At 91 years young, Waihi’s Milly Culton is stepping down from her role leading Wednesday Morning Badminton after more than 65 years of volunteering across her community.
Milly’s story is a remarkable testament to the power of volunteering and the difference one person can make.
A Lifetime of Service
Born and raised in Waihi, Milly has given her time generously across countless community groups. She was awarded an Outstanding Community Service Award by the Hauraki District Council in 2017, is a Life Member of both the Waihi Tennis Club and the Waihi A & P Show, and has been a central figure in everything from athletics to highland dancing to Meals on Wheels.
Alongside her husband Jimmy, Milly organised the Waihi Junior Athletic Club, often loading buses full of local children to travel around the Hauraki District. For over 65 years she also organised the highland dancing at the Waihi A & P Show, after a successful career as a competitive dancer herself.
Bringing Badminton to Waihi
Milly’s connection to badminton began in 1969, when a group of women from the local tennis community decided to “give badminton a go” over winter. Just 24 women turned up at the Old Waihi Drill Hall that first week, and only two had ever played before.
From that moment, Milly became the organiser and driving force of Wednesday Morning Badminton – a role she has held ever since. Whether she was playing, running the draws, recording scores, or organising interclub competitions, Milly made sure the group was welcoming, competitive, and fun.
At its peak, the group had 60 regular players and three divisions of graded interclub competition. Even after she retired from playing herself, Milly continued to organise the mornings, making sure everything ran smoothly. For Milly, Wednesday mornings were non-negotiable – family holidays had to be planned around badminton.
Building Community Beyond the Court
Milly’s leadership extended well beyond organising matches. Under her guidance, Wednesday Morning Badminton raised funds for a new Waihi stadium, donated annually to Waihi St John Ambulance and Starship Hospital, and fostered decades of friendships.
She fondly remembers the camaraderie of “bring a plate” lunches after interclub matches, the laughter of organising teams without mobile phones, and the joy of seeing so many people pick up a racquet thanks to her efforts.
Stepping Down – But Never Forgotten
After more than five decades of leadership, Milly is now handing over the reins. She admits she will miss the contact with players – though perhaps not the early morning winter starts!
Badminton New Zealand extends a heartfelt thank you to Milly Culton. Her passion, generosity, and commitment have not only sustained badminton in Waihi but also inspired generations of volunteers across New Zealand.
Volunteers like Milly remind us that sport is built on community spirit, and that behind every game are people who give their time so others can play.
Thank you, Milly.