Letter From The Chair

21 May 2018
Welcome and I hope everyone is getting plenty of enjoyment from their bridge.
I am regularly asked as to the well-being of Alan Dormer. I caught up with him about a week ago. He is feeling better but does have off days, like we all do.

On the 17th April John Wignall tenure as Chair and Trustee of the NZ Bridge Foundation concluded after 7 years service, the maximum permitted under the Trust Deed. Along with his 34 years’ service to the World Bridge Federation, John has contributed more to our game than anyone I can think of. John you are a star and on behalf of everyone within NZ Bridge, thank you.

The Board has approved the appointment of 4 new trustees to the Foundation- Derek Evennett (Chair), Jonathan Westoby, Peter Bowyer and, Dennis McKinley. We also approved the appointment of new regional committees from 1 July 2018. The Board wishes to thank those whose tenure has to come to an end and to those who willingly continue to serve the organisation and their region.

We have a number of pieces of work underway.

1. The Constitutional Review.
   As you are aware we approved a number of quick fixes at last year’s AGM. The now focus is a full review. We are hopeful of having a draft out for consultation in the coming weeks. This will then go the National Conference for debate and then be submitted to the AGM. Hopefully you will take the time to review the draft documentation and share your thoughts with members of the Constitutional Review Committee. This can be done via the Secretary.
2. The Regional Bridge Mates
   This project is going well in its early stages. One of the challenges of the bigger geographic regions is being able to provide opportunities to all clubs for input from one person and so role sharing will be considered in year 2 of the project.
   Jane is presently reviewing the success factors and measurements. We will share these with you as the project matures.
3. Review of Rankings.
   We got a little behind our plan but are now back on course. Nothing specific to say other than it is receiving our attention.
4. Introduction of a national handicap system.
   Nothing specific to report. This project is one of my pet projects as I believe if we can deliver a national handicap system it will deliver a lot more pleasure for those who play tournaments. It may also increase tournament participation.
5. Operating Platform
   From my experience every IT project has niggles- functionality, data, and timeliness. Our system is no exception. You think you are on top of things and then something comes out of left field. This happened the other day. Whilst not major it is enough to be a pain in the proverbial. As you are aware we have put a stop to all new development. Focus over the next 12 months is getting what we have functioning well and bedded in. I hope the Clubs, on balance are having a positive experience and that you have noticed in recent time an uplift in the speed of the system.

What else has happened in the last month or so?

1. Our open team from Lyon received an invite to the Yeh Bros Cup. This is a prestigious only by invitation event. We wish them well.
2. We are sending a Youth team to China. I am sure they will gain immeasurably from this experience.
3. Draft Financial Statements for the year ending 31 March 2018 are now with our Auditor. I am pleased to say we will show a positive surplus for the year.
4. A financial budget for 2018-2019 was approved. Our focus remains on delivering a positive experience but controlling costs at the same time.
5. The International Committee have released their future international selection criteria. Over the coming years we will see the introduction of mixed team events, which is a positive initiative. Unfortunately we have a limited budget so we will have to cut our cloth accordingly or find new funding.
6. We are reviewing the criteria for Life Membership and the possibility of introducing a “Hall of Fame”. More on these in due course.

Yesterday I received a very positive note from Chris Marshall- Chair for Top of the South.
Kaikoura, one of the smallest clubs in that region with 43 members, ran their 8B tournament on Sunday. An amazing turnout with 33 tables. I am not sure if it is a record but if not it must be very close. For a town that has had to deal with more than their share of trauma I congratulate you. It shows that the game is well placed.

Finally following the elections we have a vacancy on the Board. We will in the coming weeks be seeking “expressions of interest”. If we look at the composition and skills of the existing Board we have a need for marketing, sales and fund raising skills. If you have skills in all or some of these areas and want to serve on the board we will be keen to hear from you.

Best wishes
Allan Morris