Today we profile two Spinnaker Toastmasters who have chosen to become leaders for the 2026-27 Toastmasters year in the newly reformed District 72 – New Zealand and Fiji.
Katina Beauchamp is the Division W Director, looking after all the clubs in the Wellington region.
Jacqui Blackwell is the Area W6 Director, looking after the 5 clubs in the northern Wellington region.
First up, here’s Katina’s profile and photo.
My name is Katina Beauchamp. I am a mother, grandmother, Senior Policy and Strategic Advisor, teacher, and translator – and since 2017, I have also been a proud Toastmaster. I first joined as a nervous speaker, hoping to build my confidence. What I found was much more than a place to practise speeches: I found a supportive community, new challenges, and the enjoyment of realising my potential and experiencing a growing sense of competence and confidence.
I am an active member in my clubs (aside from Spinnaker Toastmasters, I also belong to High Noon Bankers) and enjoy the social aspect and the rewarding feeling of contributing to my clubs’ achievements. Along the way, I have served as area director and division director in Wellington City, and I am delighted to be stepping into the role of Wellington Division Director for 2026-27. I am looking forward to supporting the clubs across the wider Wellington area, meeting many new Toastmasters and continuing to learn from the people around me.
And now for Jacqui’s welcome comments.
Kia Ora koutou, I’ve been in Toastmasters since some kind person who hates being mentioned picked my husband and I up three meetings in a row. We HAD to join Spinnaker Toastmasters Club just over 11 years ago. Since then, we haven’t looked back! I gained Advanced Toastmaster Silver on the legacy programme and am currently treading joyfully along the Visionary Communication Pathway.
There is nothing I like better than a captive audience and my years in Toastmasters has put me in front of many audiences that have given me invaluable feedback to hone my skills. The only limitation to anyone reaching the stars is their commitment and their support group. We can do nothing alone. We all are gifted with a special combination of skills and experiences but we never have them all.
Currently I am a registered ECE teacher and work simplifies my world to a child’s view. “Sharing and caring” is the principle we live and work live by.
He waka eke noa. We are in this boat together. So … no one left behind and no one not doing their bit. All good?
Jacqui is the incoming W6 Area Director, looking after five northern Wellington region clubs:
- Spinnaker
- Tawa
- Wadestown
- Churton Park
- Ohariu
Spinnaker Toastmasters Club, Plimmerton, Porirua, New Zealand 