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.

One week till Rotorua convention!

The contestants are ready, the judges are ready... are you ready for Rotorua?

The District (national) convention kicks off next weekend at the Distinction Hotel in Rotorua. An awesome weekend is planned at this lovely venue.

Image source: Distinction Hotels

On Saturday, the regional evaluation champions will meet in the District Evaluation contest - a test of skill in listening, analysing and giving feedback. We'll also enjoy educational workshops and keynote presentations from a "business maverick" and a long-serving Toastmaster, and will see who's elected to office for next year in the District Annual Business meeting. Saturday will end with revelry at the dine & dance. Make sure to wear a hat representing a culture of your choice!

Image source: mgrush.com

Sunday morning brings the glamour event - the District International speech contest, which will see the winner jetting off to Washington DC to represent New Zealand on the world stage. Before the contest we'll warm up with workshops on the online world of Toastmasters, and another keynote from a well-travelled businesswoman.

If you're travelling to Rotorua for convention, remember:

• Register to vote by 18 May! Download voter registration forms from the District website. Have a look at the meeting papers on that website, too - it'll help you follow what's happening at the business meeting.
• 18 May is also the deadline for booking a shuttle from the airport to the hotel. See the latest convention newsletter for details.
• The registration desk at the Distinction Hotel opens at 3pm Friday and 7am Saturday. Get in early to beat the crowd.
• If you're looking for something to do on Friday night, come along to the mix and mingle from 5pm. There'll be a chance to see speeches from those standing for office in the Candidates' Showcase at 7.30pm.

And finally, the number one tip from a convention veteran... bring a few snacks to keep in your convention bag! You'll be pleased to have them when you get so busy talking to people that you forget to eat morning tea.

See you there!

Image source: TMC Rotorua

Division E Conference report - results and photos

On Saturday the 9th of April 88 Toastmasters from around the Wellington region descended upon the LifePoint auditorium from midday onward to celebrate the very best of our Division.

Arriving on buses, in taxis, and on foot (as per instructions because of the scarcity of on site carparks) they entered the auditorium to be greeted by welcoming slides and a stage ready for action:

Little did they know that the Division Conference team had been busy redecorating for hours before their arrival. It was a very different set up from the one we had walked into:

An especially big thank you has to go out to Tim Law and his partner Liz Lee who lifted the very heavy pieces of staging!

Although there was some concern about the acoustics, overall the feedback we received was very positive about the venue.

Of course, however the main reason everyone was in the room was to enjoy the speeches and celebrate the successes of our fellow Toastmasters.

Simon Lin, stepping up and taking on the role of Master of Ceremonies ably, kept the very full programme running. Gael Price, Division E District Director gave a timely reminder that the Distinguished Club Programme is an important part of the Toastmasters year, and that it does align with our personal goals. Achieving them within the programme is easily done when we take each step in our Toastmasters' journey.

The International Speech Contest

Following this presentation the conference moved into the International Speech Contest chaired by Area E6 Director, Owen Winter. The speeches ranged from the formula to always staying young to pushing our physical and personal boundaries and how we can apply Meyers Briggs personality testing to political candidates interwoven with insights drawn the speakers' lives and interests.

Although all of the speakers were fantastic, this was a contest and there had to be placings.

Third Place was awarded to Raymond Kemp, from Five Crowns for his speech “Sixty Kilometres in Sixty Hours” where he took us on a gruelling mountain bike experience filled with broken pedals and hurt knees. In second place Ella Kahu (Island Bay) shared her experience of learning Te Reo Maori for the same amount of time her grandson had been learning English - and the lessons she could learn from his attitude to life. In first place, going on to represent Division E at the District 72 Conference in Rotorua (www.tmcrotorua.co.nz) was Andrew Stott, of Taxing Toastmaters who shared his struggle of being a ‘Tax Therapist’ from the IRD and pleaded with us all to understand his plight.

L-R: Contest Chair Owen Winter, Andrew Stott (1st), Ella Kahu (2nd), Raymond Kemp (3rd), Sarah Bate District 72 Club Growth Director

After the initial contest, everyone adjourned to the community room to catch up with old friends and make new friends while enjoying some much needed and appreciated refreshments.
(Many thanks to Kai Chan and his team; John Lulich and Kent Stevens from Te Aro, and Ros Coote from Pipitea, who made that possible.)

District address & awards

Following afternoon tea the District Address was presented by District 72 Club Growth Director, Sarah Bate who shared her journey of creating a District wide marketing campaign, using the skills and passion of Toastmasters around the country to promote and connect with our communities. As a member of Division E there was a huge sense of pride in our one of our own demonstrating such initiative.

Sarah concluded her presentation with ‘one of her favourite parts of the role’ when she presented Tricia Walbridge of High Noon Bankers with a long service certificate, celebrating 25 years in Toastmasters.

