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A Historical Record of the NZ
Federation of Operatic Societies
Founded 20 February 1960
1990 - 1999
| 1990 | |
| Patron | Frank Terry MBE |
| Vice Patrons | Tim Blennerhasset, Mostyn Duddridge, Jim
McKenzie OBE, Frank Terry MBE, Ella Duddridge, Jack Hancock |
| President | Nola Speir (Tauranga) |
| Vice President | John MacGibbon (Dannevirke) |
| Executive - Zone One | Sandra Sewell (Auckland) |
| Executive - Zone Two | Ray Spence (Te Awamutu) |
| Executive - Zone Three | Donna Philpott (Wellington) |
| Executive - Zone Four | David Waters (Blenheim) |
| Executive - Zone Five | Gordon Bain (Invercargill) |
| Administrator | Shona Brown |
| Member Societies | 83 |
| Obituary: Federation members recorded with sadness the loss during the year of one of our vice Patrons, Donald Thompson. Donald was elected to the Federation Executive in 1961 and served as President in 1967—68. In 1970 he was awarded the MBE in recognition of his services to the community and arts in particular. He will be remembered for his very willing contributions to the Federation and also his delightful whimsical sense of humour. This year the Federation was pleased to congratulate Zone 3 Councillor Donna Philpott on her award of the QSM in the New Year’s Honours list, and President Nola Speir on her 1990 Commission Commemorative Medal. Both these awards were in recognition of their services to musical theatre in their respective communities of Wellington and Tauranga. Conference in 1990 was the 30th birthday celebration of the Federation and 153 delegates and observers from 45 societies were in attendance which was held in the new Park Royal Hotel in Wellington. A full compliment of our Patron and Vice Patrons attended to make it a particularly happy and sociable occasion. Mr Peter Harcourt who was currently writing a book on New Zealand musical theatre was a most entertaining speaker at the formal dinner on the Saturday night. In response to requests, a seminar on promotion and sponsorship was held on the Friday afternoon and the attendance was such that it is intended to continue this practice. The use of the library facilities, particularly by schools is increasing. An invitation from the Theatre Federation to join it in shifting the library facilities to Christchurch in the interests of continuing centralising was declined on the grounds that our Federation was trying to centralise all its operations in Wellington. The administration of the Capital Assistance Fund was centralised this year under the management of the President, Vice President and Administrator. The fund this year stands at $125,000. The Hillary Commission had a change of role to cover sport, fitness and leisure so the responsibility for funding recreational arts and crafts organisations is to be handed to the Queen Elizabeth II Arts Council. Considerable doubt is felt as to whether these groups will receive a fair share of support against the professionals as this has not been perceived to be the case in the past. It was recorded that the role of Administrator included those of the Secretary and Treasurer with added management responsibilities for both Spotlight and the Capital Assistance Fund. This combined role is working most successfully. Addendum: The Executive are most grateful for the continuing efforts of Edith MacGibbon in writing up the History of the Federation. | |
| 1991 | |
| Patron | Frank Terry MBE |
| Vice Patrons | Tim Blennerhasset, Jim McKenzie OBE, Frank Terry MBE, Ella Duddridge, Jack Hancock, Jim Fenton |
| President | Nola Speir (Tauranga) |
| Vice President | John MacGibbon (Dannevirke) |
| Executive - Zone One | Sandra Sewell (Auckland) |
| Executive - Zone Two | Ray Spence (Te Awamutu) |
| Executive - Zone Three | Donna Philpott (Wellington) |
| Executive - Zone Four | David Waters (Blenheim) |
| Executive - Zone Five | Gordon Bain (Invercargill) |
| Administrator | Shona Brown |
| Membership: | Society: 83; Corporate: 8; Education: 35 |
| For the third successive year the Federation sadly recorded the death of one of its valued Vice Patrons - Mostyn Duddridge. Moss was one of the most colourful characters at the Federations AGM5 always amusing delegates with his self-introduction of the underpaid overworked husband of the Secretary, Ella Duddridge. Moss was also a talented MC at the Federation’s Anniversary dinners and will be remembered also for his delightfully witty sense of humour and his find Welsh singing voice. Societies this year found their income reduced by the decreased spending of the leisure dollar and many had to accordingly reduce their level of activity. However most accepted the challenge to trim their expenses and make every dollar count. Conference this year was held in New Plymouth. The Friday seminar was again well attended and delegates appreciated an excellent address by Mr Bernie Derby who spoke on copyright. The concept of moving the conference around the country continued to be a popular one giving delegates an opportunity to view other societies’ venues and facilities and to vary travel. The new look Spotlight with its new cover design and glossy paper was admired by societies but with an $8,000 loss this year, its continuation is increasingly dependent on patronage from the societies This year societies were again reminded to peruse carefully their Constitutions and adjust them as necessary to ensure they came within the category of ‘charitable organisations’ for taxation purposes. A deputation met with the Minister of Revenue, Mr Wyatt Creech to discuss this matter. The onus is on societies to word their Constitutions appropriately. The Executive undertook to monitor the taxation situation and lobby the Government to provide tax exemptions as enjoyed by sports clubs. The Capital Assistance Fund peaked this year to $140,000 and was further boosted by arrears of bank interest of $9,000. Giving recognition to the increased costs of getting delegates to conference in Greymouth, the Executive increased the travel subsidy monies in total to $6,000. Vastly increased freight costs and movement around the country of “Me and My Girl” prompted the Executive to reinstate the freight subsidy. ‘this was also intended to provide an incentive to other societies to build sets for hire, During this year as predicted, funding passed from the Hillary Commission to the QEI Arts Council and the Federation was pleased to be granted $15,000 tagged as follows: training costs $6,000; administration and management $3,000;’ Spotlight $3,000; Manual of Administration update $1,000; freight subsidy $2,000. The Ministry of Culture is to define the role of the revamped Arts Council following responses to its questionnaire “A New Act or the Arts” which in part addressed the issue of trying to attain parity between professional and amateur (or recreational) arts with regards funding. Concern was expressed that the Amateur Arts Assembly, also under the Arts Council, was seen as a lobby group and as such may not continue to receive funding from that Council. This year Mr Jack Stewart retired from the position of Librarian and was replaced by Joy Watson a renowned actor and director. It was hoped to relocate the library in central Wellington but the scarcity and costs of storage space at this time are prohibitive. The Manual of Administration was updated this year and distributed to all societies along with a copy of “Managing Clubs and Societies in New Zealand” by Kerr Inkson, Professor of Management Studies at the University of Auckland, who drew his material from a study of 25 organisations including operatic societies. The response to a questionnaire to societies regarding training was disappointing but those that replied indicated help ‘with administration would he of most use. Funds were therefore allocated to zones to distribute to societies who organised their own seminars, Two additional executive meetings augmenting those held over Conference weekend were held and in both cases relevant zone members were invited to meet with the Executive on the Sunday morning. This was an excellent opportunity for societies to have informal discussions with the Executive which appreciated their input. This concept is to be continued as such meetings with member societies all over the country will enable the Executive to formulate more meaningful policies. | |
| 1992 | |
| Patron | Frank Terry MBE |
| Vice Patrons | Tim Blennerhasset, Jim
McKenzie OBE,
Frank Terry MBE, Ella Duddridge, Jack Hancock, Jim Fenton |
| President | Nola Speir (Tauranga) |
| Vice President | John MacGibbon (Dannevirke) |
| Executive - Zone One | Sandra Sewell (Auckland) |
| Executive - Zone Two | Ray Spence (Te Awamutu) |
| Executive - Zone Three | Donna Philpott, QSM (Wellington) |
| Executive - Zone Four | Tony Flannagan (Greymouth) |
| Executive - Zone Five | Gordon Bain (Invercargill) |
| Administrator | Shona Spencer |
| Membership: | Societies: 79; Corporates: 9; Education: 40 |
| During the year the Administrator married and became Shone Spencer. In the current economic climate, societies were seen to be having to manage their finances very carefully. Likewise the Federation, which however, maintained its services to societies. It has yet to be seen what the impact of the Federation’s dependence on the QEll Arts Council will have once the new legislation regarding the Council is in place. The increased interest in the Federation by Corporate Members and schools is most pleasing! the former seen as providing a good pool of technical information and personal relations with societies and the latter providing potential performers for the future. With the rising costs associated with mounting large theatre productions and the lack of suitable new material for ‘big’ shows becoming available, societies’ own theatres are being increasingly used for smaller and more profitable shows. Following the resignation of the librarian this year. Margaret Austin was appointed. She has continued arranging for more books to be bound. Societies have become aware that with more schools producing musicals, they are