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Aoraki Dragon Boat Association
2018 AGM Board of Management Reports
President’s Report
This is my first report as President of the Aoraki Dragon Boat Association so, first and foremost, I feel that it is
very important to acknowledge the hard work and commitment of my Board of Management [BOM] team, along
with the junior Board of Biff Frederikson, Racheal Slatem, Mike Robinson and Ian Stothers. They have individually
and collectively enhanced the roles and responsibilities that they have been entrusted with. Also more than
worthy of a mention is the very important role that is encompassed by having an extremely committed Junior
Board to call on. It is worthy of a mention that not only the very important support role that they provide to the
BOM but also the succession pool that they also provide the Aoraki BOM with.
Firsts
Focusing on firsts over the past dragon boat season we have had a number of them that the BOM have initiated.
After missing out the previous season with 500m racing prior to the South Is Champs it was decided to include
this premiere distance at the Ice Breaker event for the first time. Alongside this was the change of date from
February to January of the Aoraki Open. This was in recognition of the algae bloom issues encountered in
previous years at Lake Pegasus in late summer, resulting in the lake not being available to us. Endorsing our
decision was the closure of the lake soon after the staging of our event in January. Continuing on the theme of
firsts was the introduction of pontoon starts at the South Island Champs. Although essentially used as a trial
prior to the hosting of the Nationals that followed, this proved to be a very welcome addition for the crews.
Perhaps the most unexpected first this year, and an idea initially championed by Isaac Sutherland, was the
introduction of an ‘Awards Dinner’ as way of providing an official platform to formally recognise those in the
dragon boat fraternity for their efforts and achievements both on and off the water. This inaugural event proved
to be a great success and a way to showcase dragon boating which I believe will become a very important and
integral event in our calendar.
BOM Challenges
The BOM has identified a number of challenges that we are facing in our collective desire to re- establish the
growth of dragon boating in the South Is.
Condition of Boats
The majority of our existing fleet is now 10 years old and has sustained damage requiring repair work to make
the boats watertight with a growing need for further general repairs, maintenance and upgrade/enhancement.
Upon completing a trial repair strategy on one of the damaged boats that provided an excellent result, we have
sourced very competitive quotes for this work from Graham Morley (the person engaged in the trial job).
Graham is a locally-based and very experienced boat builder who will complete this work on an on-going basis
in our enclosure at Owles Tce, in conjunction with both our timing and funding availability. The ultimate goal is
that the majority of the existing boats will have completely repaired and repainted hulls, new ‘scales’, with fully
restored gunwales - just like new! Some of the boats will only receive basic repairs and will be, in the main, used
for training and possibly shipped onto other locations developing dragon boating in the regions.
Funding
Possibly the biggest challenge facing the BOM is the one of sourcing additional funds. In the main, the fee
structure charged to teams effectively covers only for the direct ‘running ‘ costs associated with the staging of
regattas and doesn’t provide for funding of the purchase of new boats and equipment or cover for major repairs
and maintenance strategies. The BOM now has a concentrated emphasis on securing additional funding. During
the current season, we have been successful in gaining a $10,000 grant from the Rata Foundation. We have
found favour with them with our story and they have also indicated a willingness to assist us with further funding
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in their new financial year. The funding already secured has covered our investment in a new ‘ Sporty’ website
presence.
We have also partnered with Thea Mickell Services (TMS) to provide independent assistance with the application
and ultimate successful procurement of funding from various charitable providers.
We have just had confirmation that, through TMS, we have been successful in securing $3,000 from the Lion
Foundation for assistance with boat repairs. In all likelihood, a similar amount will be sourced through TMS from
the CCC Strengthening Communities Fund; also for much-needed boat repairs.
On our behalf, TMS have also packaged funding submissions from two other funding agencies on their register
to cover the acquisition of three [3] new Champion boats. If totally successful, that would take the number of
‘new’ Champion boats in our fleet to six [6], enabling us to then have the ability to use these boats at regattas
in the same races.
