Ashburton - David Stevens

It is with mixed emotions I present this report to you, being my final report as Branch President.

It has been a reasonably busy year for MTA nationally with restructuring of the National Office in Wellington. This has been done to deliver more efficient services and benefits to us, the members. The TV advertisements with Greg Murphy have continued to run, promotion the MTA brand. The Murph in Schools programme, promoting safe vehicle attitudes and use, has been implemented in schools on a national basis, and we were lucky enough to have our local high schools included in the programme in May of this year.

Some of our members enjoyed a weekend of racing at Levels at the beginning of the year. Great company and racing – weather a bit of a disappointment! Our branch ran its own golf night this year which provided us with a great time on the golf course. Good to see so many new faces there too. A great time was had, and we hope to book the same event for next year.

I have continued to attend Canterbury branch meetings – being your voice there. Claire and I went to the National AGM/Conference in Napier last November. This was an excellent conference with MTA providing a fantastic programme once again, combining business and leisure activities. Conference is in Nelson in November this year. There is always room for more members to attend – you do not have to be the President!

The biggest highlight this year would have to be the inclusion of our members in the Wheels Week programme by bringing Greg Murphy to town. Having Murph attend this event was great for the town, but also for MTA branding and our members. As a branch we had the chance to meet Greg in the flesh and the members’ evening was a bloody great night for all, with about 90 in attendance.

The Murph in Schools visits to Ashburton College and Mt Hutt College were a great promotion for the MTA branding. The youth driving statistics Greg showed shocked not just the students.

Through these activities, we have been able to give something back to our community. We have also been able to give a donation to the Wheels Week committee through the auctioning of apparel of Murph/Holden gear at the public evening. This will help in future Wheels Weeks. I thank the Executive and other members for getting right behind Greg Murphy’s visit.

Once again, my thanks go to John O’Rourke for his ongoing guidance, visits and phone calls. Also Suzanne for her amazing skill at putting together the flyers you see advertising these sorts of events.

Finally, I am stepping down as Branch President after three enjoyable years in the role. I know I am leaving the Branch in good hands and I know that the incoming President (Malcom Lovett) will have the support of the Executive as I have had.

To the Executive, I would like to thank you all for doing the jobs you have done to support the Branch and myself in particular.