Obituary - Mr Frank Terry - Sadly we must record the death of our Patron  Frank Terry. Frank was the founding father of the Federation and was the first President from 1960 -62, he then served as Treasurer for 18 years from 1966-83. Frank was elected a Vice Patron in 1984 and Patron in 1986 a position he held until his death.   New Plymouth Operatic were the hosts for Conference 2002 which was held at the Plymouth International Hotel in March. 127 Delegates and Observers representing 35 Societies (20 North Island and 15 South Island) gathered with the increased numbers a reflection of the work done by the Executive and our hosts to encourage attendance.  In a departure from tradition there wasn't a politician in sight when it came to the formal opening of Conference on Saturday morning. Local identity John Wheeler, a horse trainer of some repute, established the tone for the day with delightful anecdotes relating to his involvement with the racing industry before he formally opened the conference. A moments silence was observed as a mark of respect for the late Jim McKenzie a former President of the Federation who had recently passed away at his home in Hamilton. Due to his pending departure overseas Gordon Bain did not seek re-election as Zone 5 Representative. Gordon was on the Executive for 15 years and during that time made a significant contribution to the growth and welfare of the Federation. A presentation was made to Gordon in recognition of his contribution.  Seven merit awards were given out.  Contributions to CAF in the last 12 months have been the lowest for many years. The CAF scheme is one of the real success stories from the Federation and whilst participation in the scheme is voluntary it is important that the membership continue to support it as it is an excellent low cost way societies can use to access funding for capital works.  An application was made for assistance to run a further series of the very successful regional workshops however regrettably we were again turned down by Creative New Zealand (CNZ) for funding. Our biggest disappointment  was that we had followed strong  suggestions from CNZ to include the use of ''in the business'' professionals to lead the workshops, but to no avail. It would appear that individual societies are likely to be more successful for funding  with an application via the Local Community Facility schemes.  Somewhat surprisingly usage of the library has dropped during the year, hopefully this is cyclical and not an early indication of a downward trend. The full Executive met twice during the year, at Rotorua in July and in Wellington in October. In addition a conference call meeting was held in December. The meeting in Rotorua gave the Executive the opportunity to ''check-out'' the facilities at the Hotel for the 2003 Conference and we were also fortunate to attend as guests of Rotorua Musical Theatre a highly polished performance of ''Brassed Off''. Zone 5 rep Janice had an unfortunate start to her involvement with the Executive only making it as far as Wellington before bad weather forced her to return home to Alexandra. After twenty two years John MacGibbon retires from the Executive with the expiry of his two-year term as immediate Past President. John was Elected Zone One Rep in 1980 and has been a member of the Executive ever sine including terms as Vice president and President. His contribution, wealth of knowledge and years of experience will be missed but I know John will only be a phone call away should we need to contact him. We also lost our Zone one Rep Mary-Pat who after two years has decided to stand down. Mary-Pat has worked well for Zone One and has always made a positive contribution at Executive meetings. It is pleasing to able to report a surplus for the year of $734 which represents a significant improvement on the deficit of ($7,364) reported for the 2001 year.  Spotlight had been running at a considerable loss for a number of years and the decision to put Spotlight into recess has had a significant positive impact on the Federation's finances. Subscriptions are up slightly despite a drop in the number of members which is due to some movement of societies within categories. A small surplus from the 2002 Conference held in New Plymouth also helped to increase the revenues

Life Membership of Musical Theatre NZ was awarded to John MacGibbon for his service to MTNZ from 1980 when he first became Zone Three Councilor till 2002 – retiring from the Executive in the role of Immediate Past President.  12 merit awards were given out at conference this year, which was hosted most successfully by Napier Operatic, with over 200 people in attendance.  John Antony is the new President.  There was an upstager at the AGM - a certain bull that had escaped from the wharf and was wandering around on the beach outside the AGM venue which caused hilarity until, unfortunately, he met with a sad demise!!  This year, subscriptions were raised due to rising costs.  This was agreed to and passed at the AGM.  One of our main goals this year has been to lift our profile to the general public. The President  thinks we have gone a long way towards achieving this, beginning with the printing of our brochure, but we have to rely on our members, to get our message out there and make people aware of the great opportunities we offer. Capital Assistance Fund - we only had two loans (totalling $40,000) being granted this year.  These were to South Otago Theatrical Society and Greymouth Operatic Society.   Five societies complete their loans this year.  MTNZ became members of ETNZ (Entertainment Technology NZ) last year as MTNZ are keen to promote the more technical side of the theatre business as well as on stage and foster a closer working relationship with ETNZ, especially in the areas of health and safety and training. The third annual combined South Island meeting was held in Ashburton with good attendance from both Zones and corporate members.

