Issue date
2013 is well underway and it’s great to hear all the news and results coming in from all the National Championships and other regattas on around the country at this time of year, and a few summer cruising tales too.
There is plenty going on for the entire Yachting New Zealand team as we plan for the year ahead, and beyond, so here is an update for you.
- Getting Strategic: I am progressing with the Yachting New Zealand Strategic Plan for 2013-2016. Nationwide feedback from Clubs and members has been gathered through meetings and discussions facilitated by Regional Support Officers and as a result the Strategic Plan will reflect what you have told us you need from us. The Board of Directors are meeting March 20th for a day of strategic planning and I hope to have something to bring back to yacht clubs by May.
- Yacht Club Survey in 2013: Every two years Yachting New Zealand asks member Yacht Clubs to complete a survey, and we will do this again in coming months. Sport New Zealand supplements our budget for grass roots yachting based on the statistical information we can provide to them so it is vital we have an accurately completed survey from each and every club. It will be an on-line survey again this year, and we’ll do our best to make it as quick and painless as possible for you.
- 2013 Oceanbridge Sail Auckland was a resounding success with plenty of wind and some fantastic, exciting racing. As with any regatta the team of volunteers put in an enormous effort, and I want to say a big thank you and congratulations to those involved. There are always improvements that can be made however and if you have feedback I welcome you to get in touch.
- ‘Festival of Sails’: I see the need to develop a major anchor event (or series of events) which has the potential to drive significant new money into the Auckland economy, generate visitation and expose sailing and the marine industry internationally and within New Zealand. I have opened discussions and will soon scope the value, viability and enthusiasm for a ‘Festival of Sails’ in Auckland, and to date the feedback and support I am receiving is encouraging. The vision is that by bringing a number of excellent existing regattas and events run through the months of January and February together under one promotional banner/umbrella the result is that ‘the whole is bigger than the sum of its parts’.
- Advocates for yachties and boaties: Yachting New Zealand continues to advocate on behalf of kiwi yachties and boat owners. Andrew Clouston is across current issues and you can find two updates from him in this issue on both Plan Change 4 to the Regional Coastal Plan for Northland and on the proposal for a large mussel farm on the Western side of Stephenson Island (Whangaroa).
Best regards
David
