Axemen’s News – Report tabled to NZAA AGM from Rachael Roberts Co- Editor

 

It was an honour to be appointed the Co- Editor and have the opportunity to help put together an edition of the Axemen’s News.

With our appointment not being confirmed until the AGM, I knew the timeframe was going to be tight. The timing of the Axemen’s News had been a contentious issue for the previous two years, so Ray Harraway and I were determined to get the issue out on time.

This, of course, we did, although at times it was easier said than done, as many missed the deadline for submissions. A small number of these were due to some confusion over who was Editor and where to send submissions. A number of reports were slow to filter through following the AGM. It would be helpful if those who prepare their reports on computer could email a copy directly to the Editor for inclusion after being tabled and accepted at the AGM.

Another major issue was the number of submissions arriving in files that could not be opened or formatted in an unusable manner, such as a locked PDF. This caused delays as emails went back and forth until a solution was found.

To help overcome this, I included some notes on the preferred practice in my editorial and I am pleased to report that there have been far fewer issues this year. As the office bearers within Clubs are always changing, the education relating to submissions will need to be on-going.

We sought two quotes – one from the previous printer and the other from Bruce Print. We elected to go with Bruce Print because they gave us a better price and also because they will be convenient for Ray to deal with, as both are in Ashburton. They were very professional and helpful to deal with and we were extremely happy with the high standard of booklet produced.

The cost of printing the books was $2378.00. The more copies printed the cheaper the cost, so reducing the order by 100 copies increased the cost from around $5.60 to $7.00 per booklet.

The financial statement I have included shows a profit of $1280.93.

I believe there to be a discrepancy with the advertising rates. Currently there is only the one rate for all of $50 per page. I would suggest a rate of around $100 per page for businesses and in the event of a full colour advertisement on the cover, such as the Masters Games, $150.

It was extremely disappointing that no books were ordered by the NANIA axemen and women. Aside from this causing the price to increase, it is disheartening that for a sporting body as small as ours, we have let a rift form – those who subscribe to the Axemen’s News and those who receive the Hacker’s Guide. The Axemen’s News has a long and proud history in New Zealand wood chopping and as such, must surely be the NZAA official guide. As such we should all be giving it our full support.

I understand a discussion took place at the last NZAA AGM to discontinue the Hacker’s Guide from this year. I certainly hope this council has the foresight to ensure this happens.

I would like to see a return to the previous system where $5 was included in all registration fees to cover the cost of the booklet. I know this is the system some (including Southern) still successfully use.

And finally, I would like to thank Ray and his daughter Natalie for their hard work last year and wish them every success with this year’s edition.

 

Rachael Roberts –  Co - Editor 2006-2007

 

JJJ

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