Mike Lash is our Referee Manager for the Tasman region, and also for Buller. His job is wide-ranging but he’s mainly charged with growing our referee numbers and developing them. He’s useful in the office too for some graphic artwork. He loves helicopters and fishing.
What is the core role as you see it at Tasman RU?
My core role is the upskilling and education of our local referees. I cover the whole of the Tasman region as well as look after the heartland guys down in Buller and I am lucky to work with such dedicated and passionate volunteers across both provinces.
My week usually revolved around administration, creating resources for training and development of our referees and holding training sessions for our referees to help them improve on the field.
My year is more the bigger picture stuff – Referee Retention, Recruitment and Development are the big aspects of my job and are a focus area all year round. I also provide some technical assistance to local clubs, as well as the Makos.
What is your career background prior to joining TRU?
I am a Helicopter Pilot by trade. I did my initial training at home on the West Coast and completed it here in Nelson with Reid Helicopters. From there, I headed down to Southland where I worked for a company for 5 years before returning to Nelson to further my refereeing career and taking up this role with the Union. I’ve been here for just over 18 months now.
Tell us a bit about your personal life.
I am one of 4 boys. Third in line to the throne I say, and grew up in paradise, aka Whataroa, on the West Coast. We were all brought up playing Rugby. Dad played 23 games for Marlborough in the 80’s, Oldest brother Robbie played for the West Coast, next eldest Andy has played for NZ Marist and my younger brother James has 2 caps for the Makos and currently plays for Buller. So it is fair to say we’re a rugby mad family. Mum was a volleyballer but has been heavily involved in the local club down home for many years while we were all playing down there.
Outside of rugby, I love my fly fishing and of course my flying. I am also an active referee and am currently in the NZ Referee Squad where I officiate at Mitre 10 Cup and Super Rugby. So in the winter I am all over the country refereeing, and in the summer, I try to be all over the place fishing. But with the rugby season getting longer, it doesn’t always pan out that way!
Who were your favourite rugby players growing up?
I was an Agustin Pichot fan. Probably because he was a halfback and so was Dad. The way he darted around the rucks with his socks around his ankles was scintillating and a joy to watch. Him and Christian Cullen were my two favourites growing up.
Who are your current favourite rugby players?
Alex Nankivell is my favourite Mako. Huge talent. Incredible physique. Exquisite skill set.
I’ve always been a fan of our homegrown Makos lads, Vernon Fredericks and Trael Joass. Both carry themselves with huge mana and dignity on the field and when refereeing them, are a pleasure to work with. Locally, Ethan Blackadder, Jesse Pitman and my brother, James would be some of my favourite club lads to watch too.