Annual conference was held in Ashburton at the Hotel Ashburton and hosted by Variety Theatre Ashburton.  The conference was well attended with over 200 people and as well as being informative, a good deal of networking and fun was had by all.  15 merit awards were given to those recognised by societies for their contribution to musical theatre.  During the year, a productive meeting was held with Creative New Zealand and they are at last beginning to recognise our contribution to the musical arts sector in NZ. They asked for comment, to input into future strategies.  Hopefully this is only the beginning of discussions which will benefit us all. Ongoing partnerships with our licence holders are continuing to develop and grow to the advantage of us all. MTNZ has also been working with Playmarket to try and promote New Zealand plays and musicals in our schools and societies, and ETNZ, to promote Health and Safety in our theatres.  It is disappointing to report a deficit for the year in the annual accounts of $2,191-00. Several factors have contributed to the turn around in our finances from the 2004 year where we reported a surplus of $4,489-00 with the most obvious being the $2,200-00 reduction in income from subscriptions. Whilst the number of members has remained relatively static, subscriptions are down due to societies changing subscription category. The Executive are again reviewing the level of subscriptions to ascertain if an adjustment is required.  During the year we increased the Honorarium paid to the Administrator which whilst adding additional cost the adjustment was necessary to accurately reflect the nature of the role as it currently operates. The Executive is mindful of the need to balance the books and will be paying close attention to finances in 2006.   The MTNZ monthly newsletter Kate's Korner Kate’s now has an email circulation of approximately 600 email addresses, as well as a printed copy going to all members.  Capital Assistance Fund -  three loans (totalling $37,200) being granted this year.  These were to Hokitika, Alexandra and Nelson. There has been much discussion during the Executive meetings about restructuring how societies apply for loans.  There will be a presentation at the Invercargill AGM on this and the Executive are intending to introduce a new application form.  Whilst some societies are applying for loans giving  all the necessary information, some are not and the CAF Management Team want to make sure all the correct information is supplied in the first instance so the loan application is not held up waiting for correct or further information. There were two Executive meetings – the first one in Christchurch on 16 July and in Hamilton 29 October, along with two teleconferences (Standing Committee Meetings). The combined South Island meeting was held successfully again in Oamaru in August.

Obituary - It is with sadness we record the passing of Tony Flannagan – Life Member –on Friday 8th December. Greymouth recently celebrated their 30 years of music hall theatre. Rosemarie Toal managed to show Tony the photos from the music hall celebrations which brought a smile to his face in his last hours. Tony was a stalwart for musical theatre, not only in Greymouth, where he was the stage manager for many years and he also appeared on stage – his most memorial role, a Priest in Superstar; but as Zone Four councillor from 1982 – 1990 then from 1992 – 1999 when ill health saw him retiring from his Executive duties. Tony last attended conference in 2004 in Napier.We all feel a tremendous debt of gratitude for Tony’s contribution to musical theatre both at a community and Executive level, and he was made a Life Member of MTNZ in honour of his achievements for MTNZ. Annual conference was held in Invercargill this was well attended with many making the southern trek and including a South Island holiday. 20 Merit Awards were given out with Life membership of MTNZ awarded  to Kevin Murphy.  Kevin’s contribution both at national and community level in New Plymouth, has been outstanding.  Nola Speir, presented Kevin with is award, which was met with a standing ovation.  Kevin continues in his role of Financial Advisor to the current MTNZ Executive. Another area that we have had to look at over the past year is the Charities Commission.  A presentation was made at conference this year.  The Charities Commission updates are also being linked from our website and all societies must register to continue to obtain charitable status.  Registrations open 1 February 2007.  The safety of our younger members came to the fore mid year, culminating in the Executive re-examining our protocols. It was a timely reminder of the need for all societies to look into their safety regulations and make amendments were necessary. Conference 2007 will also be re examining all aspects of this issue and the Executive in consultation with societies, will be making available recommendations and guidelines to all members.  The MTNZ website has gone from strength to strength and had to be moved the MTNZ website to a 20MB host site as 10MB just wasn’t big enough.  New pages on the website this year include the MTNZ historical archive, a page devoted to DANZ, other events calendar, noticeboard for members and updates copyright holder and corporate directory pages as well.  The pages with the most hits on the website include noticeboard, what’s on, Kate’s Korner, noticeboard and technology. The MTNZ Achievement Award was introduced - the   inaugural recipients were Brian Stewart, MATS Musicals – 21 years  Callum J Jamieson, Taieri Musical Society – 12 years  Jason Riggir, Whangarei Theatre Company – 10 years  Helen Walker, Waipawa Musical and Dramatic Club – 10 years.  It is hoped that all societies will take the opportunity to recognise their hard working members by forwarding nominations each year.   John Antony, President, in consultation with the grand rights’ holders, sent a memorandum to all societies regarding the “dramatic context” copyright law.  A number of societies and schools thought they were covered by the APRA licence and use costume, choreography, set and props in a revue or compilation show.  There appeared to be a considerable amount of confusion about the dramatic context law and the Executive hope that all members are now well informed of what they can and cannot do with an APRA licence. Two Executive meetings were held in 2006 – in Dunedin and in Auckland.  Thank you to Dunedin Operatic and North Shore Music Theatre for hosting the Executive at their respective performances of Beauty and the Beast.  The combined South Island meeting was held in Christchurch in September. A consortium of four societies was formed to build CATS which was released this year by Origin Theatrical.

