Rotorua Convention - Filling the Kete

When the delegates at the May District 72 Convention registered at the Distinction Hotel in Rotorua we were all given a kete containing our convention programme, water, a few snacks and much more importantly the ability to fill with all of the knowledge that we would gain over the two days of the convention.


The convention Master of Ceremonies Kingi Biddle – who was District 72 International Speech Contestant in 2013 and 2014 – asked us to remember that the kete was a resource basket, and that when we left the convention it would become filled with all of the things we have learnt from each other and the warmth and memories of sharing time with our Toastmasters whanau.


Day one of the convention opened with a traditional Powhiri, which was followed by the traditional banner parade, led by the Rotorua Cadets.  The cadets remained standing on the stage throughout the Mayoral welcome provided by Steve Chadwick, who shared her experiences of public speaking as both a Member of Parliament and Mayor.  District 72 Director, Carol Mitchell, DTM officially opened the convention and welcomed all of the District 72 whanau.

A number of keynote speakers and education sessions were offered including Bill Potter who motivated attendees to think differently and live by the mantra ‘I can until I can't’. John Twaddle shared the story of his personal Toastmasters journey, reminding those in the room that as Toastmasters we are always learning.

David Clarkson ran an educational session on time management and Brent Park reminded us of the importance of listening as well as speaking in Toastmasters. Grainne Moss entertained and moved us with her stories about striving for excellence and challenges of swimming the English channel and other channels including the Cook Strait. Jonathan Pedersen talked about what you need to know about websites, and Lorraine Taylor and Elise Lonsdale updated us on online tools available to Toastmasters for holding virtual and online meetings.

The Evaluation Contest occupied the latter part of Saturday morning, where the best evaluators in the District critiqued a test speech. The winners were: 1st place – Helen Cambell from Silver Service Toastmasters Club in Division A; 2nd place – Helen Fitt from Christchurch Toastmasters Club in Division G; and 3rd place – Michelle Gerwitz from Taieri Toastmasters Club in Division C. The contest was chaired by Division H Director Graham Gunn.

District 72 Evaluation contest. (L-R) 3rd place Michelle Gerwitz, 2nd place Helen Fitt, 1st place Helen Campbell, contest chair Graham Gunn.

The Prepared Speech Contest followed at lunchtime on Sunday.

"Better Late Than Never" was the message from Justin Thompson who won the Prepared Speech Contest. Not only did he win the contest, he also won the Most Entertaining Speech Award. Justin will now represent New Zealand at the Toastmasters International Speech Contest in Washington DC in August this year.  He will be competing against contestants from around the world for the title of 'World Champion of Public Speaking'. Justin is from Northrise Toastmasters Club in Division F (Auckland). Click here to help Justin cover the costs of competing in DC.

Other placegetters were: 2nd place – Marc Ramos from Naumai South Taranaki Toastmasters Club in Division B, and 3rd place – Ben Herring, also from Taieri Toastmasters Club in Division C. The contest was chaired by Division E Director Gael Price.

District 72 International speech contest. (L-R) 1st place Justin Thompson, 2nd place Marc Ramos, 3rd place Ben Herring

Incoming District Executive

The convention included the annual business meeting, and elections for the district executive were held.  The elected officers will take the reins from 1 July and they are: District Director – David Templeman DTM, Program Quality Director – Sarah Bate DTM, Club Growth Director – Toni Sharp QSM DTM, Administration Manager – Fiona Hodge, Finance Manager – Nicola Green, and Public Relations Manager – Rob Woolley.