Three remarkable people who’ve dedicated long service to the game and its people have been recognised for their contribution with Northern Region Football membership. 

Colin Margison and Sean White were made life members, while Wayne Jenson was awarded honorary membership, and warmly congratulated by their peers in the club community at Monday night’s Northen Region Football AGM. 

“These awards show the football community’s deep appreciation for Colin, Sean and Wayne’s work to help the game, clubs and the people who run them,” said Laura Menzies. “We were delighted with the worthy nominations we received this year, and welcome them to our life and honorary member family, who hold deep knowledge and the history of football in our Federation, we’re fortunate to have them. 

A full list of NRF life and honorary members is on our website, along with criteria to be nominated in the future. This year’s inductees are:

Colin Margison, nominated by Northern Region Football as a life member 
Colin has made a long‑standing and highly respected contribution to football in Auckland and across New Zealand through senior leadership, refereeing, and administration.

With more than 15 years of experience in senior financial and governance roles, he served as Chief Financial Officer of New Zealand Football from 2008 to 2011 and has recently retired as the Financial Manager of Northern Region Football, while also contributing at club level as Treasurer of Uni‑Mount Bohemian AFC.

Alongside his executive leadership, Colin has made a significant impact as a referee, gaining his Level 1 qualification through a club‑based course at Otahuhu United and becoming a foundation referee for the Futsal National League in 2009–2010. His refereeing service has been recognised with NRF Futsal Referee of the Year in 2024 and the Ian Hiscox Merit Award in 2025.

Colin’s pathway into federation football developed through strong national‑level relationships, leading to his appointment with Auckland Football in 2018. His connection to the game spans generations, highlighted by the rediscovery of a 1924 Chatham Cup trophy awarded to his grandfather, reflecting a deep and enduring personal and family link to football.

Sean White, nominated by Stuart Angus of Kerikeri FC as a life member 
Sean White is a dedicated football community builder, referee, coach, and club founder whose work has had a lasting impact on grassroots football in Northland and the Far North of New Zealand.

Since immigrating to New Zealand in 2008, he has focused on using football as a tool for community connection, youth development, cultural identity, and wellbeing.  He has coached youth teams, developed referees (achieving Level 1 Referee qualification in 2012), and served in key administrative and leadership roles at Kerikeri and Kaikohe Football Clubs, including Youth Coordinator, Vice President, Junior Coordinator, and committee member.

In 2015, Sean founded Kaikohe AFC, building the club from the ground up and establishing junior, youth, men’s, and women’s teams, referee pathways, and sustainable community support. At its peak, the club fielded nine teams in regional competition. A strong advocate for Māori participation in football, Sean worked closely with local iwi and Māori Football Aotearoa, leading initiatives such as an all-Māori youth team and the Māori Football Ora Festival, strengthening cultural identity and opportunity through sport.  His contributions were formally recognised in 2017 with Sport Northland’s Far North Community Impact Award and Leadership in Sport Award.  

Most recently, Sean co-founded the Northland Harlequins, an over-55 veteran football team focused on camaraderie, wellbeing, and community spirit through Madhatters FC. 

Wayne Jensen, nominated by Bradley Steven of Manurewa AFC as an honorary member
Wayne Jensen has made an outstanding and long‑term contribution to Manurewa AFC and football in Auckland. Spanning nearly 50 years. Joining the club in 1976, Wayne played for 19 years at a high level, including involvement in National League and Chatham Cup teams, and was part of the 1982 Franklin Division 1 Championship‑winning side, also receiving the Semple Trophy Player of the Year award.

Following his playing career, Wayne committed himself to the club through coaching, team management, refereeing, and administration, including nine years coaching juniors, managing senior teams, and serving as Chair of the Junior

Committee overseeing approximately 450 players. He has held board and governance roles for over 20 years, including serving as Vice Chairman since 2008 and now as President of our club.

Wayne continues to support the club through operational roles, sponsorship, fundraising, mentoring, and mediation, always demonstrating integrity, accessibility, and deep commitment to Manurewa AFC. He is highly deserving of this honour.

Article added: Tuesday 05 May 2026