Annual Report 2023

We are pleased to bring you the President’s Report of the Aotearoa Women’s Surfing Association for 2023. This is our sixth AGM running and this year’s focus shifts from last year’s theme of connectedness to resilience.

Similarly to last year, our focus has been on building a solid foundation to proceed confidently as an association that can provide for wāhine and kōtiro surfers around Aotearoa. We have worked hard on streamlining our strategic plan and gaining a full understanding of who we are what the aim of this association is.

AWSA is really unique in that it has been born from a grassroots level of wāhine connected with lived experience at a competitive level and then re-nourished by the next generation of athletes and recreationalists alike. This gives AWSA a richness of herstory, lived experience and understanding of surf culture, and it’s pitfalls, when it comes to the participation and progression of wāhine and kōtiro on the waves.

Upon reflection, for a lot of people this past year has been tough, highlighted even more so after the most recent weather events on Te Ika a Maui. Our thoughts are with all who have been affected, and continue to be affected, by major weather events.

From an AWSA perspective, the board has also been challenged by various life events. This highlighted that for AWSA to be sustainable we need to ensure a well-rounded level of support to include paid memberships, financial partnerships and government funding to lighten the load on our dedicated voluntary commitment at present.

Outgoing board member appreciation goes to Tyla Rose, Danny Clayton, Teressa Betty and Sophie Ross. Tyla has been with AWSA from day dot and we thank her for her energy towards the digital platforms and original illustrations over the years. Danny has been instrumental in seeing an opportunity for AWSA to rebrand and utilise a membership model that will contribute to the sustainability of AWSA. Her growing women-centric brand, Salt Gypsy, has funded our website and merchandise costs which is very much appreciated.

Teressa Betty and Sophie Ross came in as brand new board members which was refreshing to have contributing individuals with fresh perspectives. Teressa developed the streamlined version of our strategic plan based on a rather hefty document of goals and aspirations to help engage with future partners. She worked alongside her mentor in Te Ao Maori to bring cohesion of our values also. Sophie from day one has been a reliable member of the board and her enthusiasm toward bettering our communications has been valued.

You have all been an integral part of AWSA’s growth and resilience and we wish you all the best in your upcoming adventures. A huge mihi to you and your associates.