where leaders are made D 1 1 2 T o a s t m a s t e r s M a g a z i n e
James Hippolite, DTM District Director
2023- 2024
June 2024| Issue #001
In a remarkable journey of leadership and camaraderie, James Hippolite DTM has left an indelible mark as the District Director for District 112 Toastmasters New Zealand North in the 2023-2024 term. His tenure stands as a testament to his unwavering commitment, strategic vision, and ability to foster a united community.
Steady Leadership
James's leadership is highlighted by his remarkable achievement of maintaining nearly the same team throughout the year. In a volunteer-driven organisation, this consistency is extraordinary. This stability is a testament to James's leadership style, which blends empathy with effective management.
AYearofLeadershipandLegacy:JamesHippoliteDTM, DistrictDirector2023-2024
THESTRONG DistrictLeader
“Toastmasters provides a supportive environment where members are empowered to develop their public speaking and leadership abilities.”
-James
2
Photography by Kenneth Suan Gustilo | current Public Relations Manager 2023 - 2024
“It is not the mountain we conquer, but ourselves.”
—Sir Edmund Hillary, New Zealand mountaineer, explorer, and philanthropist
Fostering Fun and Enjoyment
James's vision for the district encapsulated his three core values: Educate, Enjoy, and Excel. True to his vision, the district experienced a vibrant year filled with memorable moments.
From dancing the night away at the District Conference to returning to face-to-face contests and training, the spirit of enjoyment was everpresent. Shared meals and camaraderie further strengthened the bonds within the community.
Guiding Consensus with Efficiency
A crowning achievement for James was chairing the Annual District Council Meeting, where he successfully passed 14 resolutions without dissent in under 1.5 hours.
This feat underscores his ability to foster consensus and drive efficient decision-making in a large organization.
Photo taken at Taupo Annual Conference. From left Program Quality Director Richard Perkins DTM and District Director James Hippolite DTM
Photo of District Director James Hippolite DTM in the Tuk-tuk at mid-year training in Thailand.
Corporate Recognition and International Collaboration
James's efforts extended beyond the immediate Toastmasters community. He successfully secured corporate recognition for Datacom, enabling employees to enjoy free membership to their Toastmasters Club. His proactive approach also brought international recognition to the district.
By requesting an International Director's presence at the District Conference, the district had the honor of hosting International President Morag Mathieson. Meeting and hosting Morag and her husband David was a personal highlight for James, especially when Morag presented him with his Distinguished Toastmaster plaque.
4
Photo taken at Datacom. From left Charles Wilding, International President Morag Mathieson DTM, Tim Muhundan and District Director James Hippolite DTM.
Photo taken at Pacific Toastmasters Club meeting. From left Regional Advisor Stephen Budai DTM, District Director James Hippolite DTM, International President Morag Mathieson DTM , Club Growth Director Marlene Krone DTM, David Mathieson.
DOT and DEC Meeting at Waipuna Hotel
Memorable Initiatives and Personal Triumphs
James's tenure was marked by innovative initiatives. He spearheaded the creation of a team of Zoom Masters to live-stream the District Conference.
Additionally, he worked on a glossary of Māori words, as part of a project to translate the Presentation Mastery path, reflecting his dedication to inclusivity and cultural recognition.
6
The Annual Conference at Taupo. From left, Club Growth Director Marlene Krone DTM ; District Director James Hippolite DTM; District Parliamentarian Alun Chisholm DTM; Program Quality Director Richard Perkins DTM .
District Director James Hippolite DTM at the Waipuna Hotel with Immediate Past District Director Wendy Wickliffe DTM
James Hippolite
District Director 2023- 2024
Photography by Kenneth Suan Gustilo
Editor-in-Chief: Alun Chisholm DTM
In his own words, James sums up his journey: "We had fun! Whether at the District Conference, dancing the night away, or back to face-to-face contests and training, or sharing meals together, we lived out the 'E' for Enjoy from my vision triplet."
James Hippolite's year as District Director is not just a chapter in the district's history but a legacy of leadership, enjoyment, and excellence that will inspire future leaders for years to come. His story embodies the Māori principle of "He Tangata, He Tangata, He Tangata" – "The People, The People, The People," emphasizing that the heart of any great endeavour lies in its people.
"He aha te mea nui o te ao? What is the most important thing in the world? He tangata he tangata he tangata. It is the people, the people, the people."
Thank you James!
-James
7
LIFE AND INSPIRATION
JAMESSOURCEOFINSPIRATION
MEET THE HIPPOLITE FAMILY
District112Toastmasters NewZealandNorth WhereLeadersAreMade.
