Elections and AGM
Annual General Meeting
Our Annual General Meeting is fast approaching, and we encourage all eligible members to get involved.
Sunday 26th July 2026 11am Start
This page contains everything you need to know about the AGM, including key dates, voting information, candidate details, notices of motion, and any supporting documents. Taking a few minutes to review the information before the meeting helps ensure you can make informed decisions on matters that shape the future of your Club.
Whether you choose to vote online, in person, or attend the AGM itself, your participation matters. The Club belongs to its members, and the AGM is your opportunity to have a say in its direction and governance.
We'd love to see strong member engagement this year, so take a look through the information below, make your voice heard, and be part of the future of The New Plymouth Club.
Page Contents
Members are encouraged to review the Notice of Motion prior to the Annual General Meeting.
Notice of Motion
The proposed motion will be presented for consideration and voting at the AGM, and this is an opportunity to familiarise yourself with the details before the meeting.
We encourage all eligible members to take the time to read the document and consider the proposed changes. If you have any questions, please contact the Club Office before the AGM.
Your participation helps ensure informed discussion and decision-making for the future of the Club.
Life Membership is one of the highest honours the Club can bestow.
Life Member Nomination
It recognises individuals who have provided outstanding service, demonstrated long-term commitment, and made a significant contribution to the success and wellbeing of The New Plymouth Club.
The following nomination has been submitted for consideration by members at the Annual General Meeting.
I would like to formally nominate Evan Cottam (Membership No. 3878) for Life Membership of the New Plymouth Club.
Evan joined the club in 1984. While conducting an audit for the club, he was approached shortly afterwards and asked to take on the role of Treasurer. He accepted the position and, remarkably, 42 years later, continues to serve in that role with the same dedication, professionalism, and attention to detail that have benefited the club for decades.
Throughout his time with the club, Evan has been an invaluable contributor. He has played a significant role on the Strategy Committee, particularly during the club’s transformation and renovation projects. The considerable amount of time, expertise, and professional knowledge he has contributed to these initiatives has been provided at no cost to the club, demonstrating his commitment to its long-term success.
Evan was also a key contributor to Project 2000, which saw the original extension and modernisation of the club. His involvement in this major development helped shape the club into the facility members enjoy today.
Special thanks should also be extended to Evan’s wife Judith for her support and understanding over the many years Evan has devoted to the club.
Evan’s exceptional commitment, loyalty, and service over more than four decades have made a lasting impact on the New Plymouth Club. I believe these contributions make him a highly deserving recipient of Life Membership.
Yours sincerely,
Murray Cotter
Nominated by: Murray Cotter
Seconded by: Mike Wesley
Evan Cottam
Manual Voting Times
(Must be a financial member and/or have joined before the 15th of July 2026)
Monday 20th July - Wednesday 22nd July
10.00am - 4.00pm | Office
Thursday 23rd - Friday 24th July
10.00am - 4.00pm | Office
4.00pm - 7.00pm | Main Area
Saturday 25 July
Final Day of Manual Voting
12.00pm - 6.00pm | Main Area
On Monday 20th July at 10:00am, eligible members will receive an email.
Online Voting Times
Open the email and follow the link to the voting portal. Online voting will remain open until Friday 24th July at 11:00am
Votes can only be submitted once, so please review your selections carefully before submitting.
Meet the Nominees
Your vote helps shape the future of the New Plymouth Club
Make your voice count, Have Your Say
Murray Cotter
President (unopposed)
The New Plymouth Club has been part of my life for 31 years, and I care deeply about its people, its staff, its members, and its future.
Since joining the Executive Committee in 2016, I have been proud to serve the Club for the past 11 years, including three years as Vice President and the past three years as President. During that time, I have seen the Club face change, challenge and growth, and I have fully supported the direction we have taken.
For me, being President has never just been about attending meetings. It has been about showing up, being involved, supporting our staff, being present at events and draws, and helping wherever I can — whether that is part of the official role or simply something that needs doing.
