Committee Members 2017-18

Officers

Maree Shaw (President) joined the committee in 2013 and has been president since 2016. Before assuming the presidency, she served as coordinator of the Regional Coordinators and organised the first RC Planning Day in 2015. She was also been acting-RC for Auckland, working to give members a chance to meet, have fun, and enjoy great beer. She contributes to Pursuit of Hoppiness and helps with the organisation, promotion, and running of the National Homebrew Competition.

As president, she’d like to build on the excellent work Dave ‘Dear Leader’ Wood has done, while looking forward to the future. Now over 10 years old, SOBA has achieved many of its original goals. She’d like to continue all of the fantastic events and advocacy work while also focusing on growing our presence in the regions.

Portfolio: Pursuit of Hoppiness & National Homebrew Competition
Contact: president@soba.org.nz

Tom Coleman (Treasurer) grew up in England where cask-conditioned real ale was simply called beer. Since then, he spent 12 years in Melbourne and for the last five years has been living in Auckland and running a conference services company. In both cities, he’s enjoyed the burgeoning craft beer scenes and been a very enthusiastic home-brewer. He’s been a SOBA member since 2009 and treasurer since 2012.

Portfolios: Pursuit of Hoppiness & National Homebrew Competition
Contact: treasurer@soba.org.nz

General Committee Members

Barbara Joppa brewed Joppa Stout, the champion beer at the 2013 National Homebrew Competition that was later released by Hallertau. As BeerIQ, she is a strong advocate for well-made, flavourful beers. She runs beer tasting events in Auckland to educate the masses about the range of possibilities out there.

Portfolio: Festivals
Contact: festivals@soba.org.nz

Warwick Foy is the regional coordinator for Taranaki and a long-time beer fan and brewer. He became interested in beer through travel and enjoys trying new beers and learning more about beer wherever he goes. He’s written beer reviews for local newspapers and has spent several years helping organise beer events in Taranaki. He enjoys introducing people to the world of craft beer.

Portfolio: Regional Coordinators
Contact: taranaki@soba.org.nz

Phil Murray has been involved with SOBA since the beginning in various capacities, but primarily building and running the systems that run the National Homebrew Competition, and judging at the NHC and various other small competitions. He’s also a co-conspirator behind Brewaucracy.

Portfolio: SOBA Awards
Contact: phil@soba.org.nz