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RESULTS FROM THE 1996 SPECIAL GENERAL MEETING FOR SUB-COMMITTEES HELD FROM 10.00AM TO 1.00PM

The main drive of this meeting was to assess the current situation of the NZWA and discuss options so the NZWA can continue to promote and administer to the needs of windsurfing. Basically, over the last couple of years, the NZWA has been experiencing a world-wide decrease in racing and belonging to a club. Most windsurfers are free spirits who only want to go out when the conditions are really good, and to race casually rather than compete in organised events. The results are less revenue coming in to the NZWA and a lower status with our major funding agent, the Hillary Commission. Resources are stretched, and we now feel that it is time to investigate a closer association with Yachting New Zealand. Summarised, the situation is this:

Current situation:

Negative Aspects

• Low revenue
• Low membership
• Few new people in race events
• Few new people in NZWA
• Increasing outside commitments for NZWA executive committee
• Stretched resources due to 'small organisation' running costs

Positive Aspects

• Freedom/independance of small organisation
• Experience and dedication of current NZWA executive committee
  

A closer relationship with Yachting New Zealand could mean:

Positive Aspects

• Lower cost of resources due to 'big organisation' economy *Increase in membership for YNZ
• Assistance with special projects due to experience and resources of YNZ
• New ideas for projects for YNZ from NZWA committee
• Combining of courses/training for sailors as well as race officials
• Improved communication with YNZ
• Recruit of sailors already in the yacht club scene towards windsurfing (as another yacht club class)
• Increase of facilities and opportunities for windsurfers
  

Negative Aspects

• Possible loss of freedom/independance
• Possible increase in cost of membership for windsurfers
  

The NZWA has a project in the pipeline to improve our situation but this would require funding to initiate:

1. A membership drive which would involve putting an insert in the NZ Windsurfer Magazine and a invitation to everyone who buys equipment from windsurfing outlets to send away their details and a small fee to the NZWA in order to receive a newsletter with information about the NZWA, the Event Calendar, their local club and a membership card which entitles them to discount on equipment bought at involved windsurfing outlets. This would enable the NZWA to build up information on the nations windsurfers which could give us clues as to why club involvement and racing is so low and what we could do to improve it if anything! Once a year, a reminder would be sent out to all existing members encouraging them to remain a member and receive another newsletter and membership card entitling them to discount on windsurfing equipment.

INSTRUCTION COMMITTEE

• Continue to update current list of operating windsurfing schools on database (Wendy K.)
• A list of minimum requirements and facilities for windsurfing schools to be circulated along with introductory letter re. National Standards Scheme. (Wendy K.)
• The questionnaire to measure existing schools facilities and operations plus an invitation for schools to apply for NZWA recognition to be circulated before the end of September (Wendy K.)
• The database of NZWA instructors to be updated, (018 operator enquiries) (Wendy K.)
• A letter to be circulated to all NZWA instructors informing them of the three year expiry date on their qualification and inviting them to undertake a refresher course at the next Instructors Course by assisting for one whole day and renewing their Instructor's Manual at a cost of $25 (request new passport photos for new ID badges). (Wendy K.)
• NZWA Flag and certificates to be produced before September. (Ken K./Wendy)
• Dates for next instructors Course = 2nd Week in December 1995 and last week in January 1996. Venue Pt Chevalier School (to be confirmed).
• Beginners rig donated by Roger Tweddel from North Sails for Instructors Courses
• Board to be donated for NZWA Instructors Courses. (Paul/Mark/Roger)
  

RACING COMMITTEE

• Events Checklist to be reproduced and improved and circulated to all National Events organisors (RogerT/Wendy)
• Ask for Glynn's assistance in compiling 1996 - 1997 Events Calendar
• Hope to continue NZ Boardsailing Tour in future when resources are available.
  

PUBLICITY COMMITTEE

• Marketing Arm to continue on Nationwide promotion of windsurfing.