Sandra Doherty (Howe)

As well as teaching for 30 years without a break this (young) lady has an exceptional feat.  She has had six holes in one at golf.  Most golfers strive for a lifetime never accomplishing one, let alone six!

She and her husband Chris (who has had four holes in one) were nominated for the Guiness Book of Records as a married couple who have “ten” between them – unfortunately there was not a category but they did get a great write-up and photo to mark their achievement.

At school, as well as gaining UE , she performed with distinction on the netball court.  She was a member of the 1966 undefeated College A team!  She was also an athlete of some acclaim.  Sandy won the first 880 yards event on the school athletics programme in 1966.

Sandy was in the first intake of three-year teacher training at Hamilton Teachers’ College.  The majority of her teaching has been in Otara, Year 1-3 Junior School, then at Dairy Flat Primary teaching Years 2-8.    One facet of her teaching in Otara was the fact that she was seconded by the Department of Education for two years to take courses for teachers (Otara/Mangere areas) to use innovative ideas for teaching in mathematics, reading and writing. Sandy believes it was of the most rewarding experiences she had in her teaching career.

At Teachers’ College Sandy was right into sport – volleyball.  In successive years the T Col team won the New Zealand Championships.  Matamata College provided three players in that era. Christine Price and Yvonne Colling were also standout sportspeople.  Sandy was selected to represent New Zealand to play in the Australian Championships in 1970.

After 30 years of teaching it was time to “retire” and pursue her love of golf and get involved in administration.  With her teaching background she was soon “nabbed” to become club captain (5 years), North Harbour Executive (5 years) and Course Rating Convenor (4 years).

Sandra has been a member of the North Harbour Masters Golf team from 1995 until 2006 and that region has had their share of national titles.  She still has the talent – playing off a seven handicap.