19/07/2026
✨ Looking Ahead ✨
Our first meeting of July couldn't have come at a more meaningful time.
With Matariki, the Māori New Year, approaching, we embraced the theme Looking Ahead—a reminder to honour those who have gone before us, cherish the present, and look forward with hope, courage, and purpose. Just as the Matariki stars guide us through the winter sky, Toastmasters reminds us that every speech, every meeting role, and every challenge we accept lights the path to becoming a more confident version of ourselves.
🎤 Melanie opened the evening with her speech, "Sorry for My Slow Reply." Through a relatable and engaging story, she welcomed us into her world with warmth and authenticity. Her outstanding vocal variety and expressive body language brought her message to life, reminding us that even the smallest everyday experiences can become powerful stories when shared from the heart.
🎤 Tina followed with "You Get to Experience It," presenting the Toastmasters Success Series on Meeting Roles and Responsibilities. Rather than simply explaining the roles, Tina wove in personal experiences, honest reflections, and lessons learned along the way. She reminded us that every role—whether large or small—is an opportunity to grow as a communicator, develop as a leader, and contribute to something bigger than ourselves.
🎤 Astha delivered a beautiful and courageous Ice Breaker speech titled "7,768 Miles to Myself." She took us on her journey from India to New Zealand, sharing the experiences that shaped not only where she lives today, but who she has become. Those 7,768 miles represented far more than the distance between two countries—they symbolised the journey of discovering her identity, embracing new values, overcoming unexpected challenges, and finding strength within herself. There is something incredibly special about an Ice Breaker. It is the moment someone chooses to share a part of their story, and in doing so, inspires others to reflect on their own.
💭 Our Table Topics session beautifully complemented the evening's theme, encouraging us to think about the future while staying connected to our roots. One particularly meaningful question invited our newest member, Andrena, to share a family tradition she hopes to preserve from a cultural perspective. Every response reminded us that our stories, traditions, and experiences are what shape the people we become.
A heartfelt thank you also goes to our visitors, who showed tremendous courage by stepping onto the stage for impromptu speaking. Walking to the front of a room full of strangers takes bravery, and we hope you left knowing that every confident speaker once stood exactly where you did.
✨ One of the unexpected highlights of the evening came from our Timer, Aly. When we discovered our timing equipment had been packed away and the cabinet key was nowhere to be found, she didn't miss a beat. Armed with nothing more than coloured paper plates from our supplies, she improvised brilliantly. It was a wonderful reminder that Toastmasters isn't about having perfect conditions—it's about learning to adapt, think on your feet, and turn unexpected moments into opportunities.
🏆 Congratulations to our award winners!
🥇 Best Speaker: Astha
🥇 Best Table Topic: Leighton & Shao (our visitors!)
🥇 Best Evaluator: Grace
Every Toastmasters meeting is a collection of ordinary people doing extraordinary things—sharing their stories, encouraging one another, stepping outside their comfort zones, and leaving just a little more confident than when they arrived. That is where the real magic happens.
Your journey starts with just one visit—and who knows where it might take you. Click the link below to find out more.