L-R: Sarah Bate, Tricia Walbridge

The evaluation contest

Next up, the contests were in full steam with Mary Clarke chairing the Division E Evaluation contest. The seven contestants were given the challenge of evaluating test speaker Debby Emeny’s excellent speech reflecting on how a childhood trauma was blocking her in later life. Debby, from Porirua Central Toastmasters, is a newer Toastmaster. Her presence and participation really fitted the Step Up in 2016 theme of the conference!

The contest results were in third place Rebecca Barrow from High Noon Bankers , second place Peter Scholtens from Statistically Speaking and in first place, going on to represent Division E at the District 72 Convention in Rotorua next month, was Raymond Kemp, from Five Crowns.

L-R: Contest Chair Mary Clarke, Rebecca Barrow (3rd), Peter Scholtens (2nd), Raymond Kemp (1st), Sarah Bate

Celebrating new Distinguished Toastmasters

There were other successes celebrated throughout the afternoon with Pamela Snow from Public Service and Lillian Morris from Statistically Speaking receiving their Distinguished Toastmasters plaques. Mark Casson from Five Crowns and Carol Mitchell, District 72 Director, also honoured for their Distinguished Toastmaster awards, were unable to be present.

L-R: Gael Price Division E Director, Pamela Snow, Sarah Bate

L-R: Gael Price, Lilian Morrison, Sarah Bate

And the announcement you've all been waiting for! The Colin Perfect Award, presented by Joy Ackrill, went to Advanced Wellington.

Advanced Wellington Toastmasters club receives the Colin Perfect award from Past Distinguished District Governor Joy Ackrill (left) and Division Director Gael Price (right).

The afternoon conference was a great success and we want to thank all of those who made it happen - whether they had a role within the conference or those who came to support the division.  It was amazing to discover that nearly 50% of those who had preregistered were first time conference attendees. Great to see you along!

Last but not least

And as we all know the best round ups always end with … BUT wait there's more!

Have you booked your place for the Rotorua Convention yet?

Check the website for programme details, accommodation offers ...

Can you spare us a piece of your mind?

If you haven't already given it, we want your feedback on Saturday's Conference. It helps us do better in the future.

Click the link to enter your evaluation online. Thank you!

(With thanks to Owen Winter & Gael Price for text & edits.)

Area contest reports - E1 and E9

In our final Area contest update, we bring you the results from the E1 and E9 International speech and Evaluation contests. The set of contestants is now complete! On 9 April, all these people will compete for Wellington's spot at the national-level contest in May. Don't miss this chance to see Wellington's best speakers all on the same stage!

Contest night in Area E1 was on 30 March and hosted by Capital Toastmasters (who, to accommodate the crowd that arrives for an Area contest, had temporarily moved their venue to the new MBIE office on Stout Street). The International speech contest was a smorgasbord of stories as six speakers shared experiences with sugar, grooming, grandparents, and even game theory. Contest chair Sue Hamlett ran the show, and at the end of the night, Khorshed Irani (Cupcake Communicators) was named contest winner. Second place went to Quang Nguyen (Assurity Testmasters), and third place to Jack Snow (Public Service Toastmasters).

E1 International speech contest. (L-R) 3rd place Jack Snow, 1st place Khorshed Irani, 2nd place Quang Nguyen.

Later in the night, E1's Evaluation contest was chaired by Jacqui Smith. The audience enjoyed an enlightening speech from Sampath DeCosta (Pipitea Toastmasters) on the benefits of failure. Six evaluators gave their views on Sampath's speech. First place went to Margaret Nixon (Capital Toastmasters), second place to Bryan Ventura (Wellington Toastmasters), and Glenda Bullock (The Gourmet Toastmasters) placed third.

E1 Evaluation contest. (L-R) 1st place Margaret Nixon, 3rd place Glenda Bullock. Second placegetter Bryan Ventura is absent from this photo.

The International speech contest in E9 was on 14 March and chaired by Peter Scholtens (Terrace@12). Intriguing speeches from four contestants had the audience thinking as we learned about mountain biking, the good side of redundancy, how to start a charity, and several different ways to look at apples. The contest was won by Raymond Kemp (Five Crowns), with Rose Austen-Falloon (Terrace@12) in second place.

E9 International speech contest. (L-R) Area Director Rob Barton-Howes, 2nd place Rose Austen-Falloon, 1st place Raymond Kemp, contest chair Peter Scholtens.

E9's Evaluation contest was chaired by Andrew Neal (Terrace@12) on 31 March. Four evaluators gave their thoughts on Mike Wareham's (Victoria University Toastmasters) inspiring speech on the theme of 'Girls can do anything'. First place went to Raymond Kemp (Five Crowns), and second place was Rose Austen-Falloon (Terrace@12).

