Wainuiomata Toastmasters

16/07/2026

Tania (on left) has spent the past 18 months recovering from several concussions and a broken ankle

But last night completed "Reflect on her Path" to complete her pathway "Dynamic Leadership".

Her progress was clear in her delivery of an enlightening, well-structured and engaging speech on what makes a good leader.

She used her experience as a volunteer mentor with the Duke of Edinborough programme to reflect on challenges she sees youth struggle with and the leadership skills she's learnt that truly help others to persist and succeed.

General Evaluator Kelvin (on right) awarded Tania the evening's Most Memorable Moment Award, saying her speech captured the audience and for those who know her, it also demonstrated remarkable progress in her health journey.

01/07/2026

It was Rose's (centre) last week as Wainuiomata Club President!

In thanking her, we reflected on her reliable presence over the past 12 months, doing so much work behind-the-scenes to keep our club humming. As is her habit, she spoiled us with banana cake (her regular baking treats have been another highlight!).

Rose was also General Evaluator for the meeting, so had the challenge of deciding who to award the Most Memorable Moment Award to. She chose to give it to both club members who delivered a prepared speech.

Jacob (on left), who is still quite new to Toastmasters, delivered an illuminating speech about his current journey to become a Touch Rugby Referee. He talked about the technical knowledge and physical fitness needed on the field, but also the time and emotional commitment the role demands. Jacob cleverly integrated vocal variety and body language into his speech, including demonstrating his referee whistle skills!

Avril (on right) spoke about the charming art of letter writing, reflecting on the connections it's enabled through her life and how technology has almost made it obsolete, although she is one who still posts occasional handwritten letters and Christmas cards. As always, her speech was peppered with her bright sense of humour.

07/06/2026

We think we know each other well in our friendly Wainui Club, but there are still secrets to share!

One of these was the recent revelation that club member Sam Murphy-Pirini's great grandmother is legendary kuia, Dame Whina Cooper.

Dame Whina was the founding president of the Māori Women's Welfare League. She was nationally recognised as a leader in the rangatiratanga social justice movement throughout the 20th century, including leading the 1975 Māori Land March.

Sam, who grew up in Auckland in the 1960s and 70s, remembers her siblings' fear that friends would tell of their connection to 'Nan'/Dame Whina. Sam's family were already bullied at school for being "half-caste Māori".

Sam's incredible story had us all amazed as she described growing up during a time of great social change and fearing their relationship to Dame Whina would be found out.

Now, however, being proud of her Nanny Whina's courage and formidable resilience as a leading voice for change in Aotearoa has become an inspiration. The path was forged back in the 70s by Dame Whina and others for all future generations of tamariki to benefit from.

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Wainuiomata Toastmasters meets every Wednesday evening from 6:50-8:30pm at the Community Hub (Library) in Wainuiomata. We'd love for you to join us! Drop-in guests always welcome.

26/05/2026

What a good laugh!

Several weeks ago, Chris was awarded the "Most Memorable Moment" Award for his hilarious speech about a time he and another family went camping in the Marlborough Sounds - but it was mid January and they hadn't booked accommodation.

They arrived after a long drive around the windy roads in the Sounds to find no spots had vacancy.

They kept moving. The day was drawing in. They finally came across a campground with spots, only to learn that it was a "clothes optional" facility! With nowhere else to go, the two families decided to investigate.

The tales of their time there had his audience in stitches! And we only heard half the story so we're looking forward to Part 2, which Chair Dallas commented "hopefully involves plenty of sunscreen".

21/05/2026

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Last night we hosted our Oral reading contest for 2026! From Atua Māori - Māori spiritual beings, cleanliness and magazines, to a trip to the beach! Yes it is fair to say that we were engaged in the stories read to us! It was a great night of laughs chaired by the wonderful Karen.

The Oral Reading contest is a fantastic way to learn how to use your voice in a way that commands the attention of the listener. It is also a fantastic opportunity to flex your communication skills. Below are the results of the contest!

🥇1st Avril
🥈2nd Nohokainga
🥉3rd Kylie

A special congratulations to new member Kylie who took out the third spot! For his first contest ever this is a fantastic effort! Tau ke e hoa! Amazing!

Don't forget to join us next week for our meeting Wednesday 27 May 2026.

PS: Keep your eyes open for our Matariki open meeting coming up in July!

20/05/2026

If you are free tonight come on down to the coolest Toastmasters club in town!

We are hosting our annual Oral Reading Contest. It is going to be an amazing night!

Take a moment from your busy schedule, and come and spend some time with us!

Where: Wainuiomata Community Hub
When: Wednesday 20th May 2026
Time: 6.50pm for a 7pm start

Nau mai haere mai! All our welcome to come and visit.

15/05/2026

It's District conference time this weekend in Timaru.

Ka rere aku mihi ki ngā kaikorero e tu atu i te atamira i te mutunga wiki nei. Big celebration and shout-out to all the speakers around District 72 who will be contesting those converted spots for Table topics, International and of course evaluation speech contests.

An awesome way to spend the weekend and be celebrate our last conference without our friends from the north District 112. As we move forward to a United district 72.

Celebrate the journey!

Hoake! To the future we go.

12/01/2026

Happy New years fellow toasties! It's been awhile since we have posted - admittedly we have all been enjoying a restful break.

If you have thought about joining us this year to test your skills, grow your abilities then come down to Wainuiomata Toastmasters. We will having our first official meeting of the year soon (dates to be posted)

Toastmasters is an awesome way to grow not only as a speaker but as a leader as well.

See you soon!

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10/12/2025

Last meeting of the year, and of course it is Christmas themed!

Some of our members enjoying a Christmas quiz before breaking off to do secret Santa