From President Alyson Howell
By the time you receive this newsletter we will have completed the 2026 Annual General Meeting.
Sadly, but unsurprisingly, after the major anniversary year of 2025 we have a number of resignations
from the committee. The year saw the fruition of big projects and, understandably, project
completion is a time for many to reassess and make new plans.
Sue Wild has served on the committee for 19 years and will retire during the year. She has organised
paintaways, workshops, edited the newsletter for ten years and inaugurated the competitions and
challenges. The incoming committee may appoint an administrator to fulfill the basic office tasks
with Sue remaining on the committee to help with handover.
Jan Pryor is stepping down from the committee and will continue writing for the newsletter. Together
Jan and Sue wrote the text for our superb book “Awash with Colour.” (Have you purchased your copy
yet? At the end of January we had sold 403 copies. We had hoped that every member would purchase and
as membership is now at 580 we have yet to meet that aspiration.)
Alison Hehir, and Alan Reid are stepping aside. Ali organised our fabulous book launch in
Wellington, and Alan ably helped with the Stratford paintaway. Both will be available to assist with
specific events.
After one happy year as President I am retiring. I am pleased that Watercolour New Zealand is in
good heart and has a bright future. The operation of the society is dependent on volunteer power and
enthusiasm. The committee is acknowledging that with the increasing size of the society, the fact
that it is a nation-wide group, and the consequent greater workload we may need to change the way we
run the administration. Our treasurer and newsletter designer already receive honoraria. One option
is to treat the secretary / administrator role in this way.
Our South Island Paintaway will be held in Clyde from 1 to 4 May. Organiser Pete James is very
positive about the beautiful painting locations in the area. I am grateful to Pete and his team and
I know it will be another great event. All you need to do after you have registered, and sorted your
travel and accommodation is read and keep your Paintaway emails so that you are fully informed.
The summer competition has closed, with 73 entries and winners announced in this newsletter. And we
are looking forward to Jane Blundell’s workshops in late March.
The new committee, along with several experienced and wise current members, will have fresh members,
ideas and exciting events. We look forward to a stimulating year ahead. Thank you for all your
support during 2025.
Alyson Howell