As alluded to earlier, we will be directly seeking to source upwards of a further $20,000 from the Rata Foundation
to assist with the purchase of new equipment and also for the funding of our on-going repairs, maintenance and
enhancement strategies.
Of note when we apply for funding, we often get less than the full requested amount, so it makes planning for
the purchase of boats somewhat problematic, particularly since it doesn’t make economic sense to order fewer
than three [3] boats at a time due to the proportionately high shipping costs.
The BOM maintains that relative to purchase of new boats, carrying out effective repairs to existing boats is the
current priority.
Logistics of Staging Regattas
In relation to the staging of regattas, the BOM has recognised that we currently end up being a lot less of a
flatwater sports organisation and more of a specialist logistics provider. The logistics of safely transporting
numerous boats at over 12m long, each weighing a quarter of a ton, along with numerous amounts of equipment
and associated gear in a compliant manner to different venues, overcoming specific venue access issues, and
then back again to their various bases, is both a challenging and time-consuming pursuit.
The advent of the East Lake development has been viewed very positively as ultimately providing a ‘home’ and
virtually eliminating all of these logistical challenges. However, with this development not imminently available
[it’s not NO, just NOT YET!], the BOM has begun working on a strategy to assist with the reduction of the logistics
involved with staging of our regattas. This involves the potential containerisation of our boats, gear and
equipment to provide both storage and a streamlined transportation facility. In all likelihood, a Working
Committee will be formed to complete the background feasibility and associated planning work required on this
major and very important ‘project’.
Schools & Corporate Involvement
Of obvious concern to the BOM is the current low number of both schools and corporates that currently enjoy
the challenge of dragon boat racing.
We are very fortunate that the crews from Avonside Girls’ High School and Marian College are so closely
matched and highly competitive with each other. Of note also is that their race times rank exceptionally well on
the world juniors’ stage. It has also been extremely heartening to witness the development, steely reserve and
very rapid progress of the young women of Rangiora High School’s crew in seriously challenge to the other two
much more established crews. However, there is a serious need for more schools to be competing for this
division to grow and flourish. Focusing on having more teams involved, the BOM is very keen to establish an
initiative advanced by Isaac Sutherland who, through his involvement with Sport Canterbury, has direct contact
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and existing established relationships with the teacher /sports co-ordinators of all of Christchurch’s secondary
schools. The plan envisaged a ‘Give it a Go’ type challenge for secondary schools by way of a concentrated 4 – 6
week block training period, followed by a Schools’ 10s Race Day Regatta to be held on the Sunday after the
Corporate Day in November. This will require input from a number of our sweeps to assist with training teams;
a situation that the BOM has agreed to assist financially, together with logistical assistance from the BOM.
On a positive note, just recently we received expressions of interest in dragon boating from Rolleston, Riccarton,
and Burnside High Schools, as well as Ashburton College, together with interest that has been percolating with
Marlborough Girls’ College in Blenheim. There is also potential in both Cashmere High School and Villa Maria
College where we have either BOM or Junior Board members’ children attending.
Another matter of focus is to retain school leavers in the dragon boat system. The BOM will encourage the
retention of this group by encouraging the established clubs to provide positions for them. This brings up the
matter of police vetting of coaches in regards to under-23 paddlers; we confirm that there has been some
amount of background work completed with Sport Canterbury’s assistance with this over the course of the year.
Alongside this, the BOM is keen to capitalise more on the Corporate Day experience and provide a similar type
training block for those corporate crews wishing to enjoy the rigours of the dragon boat experience. The Beca
Crewsaders are a lonely bunch and are keenly awaiting the arrival of an Aurecon-type crew or two (or three or
more!).
Backing up from last year, we will be facilitating 10s racing again at our regattas to assist both establishing crews
from schools, the corporate world and indeed more established crews that may initially struggle with having 20-
plus people available to make up a crew.
