Stepping into the President role is both an honour and something I’m genuinely excited about. Toastmasters has given me so much over the past few years, not just as a speaker, but in confidence, leadership and the friendships I’ve made along the way.
If I had to choose one word to guide my intention for the next six months, it would be Belonging.
My hope is that every person who walks through our doors feels welcomed, valued and encouraged, regardless of where they are on their Toastmasters journey. Whether it’s a first-time guest, a new member giving their Ice Breaker, or a seasoned Toastmaster working towards their next milestone, I want our club to be a place where people know they belong.
We already have a wonderful culture, and I look forward to building on those strong foundations, celebrating each other’s successes, having plenty of fun along the way, and continuing to create an environment where people grow in confidence, leadership and communication.
If our members leave each meeting feeling just a little more confident than when they arrived, I’ll consider that a successful year.
Warm regards,
Mairia Te Are
President 2026
