Yachting New Zealand has launched a formal review of its national membership model and club affiliation fee structure, prompted by recognition that the way sailing is practised around the country has changed considerably. The review covers 106 affiliated clubs and will examine whether current arrangements still reflect the realities of a shifting recreational landscape.
“This is an important piece of work for the sport,” Armitage said.
Chief Executive Steve Armitage described the exercise as a direct response to those broader changes. "The landscape for sailing and boating clubs is changing, and we want to ensure our membership and affiliation model reflects the realities clubs are facing while supporting the long term health of the sport."
The review was identified as a priority at last year's AGM, where it was flagged for 2026. A dedicated Membership and Affiliation Advisory Group will lead the work, charged first with assessing what is and is not functioning well within the existing framework before turning to what alternatives might look like. The group's findings will go to the Yachting New Zealand Board ahead of the 2026 AGM, with any approved changes taking effect the following year.
The advisory group is working to a tight schedule, with a series of meetings planned through to the end of June. Armitage described the central aim as finding a structure that remains practical for clubs without losing sight of the wider sailing community it exists to serve.
“We continue to see shifts in participation, pressures on volunteer capacity and changing expectations around how people engage with sport,” he said.
"This review is about making sure our systems are fair, transparent and financially sustainable while continuing to support grassroots clubs."
A range of specific areas will come under scrutiny during the process, including how membership categories are defined, how affiliation fees are structured, and how participation figures are collected and reported at a national level. The group will pay particular attention to activity outside formal competition, acknowledging that a significant proportion of sailing today takes place beyond the race course. Youth pathways, digital membership infrastructure, and the quality of participation data all sit within the scope of the review. Taken together, these elements are intended to give Yachting New Zealand a clearer picture of how people currently connect with the sport and how that picture is likely to evolve.
Andrew Robertson will co-chair the advisory group alongside Armitage, bringing both hands-on club experience and professional expertise in conduct and compliance frameworks. He has served as commodore of Milford Cruising Club for the past five years. Yachting New Zealand Finance Manager Dave Smith and General Manager Community and Development Raynor Haagh will also sit on the group.
The advisory group extends beyond that core team. Up to four positions are open to representatives from small to medium sized clubs, with a further two spots reserved for those from larger clubs. Two to three places have been set aside for sailors aged between 16 and 30, ensuring younger participants have a genuine say in the outcome. Where specialist knowledge is required, external advisers may be brought in, particularly across membership systems, community sport economics, and governance.
Clubs and individuals with relevant experience are encouraged to put their names forward. Expressions of interest close at 5pm on Wednesday 25 March 2026, with appointments expected to be confirmed before the end of that month and work beginning immediately thereafter.
“Even for those who aren’t ultimately appointed to the advisory group, there will still be opportunities to provide feedback and contribute to the review as it progresses,” he said.
Armitage emphasised that input from clubs around the country would strengthen the process. "We're keen to get a diverse range of voices involved, particularly from clubs themselves. The aim is to build a model that genuinely reflects participation in sailing and works for clubs of all sizes."
