Contents

Health And Safety
- She’ll be right (Remember to Stay Right!)
- Rays in the lagoon
- Club Hours of Access
Presidents Update
Membership Survey
Club Thank You
Upcoming Event – WRC fundraiser Movie Night
New Years Eve – Bollards Access

Health and Safety

Below are two maps showing the town courses.

The first map shows the main harbour area, highlighting the shipping lanes and the swimming area around Oriental bay. These red hatched areas are restricted entry, and should only be entered in emergencies.

Please note the anti-clockwise course direction noted and the caution area (Orange rectangle) where the courses cross outside the lagoon. This is in front of the entrance to the lagoon, so make sure you are aware of the other rowers, kayakers, swimmers, dragon boaters, and other users of this area.

We strongly encourage all rowers to stay within the courses, keep right, and not put themselves other rowers at risk by being in the wrong place.

The second map highlights the restricted access areas in front of the ferry terminals, specifically the no access area (in red) and the no stopping area (in orange)

the updated agreed harbour map for turning over by the rec provided by the Harbour Master this morning. This follows a discussion with the harbour master, East by West ferry operator, Star
and WRC safety officers some weeks ago. A no stopping zone is now in place and rowers need to be aware.

Please DO NOT turn or stop for coach instruction in the orange zone.

Those travelling over from the lagoon and back to Te Papa need to turn past the orange zone in the water protected by the end of Waterloo Quay. Those traveling to the end of the rec need to stop and turn prior to Waterloo Quay. This will also mean that the courses do not cross.

A reminder, travel is always in the anti-clockwise direction. This is the same for the course from Chaffers to the lighthouse and return. Please follow the course and do not travel up to the lighthouse in the "return" lane. There have been a few random wanderings of late.

With the warmer weather and the warmer water, you’ve probably seen sting rays and eagle rays in the lagoon. Sometimes these rays can be hard to see as some camouflage well with the seafloor. While they are not aggressive, they won’t attack people, they will respond in self-defense- especially if accidentally stepped on. Please be extra careful when you are stepping into the lagoon- either from shore or out of a boat. If you’re walking into the lagoon, consider shuffling your feet rather than stepping.

Presidents Update

Colleagues,

as we rapidly rush to the end of another busy year, I thought it timely for a quick update.

Firstly, in recent days we have seen WRC compete successfully at KR1 and with many strong results. This reflects the commitment of rowers to their training program and the dedication of the army of volunteers that enables the Club to function. Well done and many thanks to all.

Last week we had a successful Alumni lunch, with 25 Life Members, past and present rowers. In attendance we had Olympians, NZ representatives, NZ Champions, and two Red coats worn. It was a great opportunity for long time rowing colleagues to renew friendships, and to share their stories and learnings for the newer rowers. We also unveiled the naming of two boats - the Coup de Grace and the Delaney, in honour of the contributions to the Club over many years from the Grace family and from Peter Delaney.

The Board also awarded 3 scholarships of $1000. We awarded scholarships to 3 outstanding individuals, being a school rower, school cox and a Club rower. I was able to speak to each of the recipients, and the Club's future is in good hands with such individuals being members of the Club. I would like to thank the Alumni and the Wharewaka for their support of the scholarship fund, which supports promising rowers who uphold the spirit of the Club and require some financial assistance to continue their rowing journey. I would like to thank Deidre and Terry Burke for their expert efforts in resurrecting a number of the damaged boats.

Following the major wind event in October that saw several boats stored outside severely damaged as they flew over the fence, the Board has placed an order to purchase a fully refurbished quad to replace the Mahina. We have also agreed to purchase a new flat-bottomed double with the LTR fundraising efforts. Both purchases reflect the recognition that we need to accommodate the growing number of Novice rowers. As a result of the recent Capex Committee subject to the Club's financial position the priority for the next 12 months is to look to purchase an appropriate Eight.

The Board also met this month for a Strategy Review Day, given that the current strategy was last fully reviewed in 2021. The Board met earlier this year and initiated draft changes to the Strategy document. It was recognised that the current Strategic Plan is still a very good document, and notwithstanding the range of issues faced by the Club and the changes to the composition to the Club membership since 2021, the Board believes that the broad principles of the Strategic Plan are still relevant. The Board agreed to retain the existing 4 goals (Location, Pathways, Culture, Organisational Robustness), and add 1 new goal (Community Involvement). It was recognised that significant progress had been made to Location and Organisational Robustness since the Strategic Plan was created, some ongoing progress on Culture, but much work was still required on Pathways. The recognised an immediate priority for Pathways revolved around finding a solution to the shortage of coaches for the Club, and to support the transition from schools or Learn-to-Row programs to the Club squads, and also how to provide ocean rowing opportunities. It was also recognised that more thought needs to be developed to more narrowly define Community Involvement and to bring it to life. Work on the Strategic Plan will commence again in the New Year and once a draft Strategic Plan is completed the Board will hold a joint meeting with the Committee to discuss, before sharing across all members.

Finally, to all the coaches, coxes, safety boat drivers, the silent army of volunteers, the Committee and the Board, I on behalf of all the rowers would like to thank you for your contributions that enables the Club to function.

A restful and joyful summer break to you all.

Chris Fry

President

Membership Survey

Thank you to all the members who completed our membership survey. Your valuable insights are instrumental in shaping the future of our community. As the questions are the same as what the club has used previously, we can also track how the club is doing and changing over time. We appreciate your time and commitment to making the wellington Rowing Club even better. The survey results are currently being reviewed, and the outcomes from the survey will be shared as part of the strategy review, and with the wider membership in the new year.

Club Thank you

The WRC would like to acknowledge, and thank Graham Shaw, one of our Alumni members, who lent the club his ute to tow the club trailer up to KR1. Chris Jones said this was the perfect tow vehicle, even with a full load coming back.

Upcoming Event - WRC Fundraiser Night