imposing on societies’ audience catchment. Careful and continuing liaison with schools is seen as the answer to minimising this competition. This year Spotlight took on an attractive new formula with a coloured front cover. The costs of production and the decreased circulation continue to cause concern as none of the funds from the QEll Arts Council are tagged for the magazine so its continuation rests entirely with member societies. It was suggested it could revert back to its original form, that of a single page broadsheet but this would be considered a most regressive step. The Capital Assistance fund has increased dramatically over the past five years and this year its capital base stood at over $154,000 with the current top interest rate at 59% Travel and freight subsidies were uplifted by 23 societies proving their worth for assisting delegates to attend Conference and sets to move around the country. Interesting statistics were obtained through a questionnaire sent to societies. The 48 that responded were seen to have over nine million dollars in building assets and over two million dollars in sundry other assets. The 15% commission obtained from NZI. which had taken over from General Accident providing a package insurance scheme for operatic societies, again proved a valuable source of income. Mainly because of the cost factor, the emphasis on training has shifted from the Federation at national level to the zones with many societies and zones facilitating training seminars. The workshops on a variety of topics at Conference were also considered of value. This year the concept of Merit Awards was adopted to recognise the long term commitments many people had made to theatre through their respective member societies. The criteria for nomination included a minimum of 25 years service covering any aspect of theatre. The Awards will be presented annually at Conference. At the AGM of the Amateur Arts Assembly the subject of taxation was raised and the Federation’s work in this regard was acknowledged as being of value to the AAA members. The Assembly will also lobby Government for a change in legislation to include amateur arts groups to have tax exemption as do sports groups. | |
| 1993 | |
| Patron | Frank Terry MBE |
| Vice Patrons | Tim Blennerhasset, Jim
McKenzie OBE,
Frank Terry MBE, Ella Duddridge, Jack Hancock, Jim Fenton |
| President | Nola Speir (Tauranga) |
| Vice President | John MacGibbon (Dannevirke) |
| Executive - Zone One | Sandra Sewell (Auckland) |
| Executive - Zone Two | Ray Spence (Te Awamutu) |
| Executive - Zone Three | Donna Philpott, QSM (Wellington) |
| Executive - Zone Four | Tony Flannagan (Greymouth) |
| Executive - Zone Five | Gordon Bain (Invercargill) |
| Administrator | Shona Spencer |
| Membership: | Society: 82; Corporate: 11; Education: 48 |
| The most significant factor for Federation this year was the proposed legislation revamp of the Arts Council under whose umbrella the Federation’s funds are found. The Federation made a comprehensive written submission, later supported by an oral submission, to the parliamentary select committee emphasising the importance of the regional and community infrastructure to member societies and also seeking a much greater recognition of the recreational arts. At the beginning of August, the Executive met in Sydney with members of Australian societies advising them of the advantages of such an organisation as the New Zealand Federation of Operatic Societies. It was thought desirable to have an Australian voice in matters regarding copyright. As a result of this meeting the Association of Community Theatre New South Wales was formed. Our Federation was pleased to receive support and advice from the QEII Arts Council for this meeting. This year at the Annual Conference in Blenheim, the Federation honoured long-standing dedicated members with its first Merit Awards. These Awards recognise individuals within societies who have given outstanding support for at least 25 years in any capacity whether on-stage, back-stage or administration. Recipients were chosen from nominations by their respective societies. Special awards were also made to the Patron and Vice Patrons. These comprised a certificate and badge marked “Merit Award”. Five workshops were held in conjunction with the Annual Conference, a well supported and appreciated activity which resulted in full constructive discussion. They were on funding applications, Federation towards the year 2000, Spotlight, future musicals and the Capital Assistance Fund. A report of the questionnaire conducted during 1992 was presented to conference. This showed that over $12,000,000 worth of assets were owned by the 60 per cent of the societies who responded. At the Executive’s “think tank” facilitated by Peter Meik of Invercargill, members spent a weekend living closely together in Taupo considering the leadership roles within the Federation, directions for the future and goals for the Federation. At a later meeting the Executive objectively analysed the results of their deliberations