It seems crazy that we are halfway through the year already. The international competition season is underway with our representative athletes competing in the first World Cup races and JWOC races are imminent. Joolz is doing a great job of showcasing on social media our athletes who are over there. I wasn’t able to get up to Hawkes Bay for Kings Birthday, but I’ve heard wonderful things about the weekend, from hard core orienteers to Jessie Mulligan and our own Llew McGiven on RNZ – how wonderful was it to hear someone new to the sport identify all the things we already know about how cool it is?? …family oriented, inclusive, a challenge for all levels of participation – mentally and physically and a ‘great vibe’. 

Heading into the boring AND important space we have an SGM coming up to confirm some minor changes to the new constitution that we previously missed. Details are with the clubs, and I look forward to seeing club representatives at this important and (hopefully) short meeting. Other more interesting topics in front of the Board currently include getting into our strategic planning. We’ll be looking back over our club and member forums from the last few years to pick out themes. There will be an opportunity later in the year for clubs and members to give feedback and I hope many of you take this opportunity. We are very keen to ensure all our clubs are represented. The Board discussed and confirmed their support for home schooled students to compete fairly in School Sports New Zealand endorsed competitions and will be writing a letter of support of  Home Educators Students Sports Association (HESSA) confirming that home schooled students will be able be recognised for gaining podium places. Thanks to our home schooled club members for bringing this to our attention. We, like you would like the rules from School Sport New Zealand to reflect our commitment to inclusive events with a ‘great vibe’.