Hi Everyone,
The August Board meeting was held via a conference phone call on
Sunday 24th August. The main items discussed at the
meeting were:
- The Board approved the final audited results for the 2013/14
year which had come through from the Auditor and I note are now out
with Clubs. The Net Operating Surplus ended up being a bit
higher than the provisional results at $987,482, which is even
closer to the original budget of $1.04 million which was an
excellent result. The final Balance sheet is showing a level
of Net Equity of around $721,000, up from $102,000 last year which
is equally pleasing as an indication of the improving financial
health.
- The first financial report for the new financial year (July
2014) was also presented. A copy of the usual reports are
attached for your information. The result for July was a Net
Profit of $525,791 against a budget of $82,409. While a very
positive result, this was largely due to timing differences
(receiving income earlier than expected), so it is not expected
that this level of progress will be maintained right through the
year. We are working for a full year Net Profit of $743,000
and after one month are still forecasting achieving this
result.
- Each year for the AGM, the Constitution requires that the Board
proposes a motion to set the annual honoraria for the SLSNZ
Chairman and Board members. This was discussed in order to
send out the motion with the pack of documents that went to Clubs
on the 29th August. The fees have been held at the
same level for many years ($2,700 for Board members and $6,500 for
the Chairman) and this year the proposal is for the Board members
honorarium to remain at $2,700 but for the Chairman to increase to
$10,000. This was not a debate that I could take part in (for
obvious conflict of interest reasons) but the other Board members
did feel that the current honorarium for the Chairman did not
reflect the extra time commitment and responsibilities required to
fulfil the role of the Chairman. This matter is now up to the
Clubs to decide when they vote on the motion.
- Speaking of voting I strongly urge those clubs who are not
attending the AGM to still participate via a proxy or an electronic
(or postal) vote.
- We have 31 clubs registered as coming to the AGM - down on the
39 from last year. While that is comfortably above the level
needed for a quorum, it is still less than half the membership, and
will require some thinking as to what it would take to get more
Clubs along. I note some organisations only provide funding
to those that attend their AGM's - but that is perhaps a bit
extreme!!
- Looking at the other main items on the Agenda:
- Balanced scorecard for the 2013/14 year - the final KPI
measures have been sorted out and attached are the full year
results. The Board is very pleased with the overall outcomes
and is looking forward to seeing similar results in the
coming year.
- Board Appointments Panel. The Board was briefed on the
outcomes of the BAP's work - now since communicated to Clubs.
The Board congratulates Trevor Taylor on his re-appointment as an
Independent Appointed Board member, Rick Stolwerk (Waipu Cove SLSC)
on his appointment as an 'Appointed' Board member, and to Colin
Weatherall and Todd Cations- Velvin on being the two recommended
candidates for the two 'Elected' positions. The Board did
note the recommendation from the BAP to consider using the one
'Co-opted' position available to increase the diversity on the
Board, and this will be discussed in more detail at our October
Board meeting (there is no meeting in September due to the
AGM).
- NZLGB Funding Formula. The Board was briefed on the
current formula being used to provide clubs with Operating Grants,
ahead of the calculations being made on the funding for the 2014/15
year. Overall NZLGB funding for the year has just been
confirmed at $2.2 million, down $200,000 on last year as had been
signalled was coming in the light of challenges NZLGB had with
over-allocating money last year. Only a small part of the
funding drop will impact Clubs, which is good news for Clubs, but
does put the pressure on SLSNZ.
- Club Chairs Strategy Workshop Agenda. The Board endorsed
the draft agenda for the Workshop, which has also now been
circulated to clubs.
- Review of the SLSNZ Constitution and Regulations. The
Board noted the recent review by the SLSNZ lawyers on these key
documents as part of regular 'housekeeping'. There were no
matters requiring urgent attention but as time allows in the future
there are a few minor tidy ups that can occur. Constitution
changes can only take place at an AGM (or Special General meeting),
and there are none proposed for this year. Regulation changes
can be made by the Board and a number of minor tidy-ups will be
arranged over the next few months and communicated to clubs as they
happen.
- Water Safety NZ. The upcoming attendance of the Chairman
and CEO at the Sector Plan Workshop was noted - this is an
important first step in getting a co-ordinated plan for the whole
water safety sector to work to.
- Health & Safety. Some good progress has been made
with getting a better understanding of how the accountability for
any accidents that occur to members will be shared between SLSNZ
and the Clubs, and this will be in a position to discuss with clubs
at the Chairs Strategy Workshop.
Overall, a short but productive meeting! The next
Board meeting will be held in Wellington on Sunday 19th
October. So until my next update…or until we meet at the
AGM………..
Yours in surf,
Geoff Hamilton
Chairman
Surf Life Saving New Zealand