with special emphasis on a possible name change, the Manual of Administration, the Constitution and communications between Federation and societies. SPOTLIGHT: This year Waikato University Print successfully tendered for the production of the magazine resulting in greatly reduced printing costs. Of concern however was the fact that despite its improved format with attractive colour and more varied and interesting copy, the publication is still not well supported by societies. The funding base of the Capital Assistance Fund stood this year at $174,000 proving the great worth of this “self-help” project. Societies continue to appreciate the availability of funds at low interest rates for capital works. The comprehensive library of musical scripts and scores continued to be in continual use by societies and schools. The library receives no subsidised support and although fees were kept at conservative levels they were still sufficient to allow several more volumes to be bound. The re-introduction of the freight subsidy this year was welcomed by societies and the conference travel subsidy continued to be well utilised. The programme competition with its two categories, multi and single page, again proved popular. The poster competition entries displayed higher standards of production with very good artwork and more attention to the details of copyright requirements. The showbill competition continued to receive lesser support, supposedly because of the greater amount of time and effort involved in collecting and collating the required material. | |
| 1994 | |
| Patron | Frank Terry MBE |
| Vice Patrons | Tim Blennerhasset, Jim
McKenzie OBE,
Frank Terry MBE, Ella Duddridge, Jack Hancock, Jim Fenton |
| President | Nola Speir (Tauranga) |
| Vice President | John MacGibbon (Dannevirke) |
| Executive - Zone One | Sandra Sewell (Auckland) |
| Executive - Zone Two | Ray Spence (Te Awamutu) |
| Executive - Zone Three | Donna Philpott, QSM (Wellington) |
| Executive - Zone Four | Tony Flannagan (Greymouth) |
| Executive - Zone Five | Gordon Bain (Invercargill) |
| Administrator | Shona Spencer |
| Membership: | Society: 78; Corporate: 11; Education: 37; Associate: 2 |
| The Federation underwent a major change at the end of the 1994 year. The Annual Meeting elected to change the name to Musical Theatre Federation of New Zealand with a “new image” logo more suited to the 1 990s to be prepared. The Federation received a $15,000 grant following legislative changes to the Arts Council. Of that, $5,000 is to be spent on the new image and the balance is for the regional training programme. Policy precluded the Federation from spending the grant on administrative costs and it will be tagged for specific projects. Subscription rates were held at the same level. A successful conference was held in March in Auckland with 35 societies represented. A workshop was held on successful management, along with a seminar on Rights, royalties and societies’ obligations. Delegates were able to visit the Expo site and Auckland Operatic’s new complex. Another 12 Merit Award winners were presented with their badges, recognising more than 25 years service to their societies. The travel subsidy was used by 16 of the 35 societies attending conference and in future will be based on cheaper air fares rather than actual costs. The library continued to be well patronised, with more volumes bound, fees raised for perusal copies and fines for overdue books. While it was rumoured that the library building would be sold, no official notification had been given. The future of Spotlight continued to cause concern. While the appearance had been greatly improved with the use of colour, design and improved content, the key factor in its survival - circulation - continued to drop. Bulk orders had dropped below the level needed for a postal concession. Advertising revenue had increased and Editor Linda Thompson had taken on more of the production process to keep costs down. The Capital Assistance Fund had developed into one of the Federation’s most valued services with a record number of societies seeking loan money during the year. The capital base exceeded $185,000 with 44 contributing societies, new loans to six members and more in the pipeline. With rising interest rates it was an attractive source of loan money for members. Loans amounting to $60,000 were made to the societies, and one society received its third loan in eight years. Investigations were made into re-establishing a special insurance scheme with the discontinuation of the NZI scheme, which resulted in a drop in income for Federation. The main thrust of training was the residential school in mid-January at Scots College directed by Duncan Whiting with music and dance tutors from around the country. The school was offered to experienced and new directors and was a great success. Individual societies continued to offer weekend seminars to members subsidised by Federation and with help from the Arts Council. The $5000 freight subsidy was allocated to 10 societies for 1993 freight movements. Both multi and single page programme competitions were again well supported. The poster competition was again sponsored by Warner Chappell and had helped maintain high artistic standards as well as ensuring copyright details were included. The showbill competition was not as well supported, requiring artistic expertise and time. | |