On-going Hosting of Nationals
By way of background, the NZDBA last year established that, in order to host a National Champs Regatta, the
hosting RSO was required to provide pontoon starts and have a minimum 3m-deep course. There was also some
amount of discussion on the subject of having an adequate supply of suitable accommodation in close proximity
(although this aspect was not directly in relation to actual competition on the water, it was agreed that it was
more a matter of ‘a nice to have’ and not a ‘need to have’). On the face of it, indications were that, for the
foreseeable future, the National Champs would be held each year at Lake Karapiro - a situation unpalatable to
the BOM or, for that matter, all of the South Island-based team. It was also seen to be potentially very
detrimental to any growth strategy envisioned for dragon boat participation in the South Island. As it transpired,
with the hosting a very successful National Champs regatta at Lake Hood this year, we have identified that Lake
Hood’s water level can be controlled to some extent – something that we were previously unaware of.
Interestingly, with the hot summer conditions prevailing, a weed problem established in the lake to the
detriment to those participating in rowing. This was alleviated to some extent by the opening of a ‘gate’ to allow
more water into the Lake and in doing so raise the level of the lake to assist with minimising the effect of the
weed. Those participating in this year’s South Island Champs and the Nationals would have noticed the increase
of the depth of the lake. Now we are aware of the ability to potentially raise the level of the lake, we are
confident that Lake Hood could provide, with the addition of careful lane planning & setting, a minimum 3m
water depth of racing and in doing so meet one of the new NZDBA criteria.
As part of hosting the Nationals this year, and being a NZDBA requirement, there was a need to have pontoon
starts. The BOM negotiated for the NZDBA to supply the pontoons at their cost, together with the costs
associated with the supply and fitting of the necessary hardware. We would be required to set them up,
dismantle them and provide for safe storage, with the ownership remaining with the NZDBA. So the second of
NZDBA new Nationals criteria was now also met.
Given the very positive feedback on this year’s Nationals (including from the Australian race officials), gave Ian
Macbeth and me the confidence to put forward a submission to the NZDBA which we tabled at their meeting in
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early June, outlining a rationale for Aoraki to again host the Nationals at Lake Hood on a two [2] year cycle as
before.
It is with great pleasure that I can confirm that the NZDBA has accepted our submission and agreed for the
Nationals to continue being held at Lake Hood. For your further information, to avoid the clash with rowing’s
Maadi Cup Secondary Schools’ Champs, the NZDBA has determined that our sport’s National Champs will be
held at Lake Karapiro in both 2019 and 2020; returning to Lake Hood in 2021.
Paddler Pathways
With the introduction of regional racing at Nationals and representation and participation of Aoraki paddlers at
international regattas, the BOM believes that we now have a base to build a future encompassing a pathway for
both the extension of skills and a higher level of representative type racing for paddlers. We view this an essential
element for to the continued development and subsequent growth of dragon boating in the South Island and
will be supportive of coaching initiatives that assist with this development.
Sweep Training
Any anticipated growth in regards to dragon boating will require input and assistance from already committed
sweeps, so the BOM sees that the Sweep Training Programme is imperative in going anywhere with our desire
to re- establish the growth in the South Island. At this time, I would like to acknowledge the efforts and hard
work of Rick Smith, our Sweep Co-ordinator/Trainer, together with assistance ably provided from Evan Roper.
We see it as our role to encourage and support the Sweep Training as much as we possibly can so as to ensure
for the continuation of new registered sweeps being available to provide on-going assistance to both existing
and new crews.
General Public Use of Lake Rua
Last year, the CCC, in its infinite wisdom, decided to open the entire Roto Kohatu Reserve area (which includes
Lake Rua) to the general public. This situation turned into an absolute fiasco and in what I likened to a ‘wild west’
situation with both our paddlers safety and well-being threatened, together with potential damage to our boats.
