May 2026 Newsletter

May 2026 - NEWSLETTER

Well now the excitement of Maadi is behind us we can start thinking about winter training, deferred maintenance, and just perhaps pausing to take a breath!

We had a very successful Closing day with perfect conditions and some close racing. Everyone seemed to be having a great time. The working B following was well attended and we achieved a great deal. The boat shed and surrounds are now looking amazing. Thanks to all who pitched in. Overall, a fantastic result.

Our Annual Prize Giving also went off well with 100 attending and some popular recipients of the trophies presented. Great dinner and dessert. Our lounge serves us well. Again, thanks to all that helped, not only on the night but before and after. Great team work.

Waters Edge Lounge 

Bookings are going very well. Our thanks again to our manager Dee, who has really hit the ground running. Her enthusiasm is clearly making a difference.  Total income for the year is still behind where we would like it to be, but the gap is closing.

This is a critical income source for our club and it needs promoting at every opportunity. We have some cards printed promoting the lounge. Be sure to grab hold of a few and have them on hand to give to prospective hirers. We need to get our name out there. Contact Dee on 022 647 2863 or lounge@taurangarowingclub.co.nz for a supply.

Club Fundraiser

Our Masters rowers are organizing a fundraiser quiz night on 1st August 2026 in the Waters Edge Lounge. The organizers are looking for someone who can volunteer to be the Quizmaster. Let your Committee know if you know of someone who can help with this. More details to follow in a separate email or watch for the social posts.

Season Review

Following our recent review of the 2025-26  Season the Committee is considering the implementation of a number of recommendations for next season. These should be confirmed at the June Committee meeting.  In the meantime a copy of the feedback received will be circulated to all members shortly under separate cover for information. We appreciate that not all members were able to attend the Review Evening to hear the feedback. 

Equipment

The Committee have obtained quotes and agreed to seek funding for a new lightweight 8+/x. The cost with sweep and sculling riggers is $67,750 excl. GST.  It is hoped that we can obtain funding in time to order and have the boat available for the competitive part of next season. 

Next on the wish list are some new sweep and sculling blades.

Strength and Conditioning

We are still in the process of determining sessions and costs through an external provider who gave information at the Review Event. Once we have a better understanding of how it may work more information will be shared.  It may be difficult to have a one size fits all programme.

Boat Maintenance and Painting

Winter is the time to assess the repairs needed to boats and to get as much completed as we can before the start of the competitive season.  We would like to pull together a team of people that can assist in this process.  If anyone has any carbon fibre boat repair and painting skills and is willing to give some time to this please let Simon our Club Captain know clubcaptain@taurangarowingclub.co.nz.  Any suggestions on a regular roster timing to get through the list would be appreciated.

Coaching

We are on the hunt for more coaches.  If you, or anyone you know, could be interested in contributing to the club in this way please contact Simon on clubcaptain@taurangarowingclub.co.nz.

Social Media

A big shout out to Katy Marr which has recently taken over responsibility for socials.  You will have noticed the huge improvement but Katy needs your help too. Here is a message from her. 

“ Let's go TRC Socials! 

• We are stepping up our Social Media content and we need YOU!  Please tag #taurangarowingclub in all of your rowing posts! Flick your rowing content to us, so we can re-post it... use the 'message' button on Instagram (and Facebook) to link us to your reels and photos. Like and share team - if you see us posting stuff, please LIKE and SHARE 

• Have you got crazy Social Media skills, that you can share with our TRC Socials team, to get us set up to maximise our online content next season?  If so, send us a message via Instagram or Facebook, let’s talk!

• Have you got some ideas for content... a burning desire to be in front of the camera showing off this awesome sport... a relatively high threshold for no-shame 'showing off' our awesome club to the online world?  Get in touch via our socials!  Let's collab!”

Please remember that your Committee is open to any suggestions, ideas or ways to improve, and anyone is welcome to attend the Committee meetings as an observer.

Until next time

Neil Chinnery-Brown 

Club President.