| 1995 | |
| Patron | Frank Terry MBE |
| Vice Patrons | Tim Blennerhasset, Jim
McKenzie OBE,
Frank Terry MBE, Ella Duddridge, Jack Hancock, Jim Fenton |
| President | Nola Speir (Tauranga) |
| Vice President | John MacGibbon (Dannevirke) |
| Executive - Zone One | Sandra Sewell (Auckland) |
| Executive - Zone Two | Ray Spence (Te Awamutu) |
| Executive - Zone Three | Donna Philpott, QSM (Wellington) |
| Executive - Zone Four | Tony Flannagan (Greymouth) |
| Executive - Zone Five | Gordon Bain (Invercargill) |
| Administrator | Shona Spencer |
| Membership: | Society: 76; Corporate: 11; Education: 41; Associate: 2 |
| This is the first operating year in the name of the Musical Theatre Federation, albeit the 35th year historically speaking. The Executive expressed disappointment in having their funding application to Creative New Zealand declined although it is readily admitted that the arts are woefully underfunded and only 40% of applications are successful. Problems also arise with Creative NZ’s attitude to funding national bodies as opposed to our member societies, the former requiring assistance with administration rather than “project funding”. Annual Conference was held at the Southern Cross Hotel, Dunedin on 25 March and attended by 140 Delegates and Observers from 43 Societies. Three seminars were held with topics including “Marketing of Musicals, the legal aspects of the Occupational Safety and Health Act and the “Selection of Musicals”. Subscription rates have been increased by $50 and a further tier introduced for those societies grossing box-office receipts in excess of $100,000.00. Library administration is now in the hands of the Administrator and showed an appreciable drop in operating costs, due in part to the re-location of the Library from Cuba Mall to the Spencer’s refurbished garage. Production sets are held at no cost in the Dannevirke Town Hall. A new catalogue was printed and distributed in November with additional copies available. With 57 contributing societies (an increase of seven) accumulated funds of the Capital Assistance Fund are in excess of $1 90,000.00. Contributors may now borrow a maximum of $20,000.00 with repayments spread over a six year period -the first year still being free of repayment. Lower printing costs and a small price increase resulted in Spotlight almost reaching a break-even point, in spite of static circulation figures and a decrease in advertising revenue. The magazine is now printed in Hamilton by John Walker Print and legal processes are in train to complete patenting the name. All societies are now linked to IRD’s master computer system and have been warned they must pay Non-resident Withholding Tax on all monies sent overseas in payment of royalties. An Arts Council Grant of $10,000.00 enabled Federation to run a comprehensive programme of weekend schools nationwide. Master classes, as an extension of the last Residential School were held in Hamilton and Dunedin, together with courses for less experienced directors held in Rotorua, Timaru, Auckland, Dunedin, Whangarei and Queenstown. Seventy personnel attended and the courses were run by Duncan Whiting and John Fausett. The Freight and Travel subsidies benefited 13 and 25 societies respectively, but being exclusive of outside funding, warning was given of their possible discontinuation. Four full Executive meetings were held, two at Conference time, New Plymouth in June and Rotorua in October while the Standing Committee met twice in Wellington and again in Whangarei. | |
| 1996 | |
| Patron | Frank Terry MBE |
| Vice Patrons | Tim Blennerhasset, Jim
McKenzie OBE,
Frank Terry MBE, Ella Duddridge, Jack Hancock, Jim Fenton |
| President | Nola Speir (Tauranga) |
| Vice President | John MacGibbon (Dannevirke) |
| Executive - Zone One | Sandra Sewell (Auckland) |
| Executive - Zone Two | Ray Spence (Te Awamutu) |
| Executive - Zone Three | Donna Philpott, QSM (Wellington) |
| Executive - Zone Four | Tony Flannagan (Greymouth) |
| Executive - Zone Five | Gordon Bain (Invercargill) |
| Administrator | Shona Spencer |
| Membership: | Society: 80; Corporate: 10; Education: 45; Associate: 5 |