Following on from a meeting on-site with the CCC Park Ranger, Arthur Adcock, who we found to be very
supportive to our situation, where he requested that we assist him with trying to convince the CCC of the error
in its ways by forwarding him an email outlining all our concerns. So I sent him a lengthy email on behalf of the
Aoraki Dragon Boat community.
This resulted in different amounts of action with the CCC. Having them supply and erect a secure high-wire fence
& gates to our enclosure on site; providing us with an alternative accessway to our area; an additional portaloo
and setting up of a water-users groups meeting to be attended by CCC staff; representatives from ECAN ; also
the Police and the Community Watch. This meeting was held on 7th of March and was attended by both myself
and Cherie Prangnell representing Aoraki’s interests in the use of Lake Rua. Subsequent to this meeting, I have
supplied further information of our involvement and participation at the lake to Peter Barnes, a CCC Senior
Planner of Open Space, who was also in attendance at the water users meeting and is carrying out a review of
matters concerning the general public use of the Reserve.
We wait with lots of interest in how this situation will be handled in the future by the CCC. In the meantime, we
have booked the use of Lake Rua for all of our upcoming regattas.
Owles Tce Update
Aoraki Dragons is part of the New Brighton Waka Sports Association Incorporated [NBWSA] that jointly
administers the CCC-owned facility that we operate from at Owles Terrace. One of my roles of being President
is representing Aoraki’s interest at this group’s meetings. I have also being providing assistance with the
negotiation and formation of a new lease that is being established between the NBWSA & CCC to provide
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security of tenure over the site for all of the user groups involved. Presently, I also attend to the weed spray of
the area and some amount of rubbish removal from the site, confirming now also that the large skip has been
removed from the site. Given some of the security-related issues faced at Owles Tce, we are attempting, with
CCC input, to have the boundary of entire site made secure. Also identified was the need for the supply of hot
water into the female toilets and shower. An electric instant water heater is being sourced to remedy this
situation.
The concrete ramp is providing an ongoing problem for both safety of paddlers and damage to our boats. We
have directed, for the protection of both, that until it is improved, crew loading of boats is to be via the pontoon,
together with the use of tyres on the ramp as well. CCC has initiated a new upgrade plan for the protective flood
wall and the ramp. We are also involved with feedback on their potential new initiatives that could involve the
replacement of the current ramp with a new one. In the meantime, we are exploring different options to improve
the existing ramp’s use.
It was agreed at that recent NBWSA AGM that each of the five [5] user groups would contribute equally to the
rent of the site .This means for us a $900 fee, payable by the end of January 2018.
Meet in the Middle
To celebrate the opening of the new Te Ara Otakaro Avon River Trail, the Avon Otakaro Network, headed up by
Evan Smith, organised a fun walk/bike day on 15 October 2017, with participants leaving from the central city
and New Brighton at the same time to ‘meet in the middle’ at Kerrs Reach. They invited flatwater sports, rowing,
waka ama, kayaking and ourselves to be involved with a multi-watersports type mini regatta to run alongside
their other land-based entertainment planned for the day. Taking on the overall responsibility of co-ordination
of these groups on the day, together with the race commentary requirements, was a daunting experience for
me, but the end result was well worth it. This provided an opportunity to showcase dragon boating to the general
public and to other water sports enthusiasts as well. Crucial on the day was participation and a positive attitude
by crews racing in 10s from Sampan, Northern Phoenix, OPC and ABOL; all competing initially against each other
in heats, then the winner Sampan competing against the other codes in handicapped finals races. ABOL also
provided, along with some assistance from others, a display 20-paddler boat. Thank you to one and all – you did
Dragon Boating proud! Big thanks to Stevo Greaves for the boat logistics involved and Biff Fredrickson for her
promo work. Such was the success of the day another event of the same format event is planned for Sunday the
7th of October this year.
