January 2026 Newsletter

Committee

We had another productive meeting in January, when you consider we had not actually planned on having one! The main thrust of the meeting was to agree a final draft of revised new Constitution to comply with a Rowing New Zealand mandate, by their April 2026 deadline.  The club had already complied with the new Incorporated Societies Act having reregistered and changed our Constitution back in August 2024.

It has been a huge job for all Incorporated Societies. In fact, there are murmurs that a national extension of time may be required. However, not for us, we will be ready.

In order for our membership to adopt the draft proposed by the Committee notice is hereby given that a Special General Meeting of members will be held at 6.00 pm Tuesday the 10th March in the Waters Edge lounge for this purpose.  Please note your calendar’s.   It is a requirement that we have a minimum of 25% of club members present, so please make sure you are available. We do not think it will take very long and the document will be posted on the website prior to the meeting so you all have a chance to read at your leisure..

 Waters Edge Lounge

The lounge is slowly looking better with some basic maintenance completed on chairs and general cleaning.  Upgraded instructions for the various bits and pieces of equipment will make things a bit easier for hirers.

Bookings for the lounge have taken a good upturn which is pleasing to see. Remember the lounge is a very important income source for your club. Subscriptions would be much higher without this income source. Remember everyone, talk about your lounge when talking to friends, colleagues and family. You never know who may be needing the best venue in town.

Working Bee

Boat shed working “B”.   Later in the year we will need a bit of a joint effort to give our boat shed a bit of a spruce up. Watch this space.

Rowing Activity

January was a busy month starting with our annual Summer Training camp.  The weather gods behaved and the volunteer mums and dads who catered, washed, cleaned, shopped and organised the non rowing side all deserve “Gold Stars”.  Special mention to Kylie Teague who took on the co-ordination role too!

Next came the Dewar Shield Regatta with a glorious Saturday and a complete wash out Sunday.  It was pleasing to see the improving results from our squads. Time at camp was really paying off.,

Anniversary weekend saw the North island Club Champs with challenging rowing conditions and most medals being awarded based on heat times as it was too dangerous to row finals. I am sure quite a few crews experienced the lake a little closer than they would have liked.

In spite of the conditions our club had great success with many making A or B finals and the following medals awarded. 

Rebecca Wilson and Colbie Stott W Int 2x - BRONZE

Luke Berquist and Jimmy Hollard M Snr 2x - GOLD

Alaric Bulling, Harper Faire-Barlow, Rico Ivamy, Lachlan Sutherland and Jonty Waites M Nov 4x+ - BRONZE

Jimmy Hollard M Snr 1x - GOLD

We wish all those competing at the NZ Club Championships at Lake Karapiro from February 18th to 21st and those challenging for selection to NZ squads the very best of luck.

Maadi Cup is almost upon us, and the pointy end of school training is here. Keep up the commitment and make sure your crew is the best it can be for this prestigious event. You all have the full support of your club.

Beach Sprints

We have had several members compete in the Beach Sprints over the last few months.  It is certainly a different version of rowing.  For those interested Rowing New Zealand are running a two day training camp in April at Orewa.  Go to www.beachsprintsnz.co.nz for more information.

Again, my thanks to all those that make our club what it is. From coaches, parents, Committee members, supporters, followers, providers and especially all the athletes. We make a great team together.

Until next time.

Neil Chinnery-Brown 

Club President.