Welcome to the Skål Christchurch January 2023 Newsletter
Dear Christchurch Skålleagues,
It is 27 January and I already feel like I need a break! Who is with me? We know it is going to be a big year, with big challenges……so please remember we are there to support you. Skål is all about doing business amongst friends, so remember to use it.
Create business relationships with our members, not only in Christchurch but throughout New Zealand
Support each other – this could be when you see one of our members having a tough time or when you need to bounce an idea off an industry person, but need an external opinion
Increase your network of connections. If you are travelling around the country or world you are welcome at any Skål Club event – this is where business connections are made. We have some upcoming events listed below, but also please just contact me if you would like an introduction.
Remember the Skål International Database – update your profile and use it for connecting with potential clients or suppliers.
For me it is going to be a big Skål year. We are awaiting the updated RFP for the Skål World Congress 2025, which we plan to bid for. Please be rest assured this will have serious consideration and feasibility studies completed prior to us bidding to ensure we as the Club can cover the underwriting of this financially.
I will also be busy with my role as Chair of the Membership Portfolio 2023, working alongside Vice President Denise Scrafton. After being on the committee last year I am up for the challenge with the support of a small committee scattered throughout the world…..so the joy of 2am zooms starts again!
As we are all aware membership is our lifeline and it is essential we all work together to retain membership.
Denise and I have worked through some project ideas, being:
Retention of members
Succession planning within clubs and committees
Possibility of satellite clubs attached to a “main club”
Young Skål – with the Professionals membership being re-introduced (and succession planning)
Awareness of the Membership Development Fund
Naturally I would like us to get the projects we completed last year finalised and in play with the clubs, these include:
Video completed for distribution (after Skål International feedback)
Toolbox for all clubs to access with up to date information
Tidy up of website information on membership
Finally I welcome you all to attend our AGM on Thursday 23 February at the Sudima Christchurch Airport. After the success of our event with Hotel Council Aotearoa joining us, we will have a panel session as part of our luncheon. This years theme will be how can we sustain being sustainable in our industry.
Committee member Kate Blundell will be our facilitator, and we are delighted to have joining us:
Richard Hayman | Environmental Policy Advisor | Scenic Hotel Group
Maree Welgus | Regional General Manager South Island | HIND Management
Ross Steele | General Manager | Te Pae Christchurch Convention Centre
We welcome any questions on the day, or prior (please send through to skalchc@gmail.com)
Here’s to a successful, supportive and sustainable 2023 for us all.
Yours in Skål,
Victoria Wales
Christchurch President
Skål International Update
Our Christchurch club does punch above it’s own weight!, Along with Victoria heading the Membership Portfolio Committee, we have Leighton Cameron as our International Councillor for the region and on the statues and bylaws committee; and Bruce Garrett who has been appointed to the Transition Committee, leading and guiding us through the changes of Skål International for 2024 and beyond. CLICK HERE for Bruce’s update to the club.
Bruce, thank you for taking this on along with being on our committee and as Skål New Zealand Treasurer, it is a great way for our voice to be heard.
While Leighton is working on the transition through the statues and bylaws committee, he will be continuing his role as our International Councillor. Leighton’s update is below:
With the Governance restructure being approved at the 2022 General Assembly the focus for the International Council has shifted to supporting an orderly transition for implementation in 2024. Several councillors have been incorporated in the various committees set up to allow this to occur. I have accepted a request to rejoin the Statutes and bylaws group chaired by two past world Presidents, Salah Cene and Mok Singh. This will allow us to have a direct input. We are well represented with Bruce Garrett and Victoria Wales also working on other groups to move our organisation forward.
I will also be representing New Zealand along with President Sally Attfield and Past World President Peter Morrison at the Skål International Australia AGM in Darwin and returning for the New Zealand AGM in Auckland, which I hope as many of our club can support as well.
Leighton Cameron
International Councillor
