News Page
Stay up to date with the latest news and events from across District 72. For ease of navigation, we have divided this page into four sections: Members, Club Officers, District Officers and the District Calendar.
We recommend regularly checking the sections that apply to you!
Members News
District 72 Member Zoom Background 2026-27
Show your District pride from wherever you join from!
To celebrate our first year as the new District 72, we’ve created an official “Better together” Zoom background for members to use during club meetings, training sessions and District events.
Our Zoom background features a map of the countries that make up our District and celebrates the diversity, connection, and friendships that unite us across New Zealand and the Pacific.
Download your copy below, and join us in showing that we are better together.
Online Pathways Onboarding Workshops
Need help with Pathways? These monthly online workshops cover how to set up the Pathways education system for Toastmasters. It aims to introduce new members to Pathways and answer any questions in practice.
It is also an opportunity for experienced members to see how they can assist new members with their Pathways introduction.
Available dates and registrations links can be found on the training page of this website.
Updated D72 Visitor Booklet now available
The D72 Visitor Brochure has been refreshed for 2026 to reflect our newly reunified district. It’s a great tool for welcoming guests to your club — covering what Toastmasters is, what happens at a meeting, the Pathways programme, and how to join.
The new edition includes a space on the back page to add your own club’s contact details, so every copy can be personalised for your club. And a QR code linked to the membership form and another one for members to access extra information about Toastmasters.
You can download the booklet with the link below to print or share, or get in touch with your Area Director if you’d like printed copies for your club.
We recommend replacing any older versions you have on hand, as some details have changed with the district realignment.
Congratulations to Kimberly Harpur on winning her Quarter-final Speech Contest!
Congratulations to Kimberly Harpur of District 112, Toastmasters International, on advancing to the Semifinal round of the 2025-26 International Speech Contest.
Each year, tens of thousands of Toastmasters members compete for this title, working through club, area, division, and district-level rounds. Reaching the semifinal stage reflects Kimberly’s exceptional communication skills, preparation, and dedication to the craft of public speaking.
We’re proud to have her represent our district at this level of competition. Best of luck, Kimberly!
District 72 Newsletter — July 2026 is here!
This month we’re celebrating our first year as the reunited District 72, spanning 195 clubs across New Zealand and Fiji. Read messages from your Trio, meet our World Championship of Public Speaking Semi-Finalist, and see the 76 clubs already recognised as Distinguished this year.
In this issue:
- Meet Kimberly Harpur — our World Championship Semi-Finalist heading to Vancouver, and how you can help support her journey
- Congratulations to our 76 Distinguished Clubs
- A welcome message from the 2026–27 Trio: Mark Tweedale, Sandeep Kinge and Steve Vale
- Club Officer Training dates and Pathways workshops for July–August
- Meet your 2026–27 District leaders
- A new club in formation — StoryCraft Toastmasters
- First look at the District 72 Conference 2027 in New Plymouth
- District incentives your club can earn this year
Flip through the full newsletter above, or download the newsletter in PDF format on our google drive below
Has your club done something interesting that we could feature in the next newsletter? We would love to hear about it! Send your story to newsletter.d72@toastmasters.org.nz
District 72 Conference 2026
Join us for the annual District 72 Conference! This year, it is being held at the Caroline Bay Hall in Timaru from Friday 15 May until Sunday 17 May 2026.
The theme will be “Celebrate the Journey” and it will be a reflection of the progress we all make during our time with Toastmasters. Feel empowered by keynote speakers, be entertained by the District contest finals, connect with other members and experience the best that Toastmasters can offer!
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Club Officers News
Club Officer Training Round 1 for 2026/2027
Club Officers Training (COT) helps newly elected officers step into their roles with confidence, clarity, and purpose.
Learn what your role involves, how to lead effectively, how your contribution fits into the bigger picture, and how to help your club thrive.
Club Officers only need to attend one session to receive credit in the Distinguished Club Program. Each session will run for approximately 3 hours.
Available dates and registrations links can be found on the training page of this website.
Annual General Meetings
It is time to start planning your club’s Annual General Meeting! The Club Constitution says that this should be held during the first meeting of May where practical.
During this meeting, the club will elect its officers for the year starting 1 July 2026. This is also an opportunity for current club officers to give reports and to pass any motions that require majority approval from members.
The AGM must have a Chairperson. For some clubs, the President fulfills this function. Other clubs ask an experienced member to do this. There should also be a secretary recording the minutes of the meeting.
Some clubs run their AGM at the end of their regular meeting, others dedicate their entire meeting to it, some even meet off-site and make it a big event. How you run your AGM is entirely up to you!
Once this meeting has been held, ensure that your Club Officer List for the 2026/2027 programme year is submitted to Toastmasters International via Club Central by 30 June 2026. This will ensure a smooth transition and is one of the points in the Distinguished Club Programme.
Talk Up Toastmasters - Membership Building Programme
With so many people feeling refreshed from the holidays, now is the best time of the year to promote your club and spread the word about Toastmasters!
To encourage this, Toastmasters International are running their annual “Talk Up Toastmasters” membership building programme. Any club that can sign up 5 or more members between 1 February and 31 March 2026 will receive a special ribbon to display on their banner and a 10% off discount code to use on the Toastmasters International online store.
Smedley Award - Membership Building Programme
Ready to start the new Toastmasters year of with a flying start! This one is for you! Now is the best time to promote your club and start the Toastmasters year strong!
To encourage this, Toastmasters International are running their annual “Smedley Award” a membership building programme. Any club that can sign up 5 or more new, dual, or reinstated members between 1st August and 30th September will receive a special ribbon to display on their banner and a 10% off discount code to use on the Toastmasters International online store.
Membership Renewals
Our Toastmasters International semi-annual membership fees are due by 31 March 2026. As club officers, now is the best time to check in with members to discuss their goals and renewing their membership for another six months. This is also a good time to make sure members are up to date with payments.
These fees are usually paid by the Treasurer via Club Central, but it can vary for each club. Make sure your club has a plan for paying these fees on time so that you don’t miss an easy point in the Distinguished Club Programme!
Membership Renewals Due:
Club Officer Lists
Make sure to upload your Club Officer List for the upcoming Toastmasters programme year before 30 June 2026. This ensures that the incoming Club Officers will be able to access resources without delay. This is done via Club Central and is also one of the goals in the Distinguished Club Programme.
Club Officer Lists Due:
District Officer News
District Executive Committee Meeting,
Sunday 5 July 2026
Area Directors, Division Directors and other District Officers are invited to attend the District Executive Meeting on Sunday 5 July 2026.
Documents for this meeting can be found on the Meeting Documents page.
Instructions on how to register attendance will be send directly to District Officers.
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Club Visit Reports
Club Visit Reports Due:
Club
Mission
“We provide a supportive and positive learning experience in which members are empowered to develop communication and leadership skills, resulting in greater self-confidence and personal growth.”
District
Mission
“We build new clubs and support all clubs in achieving excellence.”
Toastmasters International Mission
“We empower individuals to become more effective communicators and leaders.”
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