Aoraki Crews at Nationals
Aoraki Crews competed admirably at the Nationals in Lake Hood held in March this year, with an awesome total
medal haul of 13 Gold, 11 Silver and 6 Bronze. Special mention of course to Tu Meke who took out a clean sweep
of 5 golds in the Mixed Premier Division and, in doing so, finally putting an end to the dominance of Hamilton
City Water Sports. Of note also with 5 medals, albeit not all of the brightest hue, were Avonside Girls’ High
School, Marian College and ABOL. Northern Phoenix also secured two medals at their first Nationals. Medalling
also were crews from Sampan, OPC, Ridge Riders and Waimak with a great effort in the 2km.
Positive Starts
It is very heartening to see two new clubs joining our ranks: Southern Dragons and Marlborough Dragons from
Blenheim – both having already competed at last weekend’s Polar Blast event. The participation of the latter
team reflects our relocation of CPC’s 20-paddler boat from Nelson to Blenheim to assist with development of
the sport in the Marlborough region. In addition, we’ve had unsolicited enquiries about dragon boating from
three corporates in the last couple of weeks, so we hope to see them all at the upcoming Corporate event and,
hopefully, joining us for the rest of the season.
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Thank Yous
Huge thank you to Toriana Hunt for her continued efforts as the outstanding, personable starter that she is for
us. This year for also all of her efforts in mentoring and encouraging [together with sage advice] her new trainee
starter, Izac Frunt, who unselfishly gave up his paddling to support Toriana. Where would we be without Scruff
Hewinson assistance and advice; big thanks to you, also.
A wider thank you to all of our dragon boat community for your on-going commitment to the sport without
which the need for the likes of myself would not be there.
Finally, I cannot finish without saying a huge thank you to Janice Melville who will tonight finish her 10-year
service to the BOM and wider Aoraki Dragons community – working tirelessly as our Treasurer for all of that
time.
Gavin Ryan
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Secretary’s Report
This is my second report for the Association’s AGM, having now filled the Association’s Secretary role for two
years. This report provides details of activities undertaken within the previous year, along with intended focus
areas for the coming year.
Meetings
During the 12 months between the mid-August 2017 AGM and this one, the Board has held 13 meetings; one in
every month apart from June and July 2018, with two each in November 2017 and January 2018. This
significantly exceeds the Constitution’s Rule 13.10 of meeting at least monthly between August and March. All
meetings were minuted. The attendance record for the Board members at these meetings is shown below:
Board Member Meeting Attendance
(out of 13)
Gavin Ryan (President) 12
Ian Macbeth (Secretary) 12
Janice Melville (Treasurer) 11
Caleb Te Kahu (Development & Promotions Director) 2*
Peter Mitchell (Development & Promotions Director) 11
Steve Greaves (Boats & Equipment Director) 12
Cherie Prangnell (Boats & Equipment Director) 13
Izac Frunt (Events Director) 12
Isaac Sutherland (Events Director) 12
* stepped down from the Board from Oct. 2017
In addition to these regular Board meetings, the Board also held a strategy workshop on Sat. 11 August 2018 to
discuss two focus areas – funding requirements and development – for the coming year and the medium-term.
Activities over the 2017/18 Season
Beside routine secretarial duties, the year has been punctuated by a number of other activities:
· The East Lake proposed for the residential Red Zone has generated considerable activity. The Board
submitted a letter of support to the East Lake Trust on 29 August 2017. Following Regenerate’s decision
not to progress with the East Lake option in April 2018, a letter was sent to Regenerate, copied to the
Christchurch Mayor and the Minister for Greater Christchurch Regeneration, dated 28 April 2018,
requesting the decision be reconsidered. Since then, I have become a trustee of the East Lake Trust,
joining Meri Gibson.
· In conjunction with a work colleague, an automated dragon boat race draw has been developed with a
number of rules to generate fair and equable racing. Previously, I had been surprised to learn that all
race draws have been created manually – a very time-consuming process and one made even harder
when late changes are notified by teams. The automated draw is now operational and was used as the
basis of the draw for the National Championships regatta. It is now able to be used for all events and,
with on-going development, should significantly streamline race-day preparations.