A lot of what happens in a club is unseen, but it all matters. I have always believed that if you care about something, you roll your sleeves up and do your bit.
I am proud of the progress we have made, and as we look ahead, I want to see the New Plymouth Club continue to go from strength to strength. I bring experience, a steady and considered approach, and a genuine passion for this Club and the people in it.
If re-elected, I will continue to give the Presidents role the same commitment, energy and care that I have given it over the past three years.
I would be honoured to continue serving as your President.
Graham Chard
Vice-President
I bring a strong combination of leadership, governance experience, and commitment to service to my nomination for Vice President of the New Plymouth Club.
Over the past two years, I have made a valuable contribution as a member of the Club Executive, working collaboratively with fellow committee members to support the Club’s strategic direction, strengthen governance, and ensure the Club continues to provide an enjoyable and welcoming environment for members. My practical approach, sound judgement, and willingness to contribute have earned the respect of colleagues and members alike.
Beyond the Club, I am serving my fourth term as an elected member of the New Plymouth District Council, where I have demonstrated effective leadership, sound decision-making, and a commitment to representing the wider community. This experience has strengthened my skills in governance, financial oversight, strategic planning, stakeholder engagement, and building consensus across diverse viewpoints.
I am known for listening carefully, communicating openly, and approaching challenges with integrity and a solutions-focused mindset. I value teamwork and believe the best outcomes are achieved through collaboration, respect, and transparent decision-making.
As Vice President, I would support the President and the Club’s leadership, contribute to its ongoing success, and help ensure it remains a vibrant, inclusive, and well-managed organisation for current and future members.
Mike Topless
Vice-President
It has been a privilege to serve as Vice-President of the New Plymouth Club, and I am pleased to put myself forward for re-election.
Over the past year, I have continued to give my time and energy wherever I can to support the Club, the President, the Committee, our staff, and our members. For me, the role is about more than attending meetings. It is about being present, being available, and helping where help is needed.
I care deeply about this Club and the people who make it what it is. I have spent many hours supporting events, assisting behind the scenes, and doing what I can to help things run smoothly. Much of that work is not always seen, but it is important, and I have been proud to contribute in that way.
As Vice-President, I see my role as supporting the President, working positively with the Committee, and helping make decisions that are in the best interests of the Club as a whole. I bring commitment, reliability, and a genuine desire to keep building on the positive growth and momentum the Club has achieved.
New Plymouth Club has come a long way, and I want to continue helping it move forward in a positive, practical and member-focused way.
Craig Ward
Vice-President
I am standing for election as Vice President because I care about the Club, its members, and the role it plays in our community.
I have been involved with the Club for the past 16 years, including the last three years on the Executive Committee. During that time, I have been proud to be part of a team that has helped the Club grow and continue moving forward in a positive direction.
My background is in engineering, and I have also owned my own business. That experience has given me a practical understanding of planning, budgets, problem-solving and getting things done properly. I believe those skills are valuable around a committee table, particularly when decisions need to be considered carefully and made in the best interests of members.
I have also served on the 8 Ball Activity Group Committee for 12 years, including eight years as President. In that time, I helped organise and run two North Island 8 Ball Championships, along with a number of other events that brought people into the Club and supported its success.
Outside the Club, I have been involved in motorsport, badminton and off-road committees, including serving as President of the off-road committee. These roles have taught me the importance of teamwork, preparation and staying calm under pressure.
If elected, I will continue to bring a practical, committed and member-focused approach to the Committee, and will work to support the Club’s continued growth, events and long-term success.
I would appreciate your support.
Graham Chard
Committee
Over the past two years, it has been a privilege to serve on the New Plymouth Club Executive Committee, working alongside fellow committee members to strengthen the Club, support its long-term direction, and ensure it continues to provide an enjoyable, welcoming environment for all members. During this time, I have contributed to sound governance, practical decision-making, and initiatives that support the Club’s continued success while always placing members’ interests at the centre of every decision.
