News Page

Stay up to date with the latest news and events from across District 72. For ease of navigation, we have divided this page into four sections: Members, Club Officers, District Officers and the District Calendar. We recommend regularly checking the sections that apply to you!

Members News

District 72 Conference 2026

Join us for the annual District 72 Conference! This year, it is being held at the Caroline Bay Hall in Timaru from Friday 15 May until Sunday 17 May 2026

The theme will be “Celebrate the Journey” and it will be a reflection of the progress we all make during our time with Toastmasters. Feel empowered by keynote speakers, be entertained by the District contest finals, connect with other members and experience the best that Toastmasters can offer!

Starting In:

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Share the Journey With Fazla Dulficar

As a way of giving back for the incredible support and encouragement she received in the lead-up to the Toastmasters World Championship of Public Speaking, Fazla Dulficar kindly offered to share her journey – taking us behind the scenes with the lessons learned, the challenges faced, and what it truly takes to grow as a speaker. This included insights on authenticity, vulnerability, and the importance of asking for help.

For those who missed this incredible workshop, the recording is now available.

Pathways Progress Sheet

Looking for a way to keep track of your Pathways progress? This Progress Sheet by District 72 makes it easy! It allows you to see all the available paths and gives an overview of what should be completed for each level. 

It is also a great way for Club VP Educations to support newer members with structure, guidance and challenges.

Past Newsletters

Look back in time at past editions of the District Newsletter.

Club Officers News

Club Officer Training - Round 2

Information about Round 2 of Club Officer Training is now available on the training page of our website! This is a great way to connect with other Club Officers from around District 72 and is one of the goals in the Distinguished Club Program.

This time, we are offering the choice between live Zoom sessions or On-Demand sessions. Live sessions offer the benefit of meeting other members from across the District, but On-Demand sessions are a great alternative for those who need more flexibility.

Talk Up Toastmasters - Membership Building Programme

With so many people feeling refreshed from the holidays, now is the best time of the year to promote your club and spread the word about Toastmasters!

To encourage this, Toastmasters International are running their annual “Talk Up Toastmasters” membership building programme. Any club that can sign up 5 or more members between 1 February and 31 March 2026 will receive a special ribbon to display on their banner and a 10% off discount code to use on the Toastmasters International online store.

Membership Renewals

Our Toastmasters International semi-annual membership fees are due by 31 March 2026. As club officers, now is the best time to check in with members to discuss their goals and renewing their membership for another six months. This is also a good time to make sure members are up to date with payments.

These fees are usually paid by the Treasurer via Club Central, but it can vary for each club. Make sure your club has a plan for paying these fees on time so that you don’t miss an easy point in the Distinguished Club Programme!

Membership Renewals Due:

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District Officer News

District Leadership Nominations

Interested in becoming a District Officer for the 2026-27 Toastmasters year? Nominations are now open and we would like to hear from you!
 
This programme year, District 72 and District 112 will be reuniting to form one district (named District 72). Nominations for Division Director roles will be based on current boundaries. However, these may be subject to change once the realignment process is complete. 
 
The document below details which roles are available and the timeline to submit a nomination. 
 
Nominations are to be emailed to celinatempleman@outlook.com with a subject of “Candidate Nomination” no later than 6 February 2026.

Nominations Due:

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Club Visit Reports

For Area Directors, it is now time to plan your second round of Club Visits!
 
Although reports are not formally due until 31 May 2026, we recommend completing this task as early as possible. Not only does this help to avoid a last minute rush, but it also gives clubs time to implement any suggestions.
 

Club Visit Reports Due:

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District Calendar

2025 - 2026 Programme Year

1 February 2026:

“Talk Up Toastmasters” membership building programme begins.

28 February 2026:

Round 2 of Club Officer Training ends.

31 March 2026:

Semi annual membership fees are due.

“Talk Up Toastmasters” membership building programme ends.

1 May 2026:

“Beat The Clock” membership building programme begins.

Clubs to hold their AGMs.

15 – 17 May 2026:

District 72 Conference in Timaru.

31 May 2026:

Club Visit Reports are due.

1 June 2026:

Round 1 of Club Officer Training for the 2026/2027 programme year begins. Training dates to be confirmed.

30 June 2026:

Club Officer Lists for 2026/2027 to be summited in Club Central.

“Beat The Clock” membership building programme ends.

Programme year ends.

2026 - 2027 Programme Year

1 July 2026:

Programme year begins.

Area Directors will contact Club Officers to discuss contests and other key events.

Club Officers begin working on Club Success Plan.

1 August 2026:

“Smedley Award” membership building programme begins.

19 – 22 August 2026:

Toastmasters International Convention in Vancouver, Canada.

31 August 2026:

Round 1 of Club Officer Training ends.

30 September 2026:

Club Success Plans are due.

Semi-annual membership fees are due.

“Smedley Award” membership building programme ends.

1 November 2026:

Round 2 of Club Officer Training for the 2026/2027 programme year begins. Training dates to be confirmed.

30 November 2026

Club Visit Reports are due.

1 February 2027:

“Talk Up Toastmasters” membership building programme begins.

28 February 2027:

Round 2 of Club Officer Training ends.

31 March 2027:

Semi-annual membership fees are due.

“Talk Up Toastmasters” membership building programme ends.

1 May 2027:

“Beat The Clock” membership building programme begins.

Clubs to hold their AGMs.

31 May 2027:

Club Visit Reports are due.

1 June 2027:

Round 1 of Club Officer Training for the 2027/2028 programme year begins. Training dates to be confirmed.

30 June 2027:

Club Officer Lists for 2027/2028 to be summited in Club Central.

“Beat The Clock” membership building programme ends.

Programme year ends.

Club
Mission

“We provide a supportive and positive learning experience in which members are empowered to develop communication and leadership skills, resulting in greater self-confidence and personal growth.”

District
Mission

“We build new clubs and support all clubs in achieving excellence.”

Toastmasters International Mission

“We empower individuals to become more effective communicators and leaders.”

Web Design by Brad Grootelaar. Suggest an edit here.

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