· During the season, the NZDBA indicated that, beyond the 2017/18 season, all future National
Championships regattas would be held in the North Island until a lake of sufficient depth and with
adequate nearby accommodation was available in the South Island. Two letters have subsequently
been sent by Aoraki to the NZDBA: one, dated 28 Nov. 2017, requesting that the National Champs entry
fee be waived for South Island teams in subsequent even-numbered years and the other, dated, 8 June
2018, requesting that National Champs continue to be held in the South Island, at Lake Hood for the
foreseeable future. Gavin Ryan and I attended the NZDBA’s Board meeting on 9 June 2018, presenting
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in support of this proposal continuation of the use of Lake Hood in even-numbered years. Although we
have not yet received formal confirmation, we understand that the NZDBA will allow the National
Champs regattas to be held at Lake Hood in alternate years, following two consecutive years of the
event being held at Lake Karapiro in 2019 and 2020, to eliminate the clash with the Maadi Cup.
Focus Areas for the 2017/18 Year
In my report last year, I stated an intention to focus on four main areas in the 2017/18 year:
· Website – this has been my main focus area and I am pleased to confirm that a new website went live
around three months ago, with the old site now retired. Following funding application, the Board
secured funding of $10k from the Rata Foundation in December 2017 for a complete re-vamp of the
website, using the Sporty platform; specifically designed for sports clubs for websites and participant
registrations. The funding has enabled us to utilise Sporty’s ‘Gold’ web design and support package. In
conjunction with Sporty, the basic details of a new website were developed, providing an improved
interface for current and prospective participants. I have since spent some time populating the website
to present a live reference point for prospective participants as well as current paddlers, sweeps,
coaches and managers. I foresee this will have lasting benefit for the enhancement of the sport in the
South Island. It will require on-going maintenance to keep it up-to-date and relevant, so I am keen to
get input from the Aoraki community for photos, news, good reference material, etc. I will shortly be
contacting team managers to enable them to get team details uploaded to the website.
· Paddler registration – paddler registrations for the National Championships regatta was, for the second
year, problematic for various reasons. The NZDBA requires the use of the Sporty registration process.
Having now set up the Aoraki website using the Sporty platform, it should become more streamlined,
although I understand the previous season’s database cannot simply be rolled over to the next, for
tweaking by team managers. I have been in discussion with Sporty around resolving this issue. A couple
of things are clear, though – team managers need to populate the participant database as early as
possible to avoid a last-minute rush and the inputs - mugshot photos and participant details – need to
adhere to NZDBA’s stated requirements.
· Standard Operating Procedures – some 15 draft standard operating procedures (SOPs) have now been
developed and these continue to be refined and added to. This is an on-going project, with the intention
of building a reference ‘manual of operations’ use by the Aoraki Board in managing its activities.
· Constitution – at last year’s AGM, with some modifications having been agreed, I indicated that
external advice has suggested the Constitution needed wholesale review, to the extent that it be
completely replaced by a more appropriate document. Whilst this work is underway, it has taken
considerably longer than I had anticipated, so is not yet in a state for review and voting at this AGM.
Focus Areas for the 2018/19 Year
Following on from the above, beyond routine secretarial tasks, my main intended focus areas for the 2018/19
season will be:
· Paddler registration – continuing to streamline this process for Aoraki teams
· Constitution – completing the redrafting of the document to better align with the organisation’s
activities and objectives, with review by an external expert, prior to voting to adopt the changes at
next year’s AGM
· Event SOPs – developing standard details for each Aoraki race event
Ian Macbeth
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Treasurer’s Report
(see details on following six pages)
Janice Melville
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Development / Promotions Directors’ Report
Covered in the President’s report.