E9 Evaluation contest. (L-R) Contest chair Andrew Neal, 1st place Raymond Kemp, 2nd place Rose Austen-Falloon.

Congratulations to everyone who got involved in contests this season! That wraps up our Area contest reporting. All these wonderful winners will go head-to-head on Saturday. Who will win?

See you there if you can join us - if not, keep an eye on this blog for results next week.

Area contest reports - E3 and E10

This week we had more competition and excitement, as two more Areas finished their contests. The Evaluation and International speech contestants from Areas E3 and E10 are now decided. Will you be there on 9 April to see them compete against the best of Wellington?

The E3 Evaluation contest was hosted by BNZ Harbour Quays club on 23 March. Test speaker Rana Ghosh (Mid City Toastmasters) unveiled the secrets of dentistry with diamonds (yes, really) in a speech that was then evaluated by two contestants. Rebecca Barrow (High Noon Bankers) won first place.

E3 Evaluation contest. (L-R) Test speaker Rana Ghosh, contest participant Nina Gallavan, 1st place Becca Barrow, contest chair Steve Preston.

The International speech contest for E3 on 30 March was hosted by Rebecca's own club, High Noon Bankers. Three speakers took the stage, entertaining the audience with stories that ranged from managing disability to imprisonment in a foreign land. First place went to Andrew Stott (Taxing Toastmasters), with Ewan Crafts (BNZ Harbour Quays) in second place, and Billie Searle (High Noon Bankers) in third place.

E3 International speech contest. (L-R) Contest chair Becca Barrow, 1st place Andrew Stott, 2nd place Ewan Crafts, 3rd place Billie Searle.

Te Aro Toastmasters hosted E10's contest night on 23 March. First up was the International speech contest, chaired by Philip Roderick. Six contestants spoke on a very wide range of subjects, from feminism and ageism right through to football - and cutting onions. Jo Moar (Te Aro Toastmasters) placed first, Jacinta Zogg (Mount Victoria Toastmasters) second, and Kerry Hilligan (Wellington Professional Toastmasters) third.

E10 International speech contest. (L-R) 3rd place Kerry Hilligan, 2nd place Jacinta Zogg, 1st place Jo Moar.

The E10 Evaluation contest followed, where Roberta Eykholt (Police Toastmasters) delivered an insightful speech to be evaluated by the six contestants. First place went to Mike Norden (Wellington Professional), second Jacinta Zogg (Mount Victoria), and third was Nicola Maycroft (Te Aro Toastmasters).

E10 Evaluation contest. (L-R) 3rd place Nicola Maycroft, 2nd place Jacinta Zogg, 1st place Mike Norden, contest chair John Lulich.

Congratulations to everyone involved in these contests! Stay tuned for more contest results next week.

Area contest reports - E2, E6 and E7

Area contests are an exciting time when members from different clubs get to meet, greet - and of course, compete. This month we have Area contests in the arts of prepared speaking (the International speech contest) and evaluation (the Evaluation contest). Three Areas have already finished their contests. See below for the results!

The winners from these contests will go on to compete in the Division E conference on 9 April. Will you be there to find out who is the best in Wellington? Registration details are here.

Capital Breakfast club hosted the Area E2 International speech contest on 17 March, a bright-and-early event which saw three speakers from the breakfast clubs compete for the E2 title. The audience enjoyed stories of gliding, entrepreneurship, unlikely friendships, introversion, technology, and self-acceptance. The morning ran smoothly thanks to contest chair Max Fuhrer. After a short break to enjoy the club's customary hospitality with excellent coffee and baking, the winner was announced - Anna Cramp of Capital Breakfast.

Area E2 International speech contest. (L-R) 2nd place Tony Henderson-Newport, 1st place Anna Cramp, 3rd place David Coxon, contest chair Max Fuhrer.

For the Evaluation contest, E2 headed off to Business Breakfast Club on 22 March. The club did a great job of hosting the contest, and again coffee was plentiful, as were the very welcome danishes and muffins. Contest chair Paul Mulrooney ensured everything ran to time, as speakers were challenged by Mary Clarke's emotional test speech. Steve Preston of Business Breakfast took the Evaluation trophy for E2.

Area E2 Evaluation contest. (L-R) Contest chair Paul Mulrooney, 2nd place Tony Henderson-Newport, 1st place Steve Preston, 3rd place David Coxon, Area Director Amanda Hillock.

In E6, contest season kicked off with the International speech contest, hosted by Statistically Speaking on 16 March. The audience learned why cellphones are gossips, why procrastination is inevitable, and why personality types are important in political candidates. Ably chaired by Michael Challands, the contest ended with Roberta Eykholt of Police Toastmasters awarded the trophy.

Area E6 International speech contest. (L-R) 3rd place Urwashi Singh, 2nd place Tracy Wilkinson, 1st place Roberta Eykholt.

