Bruce Kendall (1982), has long been a familiar name in the sporting world. The former Olympic board sailor first made his mark at the 1984 Summer Olympics in Los Angeles, winning a bronze medal. Four years later, he reached the pinnacle of his sport with gold at the 1988 Seoul Olympics.
Now, Kendall is making waves in local government as the highest polling candidate for the Pakūranga subdivision in the recent local elections. This voter endorsement has also seen him elected by his fellow councillors to serve as the Chair of the Howick Local Board.
Bruce’s local government success follows a fresh sporting triumph in Athens, Greece where he won Division B of the Windsurfer World Championships 32 years after his last world championship victory. He claimed the top of the podium with top-three finishes in five course races and a slalom race, plus winning the marathon event.
Bruce is now aiming to combine his two passions, with the construction of the Highbrook Watersports Centre, a project he has championed from the outset. The centre will be an East Auckland hotspot for all things watersports, from rowing to dragon boating, and of course, sailing. It’s set for a mid-2026 completion.
While at Pakūranga College, Bruce was heavily involved in sports. In 1979, he competed in the Secondary Schools Sailing Regatta and came first place in the P class. In his final year in 1982 he won the New Zealand Olympic Board Sailing Trial and represented the country in events in California.
It was an unlucky event that set Bruce on the path to Olympic glory, after he broke both wrists at a school camp. After his injury he decided to take up windsurfing to strengthen his wrists, and in doing so, started a journey towards two Olympic medals.
From Olympic podiums to local leadership, Bruce Kendall continues to serve his childhood community, and we thank him for his incredible service to our local area.
NB: Bruce is third from left in top row of this class photo from 6J, class of 1982.
