Our finances continue to be very healthy with over $20,000 in the bank and our affiliation fees easily able to cover our regular outgoings and even added workshops run by PNZ. I would like to thank Michael Rocks for the many years of work he has done as WPA Treasurer.
In the past, Regional Tournaments contributed $2000-$3000 a year to our funds, but this was cut by around $800yr. when the Regional Triples was reduced to a one day event. The return of umpires to our tournaments and the increases in trophy and winner’s shirt costs has also had an impact and we can expect a loss in the region of $500-$1000 in the coming year. This leaves Regional Representation and Coaching. In the past both have been treated as one expense and the profit from tournaments has been expected to offset their cost.
Some years ago the Regional Coach ran open coaching sessions as well as ones for those players wishing to try for WPA representation. This stopped happening but there is now a greater demand for coaching from players who are not necessarily seeking representation but who wish to improve their game. I believe that, while the sessions may be combined, the cost should be split so that the WPA can see how much is spent on coaching and how much directly relates to Representation.
It is up to the Association to decide whether these costs should come out of our $20,000 reserves or not. If not it may be necessary to increase tournament entry fees, something that seems unnecessary at this time.
Graeme Morris, has once again done a sterling job as Regional Coach, ably assisted by Shirley MacDonald, Dave Gatchell and Barbara Nicholls.
He held 5 training sessions involving up to 46 players (not all at one time). Players who attended had the objective of improving their game skills and many put their names forward for selection in the Chanticleer and Tri-Star tournaments.
The Chanticleer Trophy was last played for in 2019 when Wellington won. Covid prevented matches being played in 2020 and 2021.
Wellington’s defense of the Chanticleer Trophy was played at Herne Bay in Auckland. The team performed superbly to win the match 57 to 51 against a very strong Auckland Team.
Our next defense will be in our Region with the terrain still to be decided.
The Tri-Star was played at the Dunedin City Petanque Club. Wellington competed well and at one stage was leading the competition, but ended up in a very close third place.
The next challenge is in Christchurch.
Anne Grant has done a splendid job of looking after it. When asked if there was anything she wanted to comment on she said “no, whenever I asked Clubs for information or clarification they got back to me quickly”. Well done everyone.
Anne is working through the web site and bringing all the data up to date. If you notice anything is missing, please let Anne know, but after the 9th July. She will be happy to check it out.
Tidying up the Constitution and updating some points was a goal for 2022/2023 but it got put to one side. There are quite a number of minor changes needed, but with the change in the Incorporated Societies Act requiring a new Constitution, Simon (WPA Secretary) and I felt it would be better to leave it to be done all at one time. Simon’ work in this area, and as WPA Secretary, has made my job much easier than it would have been without his help. Thank you Simon.
The new Incorporated Societies Act has some demanding requirements and I can’t help but wonder if we should remain a member. The WPA’s main focus is on running tournaments and promoting the game. We do not own any property and very little equipment. I suggest our membership be given a thorough review.
As this is the last “WPA President’s Annual Report” I will be writing, I would like to thank the many people who, over the last three years have given me help and support. A special thanks to Val Clarke who, as Minute Secretary, recorded so many meetings often producing the minutes the next day.
I have mentioned some individuals within this report but there are many more, too many to name. In some cases it may have been a simple “thank you” and others very much more, all were appreciated and to be honest I could not have done the job without them. I will continue to be involved with the WPA if needed and I wish my successor, and all of the members of the Association, ongoing pleasure from their involvement in Petanque.
Claire Bradburn
WPA President