Change of governance model focus at annual meeting

A PUSH to reshape the governance model will be sought in the hope of improving administrative functions at the Forbury Park Trotting Club.

The proposal was discussed at the club’s annual meeting last night, where a deficit of $118,707 was announced after a year of major upheaval. There were major changes to the club’s committee, board and managerial positions.

Resignations from the club’s board mean it goes in to its new financial year with two new faces compared with this time last year.

Dunedin lawyer Craig Paddon joined the board as chairman several months ago.

Paddon was scathing of previous board chairmen for setting ‘‘the same lofty goals’’ in his chairman’s annual report.

‘‘There have been too many vested interests, too many conflicted interests, a lack of professionalism and a lack of management skills, resulting in a poor set of annual accounts, rundown infrastructure, unhappy staff, a disinterested membership and a silo mentality.’’

Paddon pleaded with members in his report to support the current board in rebuilding the club.

He signalled that the current structure of having both a committee and board must change.

Paddon told last night’s meeting that some of the comments in his report were him ‘‘venting’’, because it had been difficult to progress change within the club because of its governance model.

Maungatua farmer Denis Aitken was also appointed to the board about 10 months ago, joining fellow member Martin Denton.

Aitken told last night’s meeting he backed the move to change the club’s administrative structure.

He discussed the possible processes and framework that could initiate the change and how a new administrative structure could benefit the club.

Aitken suggested the club’s constitution was outdated.

Last night’s meeting heard extensive discussion on the club’s governance from officers and members.

More major upheaval at the club during the past financial year came after several of its committee resigned, including president Daryl Trainor.

Breederowner Lex Williams filled that role until standing down last night.

Jeff Roberts, Amy Berthelsen and Loretta Richardson have filled three of the vacancies on the club’s committee. Martin Denton was reappointed.

Retiring committee members

Maureen Simpson and Nick Wells did not seek reelection.

The meeting heard that the club wanted one more member.

A president to replace Williams was not announced.

Another change at Forbury Park during the past financial year is its new general manager.

Della Hopkins took over earlier this year from Tom Conroy.

Conroy filled the position on an interim basis and elected not to continue at the organisation.

Last year’s deficit of $118,707 is an improvement on the previous year’s loss of almost $250,000.

The club has posted losses in six of its past seven financial years.