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PRESIDENTS REPORT 2019
Well another year has past at the helm of our Association.
I write this with mixed emotions as to whether I want to continue in this roll if elected of just toss in the towel and let someone else sort out some of the issues that have been thrown at me and your committee this past 12 months.
There are some who seem hell bent on criticizing anything the Committee does, if they don’t get things how they want it, and then go public on the NZMPBA Forum and basically rile up the rest of the membership which then bounces back to the committee to sort out.
It does nothing toward attracting people to our sport when they read some of the comments on our forum.
Our membership is remaining fairly static as is most other model boating organisations around the world. It is noticeable that no young people are coming thru and those that are, are generally siblings of adult boaters who have been in the sport for years.
The responsibility of growing the sport begins at club level. When someone makes contact regarding getting into the sport we first find their location then put them in contact with the nearest club or experienced boater who can guide them into the sport. At times I wonder if clubs are providing that guidance to foster them on.
The South Island has become somewhat isolated in latter years from our organisation with only those wanting to set records rejoining so they can get recognition on the world stage thru records published on our website.
For ever having their name on the Presidents Cup, for south Islanders, is now impossible unless you have a big wallet and are prepared to cross the strait to compete in the North Island as there is not the opportunity to compete at an equal number of regattas to enhance their chances in the South Island so this is also having an effect on membership from there.
Most are X NZMPBA Members that still have a boat or 2, have taken up new challenges in other sports, but still want to race their boats if the opportunity arises purely for the enjoyment of racing against some one else and that opportunity only arises at the few organised regattas.
This years AGM could well be the turning point on how our organisation will function or even survive into the future.

Grahame Haines
President NZMPBA