From afar: Two deaths great loss in world of few steersmen

The term governance is derived from the Latin verb meaning "to steer", and not many people these days volunteer to steer sport organisations in order to keep them afloat in an environment where professional expectations sometimes clash with amateur values.

Those who "govern" sport tend to do so around kitchen tables or, if they're lucky, around a polished boardroom table.

Valuable time with family is sacrificed in order to attend meetings, read documents and address "matters arising".

There is very little recognition for the "fish-head" beyond the personal and professional satisfaction of seeing an organisation's vision become a reality.

If the organisation falters or fails to achieve that vision, those "approving" strategic plans are the first to get the blame.

It isn't a job for the glory-seeking, finger-pointing type.

So it is with sadness the sporting communities of Manawatu and Maori rugby say "haere ra" to two such selfless, hardworking and humble men - Dave Bennett and Allan "Smiley" Haua.

Dave Bennett was a successful accountant who died during the Taupo Epic Swim earlier this month, and he will be a great loss to the Manawatu community.

Dave was definitely a "captain of the ship" when it came to steering organisations like the Manawatu Racing Club, Sport Manawatu and the Manawatu Rugby Union.

Smiley, who died on Tuesday in Timaru, was a conscientious, kind and genuine man whose "smile" will be missed on the rugby sidelines of Timaru, Te Waipounamu and Maori tournaments.

These men were probably very different in personalities, but their passion for sport and for providing a "service" to the communities they cared about was obvious.

In an undergraduate class, I recently asked the students who was or would be interested in being on a governing board.

Very few eagerly put up their hand to volunteer for such a role and who could blame them?

It is a thankless task, and one that often requires people to give up their evenings and their leisure activities in order to collectively govern.

Apparently, there are four motives for being on a board: growth, responsibility, recognition and relations.

As an independent member of the Maori rugby board, I can confirm there has been a lot of personal and professional growth since taking up this honour, especially under the guidance and support of the likes of Smiley - a man who was quick to offer a heart-warming smile and soft words of encouragement.

I remember he was always immaculately dressed and prepared for meetings, and always got his point across in a calm but convincing way. He and his wife, Ani, were a force to be reckoned with when it came to Maori rugby.

Their partnership was unbeatable and just as well, because, as I previously mentioned, sport governance often tends to take you away from your whanau.

Ani must have decided "if you can't beat 'em, join 'em".

Together they did a lot for rugby in Timaru and Southern regions, and for Maori rugby in New Zealand.

I'm pleased Smiley was around to be a part of the centenary celebrations of Maori rugby in 2010, and the winning of the Webb Ellis Trophy by the All Blacks in 2011.

Two totara have fallen, which is a great tragedy.

Will others rise to continue their legacies in sport and the community? Are people today keen (and willing) to take on such roles? Will sport governance and how it operates change with technology and the demands of modern-day living?

All I know is we need more people like Smiley Haua and Dave Bennett brave and willing enough "to steer" New Zealand sport through what can sometimes be a difficult but rewarding environment.