Annemarie Hogenbirk 

Profiled February 2018

Number of years orienteering, and how were you introduced to orienteering?

My husband Jan and I only seriously started with orienteering in 2016, but I have been involved "on the sidelines" for a lot longer, via our daughters. Both Laura and Femke were introduced to orienteering through teacher Wanda Chalmers at Northcross Intermediate. Being the owner of a van, I drove to and from lots of the school events with a car full of muddy teenagers and, instead of waiting, I decided to capture these events in photos, and that is how both Jan and I got hooked, very slowly over time.

Key orienteering achievements to date?

To be honest, each event where I end ahead of my husband is a serious achievement, as well as each event where I find the majority of the controls on first approach. During my first Rogaine in Woodhill, I ended up a full 30 minutes late. However, onwards and upwards! The appeal of orienteering is that it challenges me mentally and physically, with the additional bonus of the most gorgeous locations you normally wouldn't have access to. Another aspect I really enjoy is the camaraderie: the familiar faces, the laughter, and the fellow volunteers, all helping out to make each event a success.

Photo with sisters Annemarie (left) and Judith (right), sweaty but beaming after a Rogaine at Lake Kereta

Current orienteering project or goal?

In an effort to improve my skills, I have started a diary describing my orienteering adventures. After each event or training, I try to analyse what went well as well as my "points to work". Due to a foot injury, I haven't been able to run in 2017, and that has definitely helped with the map reading.

Favourite map and why?

To be honest, every new map is still a major challenge for me.

Orienteering hero?

My orienteering heroes are junior fellow club members who give up their time and expertise to help people like myself, who have come to orienteering later in life, during training days, with endless patience and a smile!

Day job?

I work as a registered clinical nutritionist in my own practice from home, and do additional volunteering work for the Life Education Trust, a New Zealand wide charity bringing health-based messages to primary and intermediate schools with the help of brilliant educators, a mobile classroom, and Harold, our giraffe mascot.

Other interests?

I love walking, and often go for long walks with my husband in the weekends, as well as gardening, photography, and keeping up to date with scientific discoveries regarding health and well-being.

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