Fellerhoff will also be a part of the Board of Directors, and will replace Chris Atherton as treasurer.

With a background in chartered accountancy, Fellerhoff is a senior finance business partner at Massey University based in the Manawatu.

He is also experienced in the community sector, with a focus on social and environmental fields.

Fellerhoff will play an interim role until his position is ratified at the UTSNZ Annual General Meeting in May 2023.

"Heinz considers community connection to be vital for people to retain a healthy and balanced life, and for overall personal wellbeing," UTSNZ said.

"He believes sport plays a pivotal role in retaining and building those connections and is of high importance for young people as their involvement in sport reduces significantly as they transition from college to the next step in their life.

"Because of this, he is a firm supporter of UTSNZ goals of providing pathways for tertiary students to continue to participate in sport and foster healthy community connections."

The organisation also thanked Atherton for his services as Treasurer for four and a half years.

"Chris’s love of all things sport and his accounting background saw him guide and support the organisation with passion and commitment."