This weekend saw the 76th National Party Annual Conference take place in Auckland.

The Southern Young Nats were well represented at both the main event and at the Young Nats conference held on the Friday. The conference featured in several news items, including pieces demonstrating planned mass protests turning out to be damp squibs. where the number of police actually outweighed the number of protestors. This confirms our belief that the protestors are an ever-dwindling minority, and that the majority of New Zealanders want the government continue pushing forward with planned reforms to help build a better economy. It also confirms our belief that much more change can be effected from the conference floor inside than from the rain-soaked streets outside. The Young Nats sponsored two which were remits passed by the main conference, demonstrating our continued influence within the Party. The best way for you to make a real difference is simply to join the Young Nats and work with, and not against, the government. Its just a quick update this week as we take little time to wind down from Re-O Week and conference, and prepare for our upcoming membership drives in Invercargill and Queenstown. Also on the horizon is our AGM and the chance to elect a new Executive for 2013, so be sure to keep an eye out for those important dates.

Annual Conference Recap

As mentioned before the Southern Young Nats had a strong presence at both the Young Nats and the main conferences. The conferences are a great opportunity to network with other Regions and delegates in a constructive, information-rich environment. We should never underestimate the access to MPs and officials we are granted by participating in these events.

We were also proud to be able to speak in favour of a remit supporting the modernisation of our adoption laws, which was eventually adopted by delegates at the main conference. The Young Nats have definite influence on policy formation within the Party and I would continue to encourage everybody to get involved and have their say as well.

A big success for all involved and I hope that we can continue a strong presence at valuable Party events in the future. Congratulations also to the new National Executive President Sean Topham who replaces Daniel Fielding after several years of hard work and dedicated service.

Executive Information
The current Executive will meet formally for the last time on Wednesday 22 August before the AGM, which is tentatively set down for Wednesday 19 September. We encourage you to come along to discuss, amongst other things, confirmation of the AGM date and call for nominations to the Executive. The Executive positions available are Chair, Deputy Chair, Secretary, Policy Chair and Communications Officer and you must be a current financial Member to be eligible to stand. For more information please contact us at southernyoungnats@national.org.nz.

Events
The Pub Quiz team is back in action at The Bog on Monday night. The current kitty stands at $140 in Bog vouchers so be sure to come along by 7pm and keep that winning feeling.

Todd Dickens is near to finalising two trips to Invercargill and Queenstown in order to help boost membership and support in their respective electorates. Keep an eye out for confirmation of those times and dates soon.

Virtual Tipping
Second last round of the year for the Super Rugby tipping comp and barring a huge upset or lapse in concentration, John Brinsley-Pirie looks to have taken out the competition. Our own conservative picking has enabled us to outlast most opponents.

Steveman increases his lead at the top of the NRL tipping competition, however with 9 weeks until the grand final anything is possible.

As always, if youre not currently a Member of the Young Nats I do urge you to head over to www.youngnats.org.nz/join/ and make the best $5 investment youll make for a long time. Cheers, James Meager Chair Young Nationals Southern Region

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