PRESIDENT’S REPORT Welcome to March, probably April by the time you read this. It’s been a very tough month considering the events in Christchurch and words still can’t describe the grief and the fact this happened in our country. Condolences to all concerned and having to deal with the aftermath of such a terrible event. The 2019 nationals are but a distant memory for the 1623 anglers who partook. Some pretty good fishing was experienced by a few and congratulations to all those who won Awards and Trophies. We had a few fun and games with the software that collates all the catches and calculates the points this year which resulted in some points being incorrectly calculated and the system freezing up on numerous occasions delaying publication of daily and final results. The system is 20 years old and long overdue for an upgrade, we’ve started work on that already and expect the new system to be in place for next year. We’ve been making some progress with helping the Minstrel find a replacement. It hasn’t been an easy task with a few swings and misses, it’s not a role you can easily advertise for, but it looks like we now have a plan coming together which I hope to be able to announce in the not too distant future. The next cab off the rank is Sport NZ engagement, Submissions for the 2020 funding round need to be made by the middle of this year so we have a lot of work to do between now and then to ensure we are successful. One thing is for sure, we have a lot to do and it’s proving an uphill slog to get things moving and keep resourced with a volunteer Board and one paid employee. I’ll be talking to the Board in April about some ideas that we need to consider, to make sure that our projects and our strategy are properly resourced to make sure we are delivering on our Promises. I’ve put the relationship officer role on hold while we figure this out. So far, we have had no bites to our attempts at finding a Communications Board member. So we will keep looking. The dates for Conference 2019 have been set for September 20th and 21st 2019, and is hosted by the Wellington Surfcasting and Angling Club at the Mana Cruising Club In Wellington. You should see information packs coming out very shortly and I encourage you to book Accommodation as soon as possible. The Auckland Fishing Club has decided that the time has come and are sadly winding up. The club has generously offered their assets and trophies to a number of our clubs. They have decided to distribute their trophies along with a a donation between Clevedon Gamefish Club, Hauraki Gulf Fishing Club, Warkworth Gamefishing Club and Whakatakataka Bay Sport Fishing Club The Club has asked the Council to receive their remaining funds and distribute them as requested, with a $10,000 donation to go to NZ Marine Research and a $5,000 towards last years’ AGM. Sadly, we are losing a valued club from our Council, and we thank them and appreciate all the support and assistance we have received from them over the years. That’s it from me this month Short and sweet.
Bob Gutsell PRESIDENT
4 www.nzsportfishing.co.nz