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The man responsible for Hamilton's most precious playing surfaces has been recognised for his contribution to the sports turf sector.

H3 Turf Manager Karl Johnson was the recipient of an award marking his consistent promotion of the sports turf industry in the media at last week's at the New Zealand National Turf Conference Awards held in Auckland, presented during the New Zealand Turf Conference and Expo.

Johnson is in charge of the turf at Hamilton's international cricket venue Seddon Park, and the multi-purpose FMG Stadium Waikato.

Johnson, known to many as ‘KJ’, says he was unaware he would be receiving the award at the event, and admits he was speechless when the award was announced.

He explained "I was so surprised - just humbled and privileged”, adding “it's not difficult for me to do media: I'm really passionate about what I do, and I love discussing it. I'm lucky to do what I do, and I work with some amazing people."

Johnson credits his staff for their support and they work they do to keep the two venues' turf in the best possible condition. He has travelled internationally as part of his role and says he has had some great opportunities to share his expertise on secondments to Dubai and the Pacific Islands.

H3 Executive Director Sean Murray says Johnson is one of the leaders in his profession and is always accessible to media.

Murray explained "Karl does a terrific job dealing with requests from TV, radio and online and print media.

"He always manages to find time to chat to journalists and he is very knowledgeable - a terrific representative of his profession. We're very fortunate to have him working for us."

Kellie Rose, Chair of the Sports Turf Association of New Zealand says the sector can experience challenges recruiting people due to the "behind the scenes" nature of the profession, hence the lack of understanding of what the job entails.

Rose added “so when someone like Karl Johnson takes the initiative to promote who we are and what we do during his interactions with the media it is very much appreciated.”

Johnson began his turf management career in 1988. He joined NZ Cricket in 1998, working as Turf Manager at the sport's high performance facility in Christchurch, before taking up his current role with Hamilton City Council in 2003.

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