| Creative NZ’s criteria for funding still presents problems as Federation is still precluded from applying for “client” status which would see funding given for administration rather than specific projects. However, the $1 0,000.00 grant towards training was gratefully acknowledged, and directly resulted in a reasonable surplus of income over expenditure for the year’s operations. Subscription rates were held at the previous years level. Conference in Whangarei on Saturday March 30 was attended by 120 Delegates and Observers from 37 Societies together with representatives from ACT (Australia). Three well attended seminars were held during the weekend, the topics including “Theatre and then Law”, “Successful Society Administration” and “Musical Directors and their Expectations”. The Library continues to flourish with approximately 25 orders a month being processed and Warner Chappell continuing to send additional material. The housing of the Library at the Administrators home is proving most advantageous and cost effective. Spotlight again suffered a fall in both circulation and advertising and the print run has been cut to 1200 per issue. The Capital Assistance Fund reached the milestone of the $200,000.00 mark and continues to be well supported with contributions from 53 Societies. Twenty Societies are servicing loans, eight of which are interest free while five new loans were granted ranging from $5,000.00 to the newly agreed maximum of $20,000.00. Nine merit awards were presented. A Residential Training School was held at St Peter’s School (Cambridge) and was attended by 24 participants. Peter Tulloch from the University of Ballarat directed the school assisted by David Sidwell (Music) and Peter Edwards (Tauranga), Choreography. The Travel Subsidy was used by 18 members but the Freight Subsidy had only one applicant. Four full Executive Meetings were held; two at conference time in Whangarei, one at Taupo in May and one in Auckland in August. Standing Committee Meetings were held in Nelson in October and Wellington in January. Mr John MacGibbon is the newly elected President of the Musical Theatre Federation. | |
| 1997 | |
| Patron | Frank Terry MBE |
| Vice Patrons | Tim Blennerhasset, Jim McKenzie OBE, Frank Terry MBE, Ella Duddridge, Jim Fenton |
| President | John MacGibbon (Dannevirke) |
| Immediate Past President | Nola Speir, QSM (Tauranga) |
| Vice President | Kevin Murphy (New Plymouth) |
| Executive - Zone One | Sandra Sewell (Auckland) |
| Executive - Zone Two | Ray Spence (Te Awamutu) |
| Executive - Zone Three | Donna Philpott, QSM (Wellington) |
| Executive - Zone Four | Tony Flannagan (Greymouth) |
| Executive - Zone Five | Gordon Bain (Invercargill) |
| Administrator | Shona Spencer |
| Membership: | Society: 81; Corporate: 13; Education: 68; Associate: 4 |
| The 37th Conference was held at the Rutherford Hotel in Nelson on April 6 and was attended by 1 32 Delegates and Observers. Tribute was paid to Vice Patron, Past Librarian and Zone Councillor Jack Hancock whose death occurred in July 1996. As an innovation the conference was held in conjunction with that of the NZ Theatre Technicians Association and was opened by Dr Nick Smith. A choice of seminars involving both the technical and artistic aspects of theatre was held throughout the weekend. The Library continues to flourish with 250 orders being processed bringing in a revenue of $7,000.00. Production sets, housed in Dannevirke have been in demand from both Societies and schools, all of whom received an up-dated catalogue in August. Support from Warner Chappell continues with the supply of both new and extra material. Although Spotlight in no longer a financial burden on Federation funds, circulation figures continue to cause concern and consequently the number of issues has been reduced to four a year. Advertising from corporate members continues to be of support. With funds in excess of $200,000.00 from 55 contributing societies, new loans to the value of $1 05,000.00 were extended to seven societies during the year, bringing the total number of loans to 28. This “self-held” fund continues to be one of the most important and successful services to Federation. The major thrust in training was a Residential School for actors and directors held at St Peter’s College in January. Led by Peter Tulloch (Ballarat University) together with tutors David Sidwell (music) and Peter Edwards (choreography) it was an outstanding success and Federation gratefully acknowledges the assistance from Creative New Zealand Through AON Insurance Brokers in New Plymouth a Public Liability Scheme has been introduced giving a total cover of $5 million at an extremely competitive rate. Fourteen societies have joined the scheme and investigation is continuing for further insurance possibilities for member societies. A website has been established on the internet, offering information on the Library, a “What’s on Where” page together with the opportunity for members to advertise for a six month period. Twelve recipients received the Merit Award which continues to attract nominations. The three categories of the Programme competition and the Poster competition continues to be well supported but entries for the Showbill are disappointing. Four full Executive Meetings were held, two at conference time, one in Wellington in June and in Hamilton in September. Three Standing Committee meetings were held in Wellington. | |
| 1998 | |
| Patron | Frank Terry MBE |
| Vice Patrons | Tim Blennerhasset, Jim McKenzie OBE, Frank Terry MBE, Ella Duddridge, Jim Fenton |
| President | John MacGibbon (Dannevirke) |
