The value of Toastmasters is enormous says Coastmasters President Nu Taramai.
“Toastmasters is of benefit to anyone who wants to gain confidence and skills in public speaking.
“Personally the two biggest benefits to me were being able to deliver my father’s obituary in the Cook Islands. My family had never heard me speak in public before and under very difficult circumstances the skills I had learned at Toastmasters help me deliver a fitting obituary to my Father.”
Mr Taramai, who joined the Waikanae Toastmasters in 2002, says the secong big gain from Toastmasters was his winning a New Zealand Auctioneering competition in 2012. “That was purely down to the learning from Toastmasters.”
Kāpiti has two Toastmasters clubs and is developing a third in Paekākāariki.
Both Clubs – Coastmasters Toastmasters in Paraparaumu and the Waikanae Toastmasters meet fortnightly.
Mr Taramai, who is also the Area Director for four Toastmasters clubs says anyone is welcome to come along to a club meeting.
Visiting a club is an exciting first step in reaching your goals. There’s no need to feel pressure to participate at your first club meeting you can simply observe if you wish. And since every club is unique, it’s OK to visit several clubs before you decide to join the right club for you.
Coastmasters Toastmasters
Phone: 0800 800 660 Meeting Times: Tuesday (fortnightly) 7:30 p.m.
Location: Te Newhanga
Kāpiti Community Centre
15 Ngahina Street Paraparaumu
Toastmasters of Waikanae
Phone: 64 4 297 0907 Meeting Times: Alternate Thursday 7:30 pm
Location: Waikanae War Memorial Hall
5 Pehi Kupa Street Waikanae
