BCNZ - August 2011: L.O. Meeting, First Meeting of 2011

Kia Ora and Greetings from Bridge Club New Zealand!

From July 15th - July 27th 2011, six lucky children (7 if you include myself, but a bigger version of course!) had the opportunity of a lifetime; the chance to attend the 23rd APCC in Fukuoka, Japan! There, like many others before them, they met children from around the world. Gifts were exchanged, as well as the famous annual 'business card' exchange that occurs every year at camp without fail! It was a privledge as the New Zealand Peace Ambassador for 2011 to watch these originally young children grow and mature over the convention, coming out at the end as young adults; creating the impression that they are very much our countries future leaders! In the camp, the children learnt to appreciate, and to understand other children's backgrounds. They also quickly came to realise that many barriers, including language barriers, are actually easily overcome with patience and an interest to learn. It was an absolute honour travelling with my 6 wonderful JA's (Tyla, Manaia, Zara, Lauren, Mathew and Leo), and a pleasure to travel with such a great chaperone, Kelly.

It is clear to me that the New Zealand Bridge Club has some fantastic members, all of whom are briefed and ready to get our BC FINALLY up and running! 

Over the next month BCNZ will be holding two events:

1) Firstly, this Wednesday (August 10th 2011), I will be meeting with our Liason Officers - Birgit and Rebecca (From Auckland City Council International Relations Department Team) to discuss the future of BCNZ, BCNZ's annual plan that I have constructed, the 23rd APCC, and future JA, PA and Chaperone selection processes for 2012, including the implementation of a new orientation schedule. At this meeting, the date and details of the first BCNZ since it's 2011 re-establishment will be set.

2) In mid to late August, BCNZ will hold it's first meeting since its recent re-establishment in Fukuoka. At this meeting the 2011 JA's will get the opportunity to share photos and stories from their amazing trip. Also to be present at the meeting are any interested past JA's (a few of whom have already indicated their keen interest), who will help me to go over BCNZ's 2011-2012 annual plan, as well as planning for JA selection, orientation, the 2011 first ever annual reunion of BCNZ, as well as a new logo for our BC.

Details of this meeting, as well as details from my meeting with the L.O. will be published on this site, as well as on the APCC Bridge Club New Zealand Facebook group page.

I can't wait to see just how far we can get BCNZ to go - and look forward to a great future ahead as its president!

Nicholas Short

BCNZ President

2005 JA, 2011 PA

For any BCNZ related inquiries please email: nicholas.short@hotmail.com