Ash, Katina and Jinny attended the last ever District 72 Conference held in Timaru 15-17 May (before District 72 recombines with District 112 to become whole of New Zealand District 72 again on 1 July 2026. Currently District 72 covers the South Island and Lower North Island).

At the conference, four contests are held: International, Humorous, Table Topics and Evaluation.

Ash Vincent competed in the Humorous contest, and came third! Wow – congratulations Ash on a fantastic achievement. Ash has been a member of Spinnaker since 1 April 2025 and is the club Sergeant at Arms. Ash is a very funny speaker who can sock it to the crowd, even when he is “flying low”!

Jinny Nawaz competed in the Evaluation contest but was unplaced. Well done Jinny for giving it a go with 5 of the District’s best evaluators. For a first timer it’s a great accomplishment to be up there with the best. Jinny has been a member of Spinnaker since 1 June 2025, and it seems evaluations are her thing. The District is on notice!

Jacqui was scheduled to compete in the Table Topics contest but had to pull out at the last minute due to illness.

Also in the awards lineup was Katina Beauchamp, who is currently Spinnaker’s Secretary and Division J Director, and incoming Division W Director for the newly reformed District 72 from 1 July. She received the Triple Crown Award – Any member who has received 3 Pathways Certifications of Level Completion (Levels, Mentoring Path or Distinguished Toastmaster Award) within the current Toastmasters year is eligible for a Triple Crown Award and receives a Triple Crown Certificate. Congratulations Katina for a marvellous achievement.

Other events at a District Conference include workshops with guest speakers, the District Council meeting, Awards, and entertainment. Toastmasters love to dance!

A District conference is the highlight of the Toastmasters year and well worth the time and effort to attend.