In Spring 1993, on the back of an offer to work 20-hours a week with Kiwi Sport and Active Seniors, Jan Cochrane began what would become a 30-year long career with Sport Canterbury, in the Mid Canterbury office. It’s worth noting that Sophie Pascoe, Steven Adams and Scott Barrett were all born in 1993.

When asked to reflect on her time with the Regional Sport Trust (RST), Jan summed it up as “a wonderful 30-year career, full of development both professionally and personally, working in areas from strategic planning to running programmes in schools. It has been an incredibly enriching experience.”

Initially working from her home, Jan’s tenure would see the RST occupy desks in three different buildings.  Cochrane says the support of Midlands Seeds - where Sport Canterbury was based for 22-years - and especially Chris Green, Brian Davidson and their families, needs to be acknowledged. Jan says she could never repay their loyalty and for making her feel like part of the family.

“I know what Midland Seeds do as sponsors, I know what they provide, I know what they gift to those in our community and how they promote this district and beyond.”

The Ashburton District Council and Ashburton Guardian were partnerships she also credited as being paramount to the success of the RST and their programmes in the district. 

Her favourite times were staff hui and coming together for education or celebration. Numerous stories have emerged in recent weeks, such as  dancing on tables and floundering on a hotel bed while trying to pull on a wet suit for a team bonding event. As Jan says, “if I didn’t enjoy what I did, I wouldn’t have wanted to be here and see that 30 years behind me.” 

She adds, “of course there were challenges - like any job - but you just took them on and climbed over them.”

The opening of the EA Networks Centre was a career highlight. “From being asked for my opinion on a new indoor sports facility, to becoming involved and right through to opening day has been really awesome. Seeing just how valuable the facility is and what it’s provided for Mid Canterbury has been nothing but beyond our vision.”

Additionally, the events space is where Jan felt most at home with the continued growth of the Mid Canterbury Sports awards another success she is proud of, “going from having 11 to 15 nominations to now having to stop at 55 is hugely satisfying.”

“To the people I have worked alongside, thank you all for your passion and for making me whom I am today. I’ve had the opportunity to develop as a leader, and become more courageous and stronger.”

Making special mention of her family – husband Trevor and adult children, Charlotte and James – who’ve not only supported Jan but have each fulfilled numerous roles when called upon. “From serving food at functions, to Holiday Programme leaders and even James MC’ing the most recent Mid Canterbury Sports Awards, my family have sacrificed a lot for me to fulfil my work and I am eternally grateful.”

At the recent celebration of her career, Sport Canterbury Chief Executive, Julyan Falloon, also made special mention of her incredible family support, adding “when you got Janice Cochrane, you got the entire Cochrane Clan.” Falloon acknowledging each of the four each with a special memento.

It’s her family Jan is now turning her time and focus to as she begins her next chapter. “I’m really looking forward to having time with Trevor, family, and being available for our grandchildren. Just being able to go and see my family and not have the phone calls, or taking my laptop every time I go on holiday will be nice.”

Though, when we asked Trevor what he was most looking forward to, “sharing the household chores” was the response, with a raised smile.

Jan, we all wish you the best for a long and happy retirement.

Photo: Courtesy of Ashburton Guardian
Article added: Thursday 27 July 2023