Otago Archery Club President Charlie Boocock-Yee, right, is pictured with Club Social Rep Tash Taylor and Club Secretary Becca Ritchie in front of the new wall, which has been three years in the making.
Otago’s Archery Club is used to aiming at targets, and this year they’ve hit the big one – a new, purpose-built indoor archery wall.
Club President Charlie Boocock-Yee says the club has been fundraising for the wall for the past three years, primarily through membership fees, merchandising and OUSA grants.
The new wall replaces the old one in the Activities Hall – Te Whare Kohe on the third floor of the OUSA Clubs and Societies building.
“The old wall deteriorated more quickly than we anticipated, due to increased interest in the club, forcing us to accelerate our long-term financial plan for its replacement,” he says.
“Once it became clear we needed the money quicker, we held a quiz-night fundraiser and were thankful for two anonymous donations.”
When Charlie first joined the club in 2020, the wall was practically “falling apart at the seams”. A repair job was carried out that year, but it was more of a quick fix than a long-term solution, he says.
“The wall, made of IBS softboard, expands over time as we shoot at it, leading to instability without proper structural support. With the new wall completed, the necessary structural support is now in place, which will slow long-term wear and tear and make partial repairs easier and more affordable.”
Charlie, who is doing a Master of Science in Palaeontology, says it feels incredible to finally have such a major task completed.
“We knew that the wall replacement in 2020 was just a temporary solution, and it's reassuring to know that the wall is ready to be passed on to future members.”
The club is extremely grateful for the “phenomenal support” from OUSA throughout the process, specifically Clubs and Societies Centre Building Maintenance Manager Sarah Van Asperen and Clubs Development Officer Caroline Hallgarth, for their kindness, generosity, and patience throughout this process, he says.
“We could not have accomplished this without their help. We will never fully be able to express our gratitude for how it turned out. It exceeded our expectations.
“I would also like to thank our executive team for their dedication and support during the wall-replacement project. Their willingness to put in the physical labour and time is greatly appreciated, especially considering their commitments as full-time students.”
The new wall replaces the old one in the Activities Hall – Te Whare Kohe on the third floor of the OUSA Clubs and Societies building. Much of the demolition work was done by the Otago Archery Club executive.
The Archery Club is one of OUSA’s bigger clubs, with about 100 paid members. It’s believed to be the only one affiliated to a university in NZ as well as the only one with an indoor archery space, Charlie says.
“Having an indoor shooting range is highly beneficial as it allows us to shoot all year, no matter the weather.
“It also means new shooters don’t have to contend with external factors such as temperature and wind when learning to shoot/aim. This means people pick up the skills faster and start hitting bullseyes, which is fun for everyone.”
Club members can access the wall at regular sessions held on Fridays and Sundays.
“If you join the club, the space is free to use.”
“No one comes to Otago for archery, but what makes Otago Otago is the friendships and the clubs.” – Charlie Boocock-Yee
Charlie also met his now fiancée, Becca Ritchie, when he joined the club in 2020. Becca – the club's secretary – graduated from Otago in 2023 with a Bachelor of Pharmacy and is now a pharmacist.
While the club doesn’t promise matrimony, it does guarantee a welcoming atmosphere, especially for beginners.
“Anyone is welcome to come along and give it a go before deciding to sign up as a member,” Charlie says.
“You can just turn up with closed-in shoes and hair up, and we’ll show you the basics and supply the equipment.”
Even if you aren’t out to be a champion, archery is a really good way to relieve stress, he says.
“You’re going to study better after a break. Some people even just show up to talk. We have a massive surge during exams and more as people finish.
“No one comes to Otago for archery, but what makes Otago Otago is the friendships and the clubs.”
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– Kōrero by Internal Communications Advisor Laura Hewson
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