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Boats / Equipment Directors’ Report
Boats
One new 20-paddler boat was introduced into the fleet this year. Funding applications are on-going for the
purchase of further new boats.
We continued to carry out fibreglass repair work on the hulls of the existing boats. Unfortunately, some of the
boats repaired during last season are in need of repair again. The root cause of the on-going damage is largely
the poor condition of the boats ramps at Owles Terrace and Kaiapoi. Several boats were punctured with the
loading and unloading arrangement at Lake Hood. The Board is working on measures to significantly reduce the
damage to boats during loading and unloading.
We were fortunate to find a fibreglass repairer (Graham Morley), via Tu Meke, who carried out repairs on the
Tu Meke boat at a reasonable cost. We have since obtained a quote from Morley for substantial boats repairs
to our fleet and have sought funding to allow this repair work to be undertaken.
A working bee was held in March to put away the 10-paddler boats. A number of 10- and 20-paddler boats also
had seats and gunwales sanded and varnished. Thanks to all those who attended and to those who subsequently
took up sandpaper, brushes and varnish, etc. to work on the boats that weren’t completed on the day.
Seats were replaced as necessary on the 20-paddler boats.
New numbers were purchased for the front of the boats. The number holders were also modified to hold the
numbers more securely in place, as well as to provide a retaining system.
Sweep Oars
A number of the sweep oars were repaired and re-fibreglassed last season. These repairs have held up well and
the oars not repaired last season are being done before this season. Four new sweep oars were purchased after
the theft of four from Pegasus and burning of at least one from the break-in of the container at Lake Rua.
Chase Boat
The chase boat sustained significant propeller and gearbox damage again at the National Champs. Repairs of the
outboard have been undertaken. Further modifications will be carried out to try and eliminate unnecessary
damage.
Boat Trailers
Necessary repairs were carried out so the trailers would pass a warrant. The Aoraki Board is discussing the best
way forward in regards to transporting boats which is an on-going logistical challenge.
Boat Trollies
The trollies have all had their wheel bearings checked and greased or replaced where necessary. A number of
wheels rims were excessively rusty and had to be replaced.
Lake Rua Storage Container/ Owles Terrace Compound
Thanks to Rick Smith and Marie Childs for arranging and fitting the shelving into the container at Lake Rua in
2016.
Cherie Prangnell, Janice Melville and Gavin Ryan carried out a stock-take of the container and compound at the
start of the season so we have a better idea of what we have own. A number of the Tait RTs went missing from
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the container. As there were no signs of a break-in it was assumed the RTs were taken while teams were training.
Aoraki and personal property went missing from the Owles Terrace compound and the container was broken
into at Lake Rua. Unfortunately the breaks-ins are probably a fact of life now. Some of the instances of
equipment losses may have been avoided by ensuring the container or compound is secured while teams are
training.
Pontoons
The NZDBA purchased pontoons that we were able to trial at South Islands Champs, before the National Champs.
Although we were able to iron out a few of the teething problems from South Islands, there is still some work
to do to perfect the use of these. Thanks to Rick Smith for arranging making up the handles for the pontoons at
short notice and Racheal for the purchase of the cable.
Dollies
Thanks to Mike Robinson for making up a steel-framed dolly. The wooden-framed dollies held up well but one
gave up due to the pressure last season. A second steel-framed has been made which requires the wheels to be
swapped from one of the wooden dollies.
Summary
The use of new funds on avoidable repairs or theft is frustrating. Going forward, instruction on care of boats at
the boat ramps has been posted on the website and will be included in the season information pack. I'd ask all
teams to ensure these instructions are followed to reduce unnecessary damage.
When on the water, please ensure containers or compounds are secured to avoid theft of Aoraki or personal
equipment during these times.
Finally, I'd like to thank Cherie Prangnell for her assistance this year with the Boats and Equipment Director role.
