique to other regions and we are lucky to have that.”

Ben (28), who is a Cantabrian, studied at Lincoln University and earned a Bachelor of Sport and Recreation Management and Masters of Business.

He previously helped create and run a charity Tamai Sports to remove barriers to participating in sports for tamariki of east Christchurch, aged from eight to 11.

In his new role he coordinates sport and active recreation projects in Central and helps improve the capability of sport and active recreation providers.

“Central Otago is the best place in the world and being able to promote the awesome events and projects in the area is a dream come true," he said.

“In my short time in the role, I have found the community to be extremely positive and proactive when it comes to being active and to be able to support them is very cool.”

Ben said outside of work, you might find him up in the mountains, in or on the water, or just enjoying the beautiful landscape with fiance Kate and their dog Hank. 

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