The E6 Evaluation contest on 21 March headed back to Roberta's home club, Police - Division E's newest club. Hosting an Area contest is a huge achievement for such a new club, and all the club members did superbly well in their various contest roles, to their credit and that of their mentors. Contest chair Stu Taylforth did everything by the book as he led a contest that included a thought-provoking test speech from Kinnie Vermeulen, followed by three evaluations. After a round of insightful interviews, the first place trophy was awarded to Peter Scholtens of Statistically Speaking.

Area E6 Evaluation contest. (L-R) 3rd place Kathy Murphy, 2nd place Brittany Chellew, 1st place Peter Scholtens, Area Director Owen Winter, contest chair Stu Taylforth.

Area E7's contests were both hosted by Turbine Talkers on 17 March, in the club's large and convenient venue at St Matthew's church in Brooklyn. Contest chair Rose Wyse skilfully handled all the ins and outs of two contests. The International speech contest was a treat, with five speakers variously uplifting the audience and tugging at their heartstrings. After hearing about the joys and terrors of grandparenthood, bike riding, jury service, special friendships, and the haka, it was time for a tea break before the Evaluation contest.

Well fed, the E7 audience returned to enjoy Rana Ghosh's informative speech about gliding spiders, followed by analysis from six evaluators. Contest results were the final order of business: the Evaluation contest was won by Deborah Lambie of Turbine Talkers, and first place in International went to Ella Kahu of Island Bay.

Area E7 Evaluation contest. (L-R) 3rd place Mark MacCallum, 2nd place Antony Zogg, 1st place Deborah Lambie.

Area E7 International speech contest. (L-R) 2nd place Deborah Lambie, 1st place Ella Kahu, 3rd place Steve Preston.

Congratulations to all the winners, and well done to everyone who took part! Tune in next week for the next set of contest results. If you're wondering when your contest is, have a look at the Area contest calendar.

Division conference registration open - and online!

It's only a month until the Division Conference at Lifepoint Church - the chance for you to connect with your fellow Toastmasters, watch the International and Evaluation Speech Contests and learn from special guest presenters who are sure to inspire, enthrall and entertain!

We have opened up registration for the Conference, and for the first time in Division E you can make use of our online registration form: tinyurl.com/DivEConference

Don't miss your chance to Step Up to a new challenge and a new level of Toastmasters in April!

Also, this year a very special initiative has been undertaken - the Golden Ticket!

Each new member in Division E this year is being presented with a Golden Ticket which entitles them (on pre-registration) to a two-for-one "Bring a Friend" ticket. This is to encourage new members to experience the excitement of a Division conference along with a friend - so if you're new, you don't have to worry that you won't know anybody!

All attendees are encouraged to pre-register. The cost is $15, but contestants can attend for free.

The conference is:

1-5 pm
Saturday 9th April
Lifepoint Auditorium
61 Hopper Street
Mount Cook

See you there!

Note: Parking at the venue is limited - please plan your travel and carpool or come by public transport if possible.

When and where is your Area contest?

Area contests are coming up! Over the next few weeks, some of the best evaluators and speakers in each Area will be competing in the arts of evaluation and inspirational speaking.

In the evaluation contest, every contestant evaluates the same speech - will they come up with the same recommendations? In the International speech contest, contestants have the chance to go all the way to the top and represent New Zealand at the Toastmasters International Convention in August. Last year the New Zealand representative was Matt Colcombe from Wellington's very own Business Breakfast Club. This time, could it be someone from your club?

Matt Colcombe of Business Breakfast Club accepting his 1st place certificate in the District International speech contest from past District Governor Kingsley Moody. Auckland, May 2015.

Every club can send a contestant to each contest in their Area. Here's where you can go to support your club contestants. (Note: times are approximate. For actual start times, check with your Area Director.)

Area	Contest	Date and time	Hosted by
E1	Both	Wednesday 30 March, 5.30pm	Capital Toastmasters (venue changed to MBIE office, 15 Stout Street)
E2	International	Thursday 17 March, 7am	Capital Breakfast
E2	Evaluation	Tuesday 22 March, 7am	Business Breakfast
E3	Evaluation	Wednesday 23 March, 12 noon	BNZ Harbour Quays
E3	International	Wednesday 30 March, 12.30pm	High Noon Bankers
E6	International	Wednesday 16 March, 12 noon	Statistically Speaking
E6	Evaluation	Monday 21 March, 12 noon	Police Toastmasters
E7	Both	Thursday 17 March, 7.30pm	Turbine Talkers
E9	International	Monday 14 March, 12 noon	St Andrew's on The Terrace
E9	Evaluation	Thursday 31 March, 12.30pm (updated)	St Andrew's on The Terrace
E10	Both	Wednesday 23 March, 5.30pm	Te Aro Toastmasters

The seven Area winners in each contest will go on to compete in the Division contest on 9 April. See you there!