My commitment to good governance extends beyond the Club through my role as an elected member of the New Plymouth District Council, a role that has further developed my skills in strategic planning, financial oversight, policy development, and stakeholder engagement. Drawing on leadership experience in business, community organisations, and public service, I work collaboratively to build consensus, make informed decisions, and deliver positive outcomes for the communities I represent.
I believe effective leadership is built on integrity, accountability, respectful communication, and a willingness to listen. These are the values I have brought to both the Club Executive and the Council table.
If re-elected, I will continue to support the Committee with energy, experience, and a practical approach to governance. I remain committed to helping ensure the New Plymouth Club continues to thrive and to grow, as a vibrant, financially sound, and welcoming place where members can enjoy excellent facilities, strong fellowship, and a proud future.
David George
Committee
My name is David George, and I am a member of the New Plymouth Club and have been part of a regular group meeting at the club for the last seven years. Prior to joining the club, I was a member of the Napier RSA for over 40 years.
Before retiring, I was self-employed in business and always believed in giving something back to the organisations and communities that have supported me. I have volunteered with tourism initiatives and served on the Executive of Napier Grey Power organizing membership and benefits., along with volunteer business organisations.
Five years ago, my wife Moira and I moved to New Plymouth permanently from Napier. Moira grew up here and we felt it was the right place to make our home. Joining the New Plymouth Club was one of the best decisions we made. We have enjoyed the friendship, hospitality and sense of community the Club provides.
Retirement has given me the time to become more involved in community organisations, and I would welcome the opportunity to serve on the Club Executive. I believe the Club is a tremendous asset for New Plymouth and I want to play my part in helping it remain financially strong, well governed and welcoming for both current and future members.
If elected, I will bring practical business experience, common sense and a willingness
to listen, work as part of a team and make decisions that are in the best interests of the Club and its members.
Ryan King
Committee
I have proudly served on the New Plymouth Club Committee for the past 7 years, and during that time I have continued to be an active, committed and positive contributor.
I am always involved in Club life, whether that is supporting events, sharing what is happening around the Club, encouraging others to get involved, or helping out where needed. Even with a busy family life as a dad of four, I continue to give my time to the Club and remain genuinely interested in seeing it grow, improve and succeed.
As one of New Zealand’s top pool players, I am proud to represent New Plymouth Club at events around the country, and I understand the importance of Club spirit, participation and connection. I also attend Club related conferences, bring ideas back to the table, and am always looking for ways the Club can continue to offer more for its members.
On the Committee, I am conscientious, engaged and willing to speak openly and constructively. I am not afraid to share my views, ask questions, or raise ideas that reflect the interests of everyday members.
I care about the Club, the people in it, and the direction it is heading. If re-elected, I will continue to bring energy, commitment and a practical, member-focused perspective to the Committee.
I would be proud to continue serving New Plymouth Club and its members.
Jono Murdoch
Committee
I am standing for re-election to the New Plymouth Club Committee because I remain passionate about our Club, its future, and the important role it plays in our community.
Over the past two years, I have had the privilege of serving on the Committee and being actively involved in the Strategy Group, helping shape the Club’s future growth and long-term direction. This has given me a deeper understanding of the Club, its members, its values, and the opportunities ahead.
As a Registered Architect, I bring a practical and strategic perspective to the table, particularly as the Club continues to grow, develop its spaces, and plan for the future. I have also been pleased to contribute my time to the work around the vacant Molesworth Street tenancy, which is now moving closer to commencement and represents another positive step for the Club.
Outside of the Club, I have experience serving on committees, including five years as President of the Box Office Boxing Charitable Trust, and I currently serve as Western Branch Chair for the New Zealand Institute of Architects. These roles have strengthened my understanding of governance, planning, community contribution and working collaboratively toward long-term goals.
New Plymouth is home for my family, and I care about seeing strong local organisations continue to thrive. If re-elected, I will continue contributing to the Club’s strategic direction, keeping the best interests of members at the forefront of every decision.
It would be a privilege to continue serving on the Committee and helping shape the future of New Plymouth Club.