We were very pleased with the support received by Delegates, observers, and Hawke's Bay Branch members at the New Zealand Founders Society's Annual General Meeting on 17th June, 2017.
The Water Bar, Bluewater Hotel, Ahuriri, Napier, was in a very central location, and close to the airport. Being able to have use of the whole facility at Water Bar, with delightful views of the Ahuriri area, made for a most relaxing setting.
Following the meet and greet morning tea, the National Executive meeting was held in the smaller meeting room, attended by 8 Branch Delegates, and 10 observers. Delegates attending were welcomed with a gift pack of “local treats” and information brochures and map. The apology from President Adrian Gover was read, and Delegates expressed their sadness for the family at this difficult time.
This meeting finished at 11.30 am giving delegates free time to mingle with 48 Hawkes Bay Branch members arriving for the lunch and afternoon meeting. Kathy also used this time to show delegates on her laptop the NZ Founders digitalized members files.
67 attended the lunch, including the Guest Speaker, local Historian, Michael Fowler and his wife. We were delighted to have our Past President Nanette Roberts say our “Grace”.
Members then adjourned to the large conference room to hear Michael speak on the history of Ahuriri, including the change in the landscape following the 1931 earthquake.
It was pleasing welcome two members from Canterbury-Westland Branch. Many members, some of them attending for the first time, participated actively in discussions during AGM. Election of Officers went very well, as did the passing of the remits from previous AGM's that had not been registered. So pleasing to tidy that anomaly up.
Following the meeting which concluded with the Founders Pledge, afternoon tea was served prior to members departing.
A small number of Hawke's Bay members extended further hospitality to Founders members staying overnight in the Napier area, dining with them at a “social dinner” in a Restaurant in Ahuriri.
This was the first time we had hosted NZ Founders AGM. Therefore, our sincere thanks to Carolyn & Kathy, for your guidance, advice, and answering all our queries. We also appreciated the information Carol Hurst, Wellington Branch, supplied following their hosting of 2016 AGM. Hawkes Bay Founders Branch would like extend their heartfelt thanks all those who attended from other Branches and trust they enjoyed their visit to us.
Photos:
AGM Luncheon
Paddy Bailey (National President, NZ Founders) on the left with Carolyn Adams (National Secretary, NZ Founders)
Michael Fowler speaking on the history of Ahuriri