Dear Clubbies,
The AGM is rapidly approaching so all clubs need to keep an eye
out for cut off dates in the lead up to the AGM.
The first date to watch out for is the deadline for nominations
for positions on the Board. These are now open and members are
welcome to submit their applications by 23rd July. Click here to
find out more.
The next date to watch is 22nd August, which is the deadline for
submission of delegates and names of individuals wishing to attend
the AGM, as well as for any agenda items. The AGM and associated
awards function are important events on the SLS calendar and clubs
are urged to send representatives. As proxy votes don't count
towards the quorum it is essential clubs plan to send a real 'live'
delegate!!
With Bob Harvey stepping down as President at the end of this
years AGM, we will soon be announcing the details of the Special
General Meeting (SGM) that will take place immediately after that
AGM to elect the person who will fill his role for the year through
until the 2013 AGM. At the same time we announce the SGM we will
also be calling for nominations for President, and the deadline for
submitting these will be 31st August.
Key points covered included:
- AGM - final preparations and run sheets for the In it for Life
Awards function and AGM were discussed. The programme for these
events will shortly be sent to clubs.
- Finance - 30th June was the end of the 2011/12 financial year
so with year-end processing and reporting in full swing only a few
days before the Board meeting it was only possible to give a high
level overview of the results for the month (and the year). From
the information to hand at the meeting, it was looking like the
forecasted operating profit of just under $100,000 would be
achieved, and this would allow a further write-down of the
centenary IRB simulator equipment. Achieving any positive financial
result (after four losses in the last five years) is a significant
improvement, regardless of the final quantum of that surplus. The
external auditors have begun their work and it is planned to
release the full results for the year out to clubs with the AGM
agenda in August.
- Governance polices - last reviewed in 2004, the Board approved
these for another two years.
- National office - with only a year to run on the current lease,
a move from the current head office location has been considered
over last few months. It has been decided instead to pursue an
additional period in the existing location as any move now would
incur cost and disruption to staff when there are more important
priorities for the organisation.
- SLSNZ Lottery Application - the Board approved the proposal to
conduct Lottery #20 later this year and submit an application to
the Department of Internal Affairs for the appropriate
license.
- Club Development - the Board welcomed a paper from Mark
Weatherall, GM Club Development outlining a reporting framework
that included Club Development Officer activity and club health
traffic light system.
- International Life Saving Federation (ILS) - the Board noted
the selection criteria to be used by the subcommittee appointed to
select the NZ nominee for ILS Sport Committee replacing the
retiring Brian Velvin. Calls for expressions of interest went out
on 3rd of July (details at www.surflifesaving.org.nz/jobs) and
close on Friday 20th July.
- Insurance - a written report by Matt Warren was tabled on the
possible mechanisms for sharing the cost of insurance between SLSNZ
and clubs. It followed extensive work undertaken to review a
variety of options, and the Board chose to go with an option based
on the simplicity of understanding it and implementation Despite
the final quote for the 2012/13 premium from Aon has still to be
received, the likely scale of it is in the order of $550,000 as
previously communicated, of which $150,000 will need to come from
clubs. Clubs need to urgently return the information on the values
they want insured so their actual premium costs can be calculated
as soon as possible. In the meantime communications will go out to
clubs in the very near future to outline their indicative insurance
cost contribution based on the latest valuations available (most
are still from last year) - so at least to give an early warning of
the scale of the cost.
- National Communications Network (Surfcom) - the Board commended
Brett Sullivan on his overview report on this project. Whilst the
value of the total network being in place was understood, there is
a challenge for the organisation to fund all the capital required
in a timely manner. Management will now look at alternative
implementation paths that put in place the critical elements of the
network that will make the most difference in the short term, so
that benefits can be delivered while the full funding is sourced
over time.
- Strategic plan and budget - the Board accepted the final
updates to the budget for the 2012/13 year, which reached the
target of a $600,000 surplus with positive cash flow. Final figures
will now be locked into the finance system. Management will now
provide the Board with a prioritized order for the approved Capex
spend for the year, so it is clear what initiatives will take place
first. The version of the Strategic Plan for wider communication to
external audiences was also finalised, and will be sent out to
clubs in the next few weeks along with an overview of the
budget.
- SLSNZ Foundation - feedback from SLSNZ auditors about
structural considerations for "related party" status was tabled.
Management will now take this and develop a more detailed terms of
reference for the structure, operation and intent of the
Foundation.
- Sport programme - Warwick Bell reported on progress of the
National Sport Committee who are currently undertaking the National
Event Review, the first part of which is looking at areas for
improving 2012/13 events. First up on this list is a review of Surf
League and their report is due back on this at the end of July.
Reports on other major events will follow in due course.
- Real estate strategy - the Board discussed the desirability for
SLSNZ ownership of real estate as part of broader investment
strategy for reserves. Whilst the organisation was clearly not in
the position to contemplate this currently, the Board asked that
this strategy be given some thought.
- Governance development - the Board has recently completed Sport
NZ's assessment exercise. It highlights strengths of the current
governance along with opportunities for development. The Board
rated a few high priority areas for improvement, being better use
of the annual work plan, development of a stakeholder plan and
improvements to CEO evaluation processes. An on-going work
programme for governance development has been initiated. The Board
Appointments Panel is to be provided with a skills matrix of the
current Board to help them assess the applicants for the pending
Board positions.
Next meeting:
The next Board meeting is set for 26 August in Wellington.
As usual, I greatly appreciate your feedback or queries.
Yours in surf
Michael Bassett-Foss
Chairman