Steve Greaves
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2018 AGM Board of Management Reports
Events Directors’ Report
This season we have held six dragon boat events, including the National Champs that were held in Ashburton
where we worked with NZDBA to bring that event together. In addition, Abreast of Life organised the Corporate
Day in November which was very successful. We held our inaugural Aoraki Dragon Boat Awards Dinner at
Addington Racecourse.
The following is a brief overview of events managed this past dragon boating season.
Polar Blast – Lake Rua
This was a great day despite the weather being miserable, the racing was fast and the day ran very smoothly.
Everyone had a blast and was a great hit-out for teams to start the season.
Cobweb Blast – Lake Rua
This was Isaac’s first event since joining the Aoraki Board and what a good event to start with. Entries were high,
the weather was beautiful, and teams were very passionate. We also had the pleasure of seeing the New Zealand
Men’s 10 crew enter a team for some healthy competition.
Ice Breaker – Lake Pegasus
The first official event of the Aoraki Dragons’ calendar, held back at Lake Pegasus after relocating to Lake Rua
the year before. It was a great day of racing, including 500m racing, with good numbers in attendance.
The ever-popular ‘Tug-of-War ‘event was taken out by Avonside in the Women’s division and Tu Meke in the
Men’s.
Aoraki Open – Lake Pegasus
Having specifically brought this event forward in the calendar, the algal bloom that normally hits Lake Pegasus
was still nowhere to be seen. We had good 500m racing at this event with:
- Ridge Riders took out the 10s Final
- Marian the Girls School Final
- Otautahi in the Premier Women’s Final
- Waimak Attack the Premier Mixed Final
Akaroa 10s Event – Akaroa Harbour
After being cancelled the previous year due to atrocious weather (the first-ever event to be cancelled in Aoraki’s
history), we were back on with this iconic event this season, even though the weather was average. We had a
delayed start due to the tide being extremely low.
The crews’ favourite event the Le Mans race which involves a crew member running off the beach into the boat,
followed by the full crew paddling out and around a buoy back to the beach with the caller jumping off and
running back up the beach. This event was taken out by Beca Crewsaders White by a massive 7 seconds, followed
by Waimak Lighting in second place and Avonside Girls Black in third. Over the 250m distance, the Girls’ Schools
final was taken out by Marian College, the Women’s event by Otautahi Black and the Premier Mixed by Beca
Crewsaders Blue.
Page 18 2018 AGM Board of Management Reports.docxAoraki Dragon Boat Association
2018 AGM Board of Management Reports
South Island Championships Regatta – Lake Hood
The South Island Champs ran very smoothly. Having Gavin and Isaac on the crew loading area worked very well,
along with all the extra fencing in the holding area – most of the teams were on time and with no issues in the
racing schedule.
Ridge Riders won the 500m 10s Final, Avonside Girls took out the Junior Women’s Final and OPC the Premier
Women’s. Tu Meke took out the Premier Mixed Final with Beca Crewsaders coming second.
Tu Meke also smashed the day with an impressive 2km; coming home in a blistering 9 minutes and 23 seconds.
Aoraki Dragons Awards Dinner – Addington Raceway
This was the first year we introduced an Awards Dinner to celebrate the best of Aoraki. Held at Addington
Raceway in May, we had representatives from almost every team. Introducing new awards such as Female and
Male Paddler, Most Improved Team, Team of the Year etc. We have received some great feedback and are
planning to make it an annual event.
General
Plans and Focus Areas
- Increase participation across the board
- Introduce a new schools event, with a schools 4-week training programme, followed by race day
- Organising a bigger and better Awards dinner - larger venue, more teams involved, improved after-
function
- Health and safety procedures at each event still need a lot more work
- A handover system developed so that anyone can pick up the event plan and get to work.
-
A massive thank you to our fellow Board member and volunteers who made all these events possible and, of
course, thank you to the clubs who show up to each event. Hopefully this coming season, we’ll see some more
healthy competition.
Isaac Sutherland & Izac Frunt
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