Patron Nola Speir, QSM 2 August 1928 – 20 October 2007
A large number of friends, family and musical theatre people traveled from all over NZ and Australia to farewell Nola at the Holy Trinity Church in Tauranga on 24 October. It was a wonderful celebration of Nola’s life with Len – her husband of 57 years, her four fantastic children who spoke so highly and lovingly of their Mum, and of course, her extended family – the theatrical one. President John Antony spoke on behalf of MTNZ, thanking the family for sharing their gracious lady with us all for so long.

1978 - 1982 – Zone Two representative 1982 – 1987 – Vice President 1987 – 1997 – President
1996 – QSM for Services to Musical Theatre 1997 – 1999 – Immediate Past President
2000 – Vice Patron (renamed Life Member) 2001 – Awarded a MTNZ Merit Award in Christchurch
2004 – 2007 – Patron 2007 – Instigated the Patron’s Achievement Award at conference in Hamilton to encourage young people in theatrical craft

2007 Conference in Hamilton was a credit to Musikmakers with just on 270 people attending - the biggest conference yet.  17 Merit Awards were given out recognising achievement and contribution by societies to the worthy recipients  Life membership of MTNZ was also awarded at conference to Len Speir.  Len has been extensively involved with musical theatre since the inaugural meeting of NZFOS in 1960. He was very supportive of Nola during her involvement on the Executive of NZFOS and MTFNZ and has been the honorary auditor for a number of societies over the years including Tauranga, Napier, New Plymouth, Playhouse and Wellington. Len still continues to audit the financial accounts of MTNZ and some society members. Len is one of those many people in our industry, who works quietly behind the scenes but has given so much to musical theatre at both a community and national level. This was recognized by Tauranga Musical Theatre when Len was made a life member. It was also double delight with our Patron Nola Speir, presenting husband Len with his award, which was met with a standing ovation.  Len continues in his role of Auditor for MTNZ.  The recipients of the inaugural Patron’s Encouragement Award which was an initiative by Patron Nola Speir, was Andrew Comrie from North Shore Music Theatre and Kathleen Collier from Pukekohe Light Opera Company. When the safety of our younger members came to the fore mid 2006, it was a timely reminder of the need for all members to look into their safety regulations and make amendments were necessary. After conference 2007, the MTNZ Executive, made guidelines available to all members. The Executive would like to thank in particular Delwyn Smith (Zone One Representative), Gwenda Ruegg (CYFS), Catherine Taylor (Oamaru Operatic), Rob Peters (ETNZ) and society members (Invercargill, Wellington, Papakura, Playhouse, Centre Stage (Taupo)), who all contributed ideas and information. It is really pleasing to be able to report a surplus of $6,595 for the year ended 31 December 2007, the surplus represents a turnaround of  $10,468 on the 2006 figures. Whilst the Executive would like to think the current  position of recording a surplus is going to continue to be achievable they are mindful of some of the factors that have contributed to what  has been achieved ie. conference.  Overall expenses are down 5.40% which is a reflection of the intention of the Executive to minimise expenses where possible and this also included the rebuild of the MTNZ website at a cost of $1,500. Capital Assistance Fund - repayments during 2007 amounted to approximately $36,000.   CAF contributions were up over $500 this year on last year, and the highest in the last 10 years, which was very pleasing to report.  There were no loan applications this year.  The new revamped “no more retro orange and purple” website was up and running by September.  With nearly half a million hits, it certainly pays societies to advertise on the MTNZ site.   Kate’s Korner was renamed Spotlight on MTNZ which now has an email circulation of approximately 800 email addresses. Kate Ghent and Ian Reid represented MTNZ on EINZ (Entertainment Industry NZ) and along with ETNZ, DANZ, EVANZ, are forming an umbrella group to represent the entertainment industry in NZ.  This initiative is currently in development phase. The Executive meetings in 2007 were held in New Plymouth in June and Wellington in September – with thanks to New Plymouth Operatic for hosting the Executive at CATS.  The combined South Island meeting was held in Hokitika in October.

