The Annual General Meeting was held on 19 March 2024 at Lower Hutt, Wellington; and the Viaduct Basin, Auckland – with both meetings being linked by skype. This went very well, and a big thank-you to all those members who either attended the meeting or, because they were unable to attend, forwarded their apologies. Special thanks to Robyn and Ash Sparks for hosting the Wellington AGM; and to Matt Turnbull for hosting the Auckland AGM .
President's report
Good evening, everyone and welcome to the 2024 Tauwira Ski Club AGM.
The club has gone through another difficult year, mother nature provided some great snow across both ski fields, but RAL going into receivership and the ongoing uncertainty surrounding the ski field operations have continued to impact on the club. For the 2024 year the Government has already approved operational funding, enabling RAL to open Whakapapa. We also expect Pure Turoa to be granted a DOC concession to operate the Turoa ski field. Let’s hope we have a great 2024 ski season.
The 2023 ski season was financially challenging for the club. Although we had great snow levels, the snow came quite late, and bookings at both the lodge and cottage were well down on the previous good years. Where possible the club has reduced its expenses and only prioritised maintenance that was necessary to maintain the Lodge and Cottage. There continues to be capacity in the weekends and certainly mid-week at both the lodge and cottage.
The club will have to use financial reserves to prepare for the 2024 ski season. Matt will run through the actual numbers in his financial report and will present a proposal to address the club’s largest expense.
With the Government’s announcement that this season will be the last financial handout, it’s hard to know what the future of Whakapapa will be after this season. Hopefully, the situation will become clear as the season progresses. With Pure Turoa operating the Turoa ski field I hope they have a strong season that will enable them commit to their long-term lift upgrade programme.
Over the summer we have two Working Parties planned – one at the Lodge and one at the cottage. It would be great to see more of our members participating. A Working Party is fun and a great way to meet those members you don’t usually ski with. The working parties will prepare the lodge and cottage for the coming season. The committee is continuing to prioritise those maintenance items that can be delivered within financial constraints.
Last season we sadly lost two members, Linda Dansen and John Conway. Both will be missed.
Nigel Neilson continues to look after the Ohakune cottage from a maintenance point of view. Thank you, Nigel, for your ongoing commitment and contribution to club.
Thank you to all the Committee Members, who have provided an invaluable contribution to the ongoing support of the club during this unusual period.
I would like to acknowledge Matt who again prepared the annual accounts. This is non-charged and the club is very grateful. And thanks to George Turnbull for reviewing our yearly accounts.
Let’s hope that the 2024 winter season is a good one for both the ski fields and the club so we can build for the future.
Thankyou.
Bruce Neilson
