Lachlan Marshall celebrated for outstanding service to water polo in King's New Year Honours List

We are delighted to congratulate New Zealand Water Polo life member, Lachlan Marshall, who has recently been honoured as a recipient of Member of the New Zealand Order of Merit (MNZM) in the King's New Years Honours list.

Marshall has been involved in water polo for nearly 50 years as a player, coach, referee, and supporter. He began playing in 1974, initially with junior teams in Canterbury and Otago before going on to represent New Zealand.

Between 1981 and 1993, Marshall played 100 games for the New Zealand men's team, including 35 international test matches, and served as captain from 1989 to 1993.

He was instrumental in rebuilding water polo in Canterbury following the 2010 and 2011 earthquakes. Marshall sourced alternative training venues for clubs and led efforts in fundraising and securing sponsorships. He also established scholarships to attract new talent and facilitate the importation of overseas players to strengthen competition.

Since the early 1990s, Marshall has coached numerous teams and is frequently called upon to assist with coaching shortages across various clubs.

He has been a long-serving board member of Canterbury Water Polo, serving as chair from 2008 to 2022.

Marshall holds life memberships with both Canterbury and New Zealand Water Polo.

Under his leadership, Canterbury Water Polo has become one of the most competitive clubs in New Zealand, and he has coached many athletes who have gone on to compete at the national level.