All I can say at this point is this. I have, as you know Phill, listened to so many Members in the past, raising just the issues you are raising here. It was quite clear to me many were very unhappy how the Association was being run. I agreed with them and have stepped up. It quickly became clear that there needed to be major changes to the Association. Not only to save it for a start but then to rebuild it. What has me most bewildered is that it is those who were the most vociferous about how poor the association was being run who are making the most noise and are anti over the changes we are trying to invoke to improve it for all of you. As an almost completely new Executive, it has been hard to get those who should have known better, to recognise the ship was rock bound, take control of the wheel and steer it away while those same people are not prepared to accept that there are any rocks and would prefer to point fingers while waiting until you hit them.
I accept that in the past many felt that they weren't listened to. However, in this position I can honestly say, all those who wish to be heard are. In the case regarding the Nationals change I can truly say that every submission sent in was addressed. However as you know there needs to be a final call and they were made by what we believed was the best for the majority after all those considerations. Already I have heard from sources that "I put in a submission and it was completely ignored". The reality is, it wasn't ignored it simply didn't become part of what was implemented for any number of reasons. Every single submission was addressed. Absolutely.
Chad has covered most of what I was going to say, so all I will add is, as the President I am more than happy to travel anywhere to discuss the NZACA and hear your concerns. I have already proved that I am prepared to do that.
Lastly. The thought that this Executive is a bunch of bullies is a sad perception. I would suggest those outside the Executive would not know exactly what occurred in the recent past and how we ended up in the very disappointing situation we did. I have said so many times in so many forums, not one of us became Officers of this Association to become embroiled in the type of issues we did and nor did we want to take the final action we did. Such decisions are huge and only taken when all else fails.