1.    New Clubhouse  
Great progress is being made.  We are on schedule and within budget.  I am sure you will all be very proud and impressed with the emerging profile.  It is planned that the polished concrete floor will be poured in the next couple of weeks, followed by the placement of the roof.
We now have advanced planning in place for the total reforming of the carpark, which will include a double carriage-way entrance.  This involves the relocation of the power transformer, situated adjacent to the entry, which required upgrading in any event.  We are now of the view that an asphalt finish will be significantly superior and more appropriate than chip seal, even though it is more expensive.  Great attention has been paid to finishing details, such as furnishing, audio visual systems and many other important details.
The sealing of the carpark will be very disruptive for members as only pedestrian access will be possible for several weeks.  We are planning on the temporary utilisation of the perimeter of the extensive reserve island at the end of Links View Drive.  Heavy vehicles will need to access the club via the Kayelene Place entry during this period.  We will develop a detailed plan to minimise disruption and will advise members well in advance.  Your patience and understanding will be much appreciated.
 
2.    New Constitution
The Board has now considered a preliminary draft of the new constitution that is necessary to comply with the significantly amended Incorporated Societies Act.  It is currently being reviewed by lawyers and we are also giving consideration to gaining the status of a charitable entity in order that donations to the club qualify for tax deductibility.
Golf New Zealand have provided a guidance template for club constitutions and we are liaising with other clubs in this process.  The Golf New Zealand template encourages the removal of all material not required to be in the constitution and instead put it in by-laws and policies that sit outside, but supplement the constitution.  The specific examples given are the details of day-to-day management of the club and the role and operation of committees.
We are planning on circulating the draft of the constitution for the consideration of all members by the end of January, and will invite feedback and input.  A special general meeting will be held in March to hopefully approve the draft constitution which needs to be filed with the Companies Office by 1 April.
At the special meeting in March we will also seek approval for the subscriptions for the 2026/27 financial year.  A formal notice of the special general meeting will be circulated.
 
3.    Subscriptions
The Board was concerned to learn that ill-informed rumours have been circulating relating to excessive future subscription levels and insecure debt servicing arrangements.  While it is always difficult to combat ill-informed rumours within a club culture, we do urge members to be responsible and not circulate ill-informed and potentially corrosive gossip.  The subscriptions for the ensuing year will include the clubhouse development levy that was approved at a general meeting with a two-year duration, but otherwise will be commensurate with the steady rates of increase experienced over recent years.
We have developed a 10 year forward budget projection and are confident that our forecast assumptions are appropriately conservative.  We are tracking very well and will not face an unsustainable debt burden.
 
4.    General Manager Clinics
To keep communication channels open to members, our general manager, Allan will be holding regular clinics on a weekly basis, when any member can seek information or offer suggestions.  We have decided that a board member will also be available for these clinics on some occasions to further enhance the sharing of information and ideas.  We encourage any member with an issue or idea to take advantage of this opportunity.
 
5.    Caddy Shack
Golf club catering comes with many risks and problems.  It is essential, as part of our liquor licencing that food be available.  In recent weeks the weather has proven most disruptive.  We urge all members to extend their support to the Caddy Shack in order to keep this service viable.
 
Happy Golfing,
Ken Shirley
Chairman