Life membership of MTNZ was awarded at conference to Ray Spence and Donna Philpott.  Both Ray and Donna’s  contribution and commitment to musical theatre, both at national and community level in Te Awamutu and Wellington respectively, has been truly outstanding.  It was also double delight for Donna, as she was nominated and agreed to be the MTNZ Patron and it is wonderful to have her continued involvement.  Ray was the Zone Two representative for 25 years from 1983 and Donna was the Zone Three representative from 1987.  2008 Conference in Timaru was a credit to Drama League South Canterbury - with a total of 300 people at conference this year, it was MTNZ's  biggest conference attendance on record, which was a huge logistical job for everyone involved, given the numbers were anticipated around 200 - a great turnout for conference.  In light of MTNZ's every growing closer ties to likeminded organisations, MTNZ Administrator Kate worked with  DANZ  (Dance Aotearoa) who sponsored the high profile dancer Brian Jones, to take a choreography seminar at conference this year.  12 merit awards were given out at the AGM.  The President acknowledged in the annual report, the volunteer work that goes on behind the scenes of MTNZ conference weekends by the host society and especially the conference co-ordinator “on the ground” and also acknowledge the support of MTNZ corporate members from the Saturday night bar tab, sponsorship of awards and seminar presentations, to lighting, sound and AV equipment sponsorship and education members NASDA and Toi Whakaari NZ Drama School for their continuing support of MTNZ activities.  The standard of our seminars grows each year and the Executive look forward to an even broader range expected to be on offer in coming years.  The highlight of the year was the announcement of  a major three year sponsorship deal with corporate members John Herber Ltd and New Zealand Fire Shield Ltd, Kaiapoi.  John Herber Ltd is known as the leading theatre drape manufacturer in New Zealand and NZ Fire Shield Ltd is a company created by John Herber Ltd to cater for the growing need for cleaning and fire treating drapes. The Canvas Technology Centre, which is also part of John Herber Ltd, is a canvas fabrication workshop based in Christchurch, which caters for the local canvas market. John Herber Ltd have been long time supporters of MTNZ, especially at annual conference for the last 27 years and formalising their support has been very much welcomed by MTNZ President John Antony, who said he was delighted at the recognition given to musical theatre in New Zealand by companies such as John Herber Ltd and NZ Fire Shield Ltd. “This highlights the contribution made by our societies around the country, to the theatre and entertainment industry nation wide”, he said. Mr Graeme Philip, Managing Director of John Herber Ltd said the support that MTNZ society members have given over the many years, has assisted their growth. “This has enabled John Herber Ltd to introduce new products to better service the theatre industry”, he said. Mr Deane Philip said NZ Fire Shield Ltd was established to assist all public venues meeting their legal safety requirements and is looking forward to a further strengthening of the relationship with MTNZ in this particular area.  Graeme, Diane, Mark and Deane look forward to working closely with MTNZ for the betterment of musical theatre in New Zealand.  MTNZ is very much looking forward to working with John Herber Ltd and NZ Fire Shield Ltd to make this a successful partnership between our organisations and sincerely thank Graeme, Diane, Deane and Mark Philip for their support at a national level for theatre in New Zealand.  The website statistics are phenomenal this year with the hit counter for 2008 registering – (this is the number of times a page, image or file was viewed or downloaded by someone) – 924,149 (up 488,216 on 2007)  The use of the library is pretty much on parr with the last few years.  A number of Societies and schools are now doing compilation type shows rather than the annual full scale musicals and when they are doing the large musicals, they are doing the new shows (ie High School Musical, CATS etc.) and perusal material for these new shows are not available from the MTNZ library at this stage.  Capital Assistance Fund -  repayments during 2008 amounted to approximately $35,000.   CAF contributions  were down just on $1,000 on last year.  A loan was granted to New Plymouth Operatic Society this year.  It is very pleasing to be able to report a net surplus after depreciation of $15,281 – our best result financially for a number of years. The 2008 result has of course been enhanced through the generous sponsorship support from John Herber Limited and NZ Fire Shield. Sponsorship is a reality of the world we live in today and like many of our member societies, provides a valuable level of support to enable us to continue to do what we do. Income at $47,640 is up 3.9% with subscription income up slightly offsetting the reduced surplus from conference expenditure is down 17.56% - the Executive continue to be mindful of the need to be prudent with the financial resources available and it is pleasing therefore to note that Executive expenses have again been reduced.  President John Antony, advised in the annual report, he would not be seeking re-election in 2009. The Executive meetings in 2008 were held in Auckland in June and Wellington in October.  Many thanks to North Shore Music Theatre for hosting the Executive to the Producers and Wellington Musical Theatre - Sound of Music.  The combined South Island meeting was held in Dunedin in September. A consortium of eight of the larger MTNZ societies working together to build Miss Saigon which will open in April 2009 in Christchurch.  The consortium idea is also working well with other societies - Oamaru Operatic and Showbiz Queenstown, for example, who are working together to build Les Miserables and other societies in the last few years have also embraced the consortium concept all over the country.