2004 was the third year that the National Conference was held under the new format which allows delegates to focus on the future vision and direction of the sport with presentations of major topics, discussion groups and guest speakers. This year delegates came to Conference with two major items to address, the class structures and the events calendar. These and other issues were debated and decisions made which provided direction for the Executive in these important areas.

There were 17 Clubs represented from Whangarei in the North to Invercargill in the South. Also in attendance was the patron, Mrs Norma Triplow-Sanders, the elected Executive, the Treasurer Mike Martin and the Development and Administration Manager, Robert Hutton. Norma Triplow-Sanders officially opened Conference on Saturday morning and life member, John Lennox, then addressed Conference reminding delegates of the importance of selecting the right people for the Executive and making decisions and providing direction on important issues for the future.

The President, Chris Fraser, presented his report and following this the Minutes of the 2003 National Conference were adopted. The Treasurer, Mike Martin, presented the financial accounts and answered questions from the floor.

Mike Martin was then nominated for Life Membership of KartSport New Zealand in recognition of his many years dedicated service to the sport, firstly as an Executive member and then as Treasurer, a position Mike has held for the past 10 years. Following an address from the National President, Chris Fraser, highlighting Mikes outstanding contribution to the sport, the Conference confirmed Mike's Life Membership and Norma Triplow-Sanders made a presentation to Mike.

Dave Adams, Senior Relationship Manager, from SPARC then made a presentation to Conference. In his presentation Dave outlined the formation and structure of SPARC, the historic levels of funding that KartSport New Zealand had received from SPARC and the previous body, the Hillary Commission and outlined a process that had been instigated by the KartSport New Zealand Development and Administration Manager, Robert Hutton, to further SPARC's understanding of motorsport and KartSport specifically. This review has resulted in SPARC's support to KartSport now being reassessed and Dave announced that SPARC would now be providing substantially increased levels of funding and support to KartSport New Zealand.

Executive Member, Wayne McNee, then reported on the progress to date of the Strategic Plan (2001-2006) and plans to review the plan and re-establish a revised plan for the next five years. Wayne advised that he was putting a group of key people from within the sport together and that a meeting would be held before the end of 2004 to progress this important area. Wayne asked for and received confirmation from delegates that his suggested process be followed.

Following a break for lunch the National Steward, Ian Love, presented a review of the new judicial code followed by a general discussion.

Vice President, Bob Cunningham then made a presentation regarding his previously distributed paper on class structures. This was followed by a discussion lead by Chris Fraser who sought broad decisions and direction from delegates concerning areas of the paper that were acceptable and other areas that required some options to be proposed prior to finalisation of the structures. These proposals will now be submitted by the Executive to the next rule changes round.

Ian Love than made a short presentation regarding the process for nominations of Executive and sought direction from delegates as to ideas and ways for the Executive to provide potential improvements and assistance to Clubs in this process.

Chris Fraser then introduced the topic of the events calendar by stating that as this was the third year that this issue had been brought to Conference for review, it was important for delegates to make some key decisions and substantive progress on this matter or the Executive would need to act to ensure that the calendar was effectively regulated through the process of issuing permits. Robert Hutton then made a presentation to delegates concerning the events calendar highlighting trends and facts that were impacting on the sport as a result of the current event calendar. Discussion then followed with a general consensus from delegates that each Club should limit itself to no more than two permitted meetings per year. Delegates then separated in two groups, North and South Island, to plan revised event calendars for 2005.

Lacom Motorsport and Dunlop Tyres hosted a happy hour to conclude the first day.

Day two began at 8.15am with a review of the new National Sprint Championship race format by Executive member, Lance Hickey. This was followed by a short discussion in which all delegates agreed that the new format should remain unchanged at this time.

The Nelson Club delegate then outlining the success the Club had experienced by taking a new approach to "Have-a-go Days". This presentation was received well with many Clubs expressing interest in trying a similar approach.

Each Club delegate was then invited to make a 5 minute presentation to Conference covering such things as what they had done well and poorly over the past 12 months as well as the Clubs priorities and views for KartSport New Zealand for the next 12 months. These presentations were extremely positive and helped all Clubs get an idea of what other Clubs were doing as well as providing valuable feedback to the KartSport New Zealand Executive.

Mike Tunney, Executive member and Chairman of the Rules Sub Committee, presented an update on the change to the Codes, Rules and Specifications process introduced following directives from last years Conference. Mike expressed concern that, even though the number of rounds had reduced from 4 to 2 as requested by delegates last year, many Clubs were not sending in submissions on the proposed changes. Discussion from Clubs followed with the general consensus that the process should continue unchanged and Clubs needed to do a better job of meeting the timelines required to make submissions.

There were 2 Notices of Motion put to Conference which covered minor technical changes to the Constitution. These were both passed unanimously.

KartSport New Zealand Patron, Mrs Norma Triplow-Sanders then addressed Conference, thanking outgoing President, Chris Fraser, for the outstanding job he had done in this position.

The following persons were then elected to the Executive :-

Allocation of Road and Dirt events was then decided as follows :-

2005 NZ Road Championships - Confirmed - Taupo, February 5th & 6th 2005.

2005 SI Road Championships - Confirmed - Christchurch - 19/20 Nov 2005 (TBC)

2005 NI Road Championships - Confirmed - Taupo - 3/4 Dec 2005 (TBC)

2005 NZ Dirt Championships - Rotorua - 19 Nov 2005 (Rain date 26 Nov 2005)

2006 NZ Road Championships - Taupo - date to be confirmed.

2006 SI Road Championships - Christchurch - date to be confirmed

2006 NI Road Championships - Taupo - date to be confirmed

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