About Kindred

Sport Played for the Right Reason

When competition is real, but pressure isn't. When effort is respected. When the experience matters just as much as the result.

Who We Are

Built by people who live and breathe sport

Kindred Sports International brings people together through sport, not just to compete, but to connect. We create player-focused tournaments, carnivals and tours where the competition is genuine, the atmosphere is welcoming and the experience matters just as much as the result.

Our team has spent decades creating and running sporting events in New Zealand, Australia and across the Pacific, from the Golden Oldies festivals to major golf tours and international cricket. Our founder, Peter McDermott, has been involved in around 60 sporting events worldwide.

Kindred began with cricket. The NZ Kindred Cup was our first tournament, and many of the clubs that helped shape it are still involved today. From there, we've grown into lawn bowls and netball, with events at home and in destinations like Rarotonga and Samoa.

Our philosophy

Winning matters. Enjoyment matters more.

Kindred events are friendly, competitive in spirit and always grounded in respect. No cash prizes. No unnecessary expectations. Just the satisfaction of playing well, enjoying good company and competing in the right spirit.

Wherever we go, whether on the bowling green, the cricket pitch, the netball court or beyond, the philosophy stays the same. Every match is an opportunity to challenge yourself while connecting with others who share the same passion. Age, background and ability don't divide us. Sport brings us together.

The Kindred Way is also about what happens afterwards. The conversations. The friendships. The shared stories that linger long after the final whistle or the last bowl.

We're not simply running tournaments. We're building a community across sports, one that values people as much as performance, and connection as much as competition. If that sounds like your kind of sport, you'll feel right at home.

What We Do

What we stand for

Spirit of the Game

Competition is real, but it's grounded in respect, integrity and sportsmanship.

Genuine Connection

Our events create friendships, shared stories and a sense of belonging that lasts beyond the final whistle.

People First

We design player-focused experiences where enjoyment matters as much as results.

Meaningful Competition

Structured, well-run tournaments that challenge players while keeping the joy of sport at the centre.

What we do

Sport for every age, ability and level

We run tournaments, carnivals and destination tours in cricket, lawn bowls and netball, for juniors, schools, clubs, masters, social players and businesses.

We also help clubs, foundations and businesses with fundraising events, golf days, guest speakers and event consultancy, from shaping a new idea to delivering it on the day.

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Our People

Meet the team

Peter McDermott

Administration Manager

Peter has an extensive background in New Zealand sport, including roles as Chairman of New Zealand Cricket and the 1992 Cricket World Cup. Based in Cambridge, Peter was Chairman of the Management Committee for the inaugural Golden Oldies Cricket Festival in Auckland and also served as Chairman of the International Golden Oldies Secretariat. He has been involved in approximately 60 sporting events worldwide.

[email protected]

Kent Currie

Founder

Kent brings more than 25 years’ experience in rugby, developing people and building strong sporting environments. After representing Waikato and North Harbour at age-group level and playing in Scotland, Spain, England and the USA, he became Director of Rugby at Harvard University, spent a decade with Waikato Rugby, and later became Head of Pathways at the Chiefs, where he is now establishing the Chiefs Kindred Club. As General Manager of Seddon Cricket Club, he has grown membership to more than 750. Kent is also the Founder of the NZ Kindred Cup.

[email protected]

Steve Meertens

Founder

Steve has more than two decades experience in the sporting and events industry across both NZ and international markets. He also has extensive systems and digital knowledge around providing optimum experiences, both leading up to events, but also seamlessly creating memorable event days. Steve has also served on multiple boards and community groups and has a reputation as a collaborative and considerate team member. He has recently just finished up as the Chairman of the Board at the Hamilton Golf Club.

[email protected]

Mike Godinet

Event Director

Mike has spent two decades leading sales, marketing and management teams for high-profile sports events. His portfolio includes collaborations with the US PGA Tour, PGA of Australia, the Ladies European Tour and the NZPGA across Australia and New Zealand. Mike has also played a key role in mature-age sports celebrations and festivals, attracting thousands of attendees to events such as Golden Oldies Netball, Golf, Rugby and the Vintage Rugby Carnival.

[email protected]

Who we work with

Trusted by clubs and communities

We work alongside clubs, associations and business organisations that share our approach to sport, including Seddon Cricket Club, Ruakura Rugby Football Club, Queen Street Cricket Club, Kaimai Cricket Club and Waikato Chamber of Commerce.