Ian Southern
Ian Southern is a New Zealand paintball field operator and tournament organiser associated with Splat Attack in Warkworth and the formation of the original New Zealand National Paintball League (NPL). Together with Dave Pellet, he was credited with conceiving the league, which began competition in 1997. Southern was its director for the inaugural season.[1][2][3]
Paintball career
In his profile preserved in February 1998, Southern stated that he discovered paintball at Dave Pellet’s Tactics Paintball field at Bethells Beach, Auckland. At the time of the interview, he reported approximately 18 months of involvement in the sport.[1]
The profile identified Southern as the operator of Splat Attack in Warkworth and stated that he had helped organise several major New Zealand paintball events.[1] A contemporary field directory also listed Splat Attack as a Warkworth paintball venue.[4]
Southern identified the National Paintball League as his greatest paintball-related achievement. He advocated expanding its Second Division format throughout New Zealand and expressed a preference for competition without cash prizes.[1]
Splatman and the National Paintball League
A history published by Mercenaries Star credits Southern and Dave Pellet, associated with Splatman, with originating the National Paintball League. Splatman operated four Auckland fields when the league began in 1997 and was one of its three participating commercial field operators, alongside Strategy Tag and Actions Paintball Sports Arena.[2]
Southern signed the league’s introductory letter as New Zealand NPL Director, 1997. The letter outlined plans to coordinate New Zealand tournaments, improve event organisation and develop consistent refereeing standards. It also stated that the league intended to operate independently of particular fields, suppliers and equipment brands.[3]
The NPL combined established major tournaments in First Division with regular Second Division competition for developing teams. Participating commercial operators shared hosting responsibilities across their fields.[2]
The original operator-supported structure continued until 1999, when it lost the support of participating field operators. Kyn Jackson subsequently assumed responsibility for the remaining administration and discontinued Second Division.[2]
Equipment preferences
Southern named the Automag as his preferred marker in his 1990s profile.[1]
See also
References
- Ian Southern — Who’s Who profile. New Zealand Paintball, archived 4 February 1998.
- The Rise and Fall of the New Zealand National Paintball League. Mercenaries Star.
- Welcome to the New Zealand National Paintball League. Ian Southern, New Zealand NPL Director, 1997; preserved by Mercenaries Star.
- Fields, Clubs and Stores. New Zealand Paintball, archived 4 February 1998.