Splatman
Splatman was an Auckland commercial paintball operator that participated in the original New Zealand National Paintball League (NPL). A history published by Mercenaries Star records that it operated four Auckland fields when the league began in 1997.[1]
National Paintball League
[edit]The NPL history credits Ian Southern and Dave Pellet, associated with Splatman, with conceiving the league. Splatman was one of three participating commercial operators, alongside Strategy Tag in Whangārei and Actions Paintball Sports Arena in Auckland.[1]
Participating operators shared hosting responsibilities to distribute the commercial demands of regular tournament play. The competition combined established major tournaments in First Division with regular Second Division games for developing teams.[1]
Southern signed the league’s introductory letter as New Zealand NPL Director, 1997. Its stated objectives included coordinating tournaments, improving event organisation and developing consistent refereeing standards. The letter also stated that the NPL intended to operate independently of particular fields, suppliers and equipment brands.[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.[1]
Associated people
[edit]Dave Pellet and Ian Southern were the individuals identified with Splatman in the NPL history.[1]
Their profiles preserved in February 1998 also document their involvement with other paintball venues. Pellet was identified as the owner and operator of Tactics Paintball at Bethells Beach, while Southern operated Splat Attack in Warkworth. Southern stated that he had first encountered paintball at Pellet’s Tactics field.[3][4]
Website
[edit]Splatman’s website at www.splatman.co.nz was linked from the NPL history preserved by Mercenaries Star.[1]
See also
[edit]References
[edit]- 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.
- Dave Pellet — Who’s Who profile. New Zealand Paintball, archived 4 February 1998.
- Ian Southern — Who’s Who profile. New Zealand Paintball, archived 4 February 1998.