| Immediate Past President | Nola Speir, QSM (Tauranga) |
| Vice President | Kevin Murphy (New Plymouth) |
| Executive - Zone One | John Antony (North Shore) |
| Executive - Zone Two | Ray Spence (Te Awamutu) |
| Executive - Zone Three | Donna Philpott, QSM (Wellington) |
| Executive - Zone Four | Tony Flannagan (Greymouth) |
| Executive - Zone Five | Gordon Bain (Invercargill) |
| Administrator | Shona Spencer |
| Membership: | Society: 79; Corporate: 16; Education: 60; Associate: 4 |
| The 38th Conference was held in Wellington at the James Cook Hotel on Saturday April 4, and opened by His Excellency the Rt. Hon. Sir Michael Hadie Boys GNZM, GCMG. Well attended seminars were held throughout the weekend. Spotlight has undergone considerable change. After 17 year’s of editorship, Linda Thompson handed over to Bronnie Neal (Palmerston North) who immediately instituted changes in layout and composition. The new printers are Wills Bookbinders (Palmerston North). In spite of the complete revamp, the circulation numbers are still causing concern. The Capital Assistance Fund’s income has been affected by the major drop in interest rates together with a drop in the amount of contributions. Loans totalled 26 with some societies servicing more than one, while six loans were paid off during the year, and one new loan approved. The Library stock continues to increase with donations from societies together with those from Warner Chappell, David Spicer Productions and Dominie Pty Inc. Further binding has been undertaken and the catalogue updated. The Public Liability Insurance Scheme continues to benefit societies, just as the Federation benefits from the commission on sales. The fifth Residential Training School was again held at St Peter’s School (Cambridge) with the same trio of tutors as in 1996. Twenty participants attended. No funding for the project was forthcoming from Creative New Zealand and the cost to Federation, although considered worthwhile, was considerable. The Internet site continues with a “What’s on Where” page and availability of advertising space. Five Merit Awards were announced at Conference and presented at various local functions during the year. The Programme and Poster competitions continue to be well supported but it was particularly pleasing to note the largest number of entries yet for the Showbill competition. Four Executive meetings were held throughout the year, two at Conference time, another in Wellington in May and another in Christchurch at the end of August. Only one Standing Committee Meeting was held in Hamilton in February. | |
| 1999 | |
| Patron | Frank Terry MBE |
| Vice Patrons | Tim Blennerhasset, Jim McKenzie OBE, Frank Terry MBE, Ella Duddridge, Jim Fenton |
| President | John MacGibbon (Dannevirke) |
| Immediate Past President | Nola Speir, QSM (Tauranga) |
| Vice President | Kevin Murphy (New Plymouth) |
| Executive - Zone One | John Antony (North Shore) |
| Executive - Zone Two | Ray Spence (Te Awamutu) |
| Executive - Zone Three | Donna Philpott, QSM (Wellington) |
| Executive - Zone Four | Tony Flannagan (Greymouth) |
| Executive - Zone Five | Gordon Bain (Invercargill) |
| Administrator | Shona Spencer |
| Membership: | Society: 78; Corporate: 18; Education: 65; Associate: 5 |
| The 39th Annual Conference was held in Ashburton at the Hotel Ashburton on Saturday 27 March. It was opened by the Rt Hon Jenny Shipley, Prime Minister of New Zealand. Spotlight continues to be of some concern with the lack of support with both copy and sales. For Spotlight to survive both these issues must be resolved. Library - the further introduction of new works continues to add to the strength of the library. Binding of perusal scripts and scores has continued throughout the year. The Public Liability Insurance Scheme continues to benefit societies just as the Federation benefits from the commission on sales. There were 10 Merit Awards given out at conference this year in recognition of individuals who have contributed at the highest level to our societies. The fifth national training school for directors and performers was held at St Peter's School in Cambridge in January with Peter Tulloch (principal tutor); David Sidwell (music) and Peter Edwards (choreography). While it was disappointing that Creative NZ would not assist with the funding of this National Training School, it was felt that the school should continue and the Federation would cover the total costs less fees paid by the participants. It was with some regret that the Executive accepted the resignation of Shona Spencer after 15 years as Administrator/Executive Officer. Whilst her resignation does not effect until the 40th AGM, the President acknowledged in his annual report, her long association with the Federation management and the support, friendship, expertise and energy she has brought to the role of Executive Officer. The President also welcomed Kate Ghent to the position of Executive Officer, she was appointed in December and officially takes over the role at the conclusion of the 40th annual conference. | |