Newsletter – May 2024
Kia ora koutou
Big Book and Twelve Steps and Twelve Traditions Sale
GSO offers special pricing on Big Books ($20) and Twelve Steps and Twelve Traditions ($15) while stocks last, as we have these in plentiful supply. The special price relates to the hard-cover Big Book with printed jacket only and the hard-cover 12×12. Delivery is also free at present, so there has never been a better time to buy and help carry the message to the alkie out there who is still suffering.
National Convention 2025
The 62nd annual Convention of Alcoholics Anonymous New Zealand will be run from 17-19 January 2025 at the Copthorne Hotel & Resort in Waitangi, Bay of Islands. The theme of the Convention is Acceptance is the Answer.
Registration fee is $100 for the weekend (early bird $85 available until 1 January 2025), or Saturday only $70. Registrations are now open, and special accommodation pricing is available from the venue to members attending—contact convention@aa.org.nz to register or for event information. Information is also available on our Events page: https://aa.org.nz/events/
GSO Update
Please be aware that volunteers currently manage our GSO office in Lower Hutt, which is only open at limited times. If you would like to visit the office, please get in touch with the office in advance to arrange a time when the shop will be open. We are currently recruiting for permanent staff.
Board Vacancies
The Board has two vacancies:
- Class A Board Member (non-AA) Can have media experience, but not necessary
- Class B Board Member (Media) – AA member with ten years of sobriety. Can have media experience, but not necessary
While media experience is needed on the board presently, we will always need a range of professional expertise. We are keen to hear from you if you consider applying for the board.
Board applications must be received by 31st July 2024 to be considered for 2025. Applications and information can be found here: https://aa.org.nz/members/service/
New Board members who joined the Board in March this year include:
- Kaye (HR)
- Paul L (Vice-Chair, Media & Communications)
- Paul T (Secretary, Health & Safety)
- Bebe F (Webmaster, IT)
Giant Big Book to be Retired
Sadly, our giant Big Book is being retired. Over the years, it has become worn and damaged and has become challenging to maintain in good appearance for fellowship use, so the decision has been made to retire it. Digital images will be saved in our fellowship archive to be fondly remembered.
If you have any photos of the Giant Big Book, we’d like a copy for our records. Please contact Archives at archives@aa.org.nz.
Gratitude Month Theme
This year, your General Service Conference has decided that Gratitude Month contributions will go towards AA’s Digital Future. Make sure you check out what our plans are here: https://aa.org.nz/members/gratitude-month/
Te Reo Translation
The Big Book translation of the first 164 pages, Forward, Dr Bobs Nightmare and the Spiritual Experience are underway with great input from the Roopu Te Reo. Members from Northern, Central and Southern Area Assemblies are contributing directly to the creation, translation and design process for the creation of the Big Book Aotearoa.
At your next Assembly in June and July your area representatives on the Roopu will be available to meet with you and talk with you.
Also, your delegates will be asking for a small group of interested people to make themselves available to provide feedback on the draft designs of the Big Book cover which will come out later this year.
Three designs will be coming to these feedback groups in each area for the Fellowship to rank in order of their preferences being First, Second and Third choices.
If you have other thoughts or suggestions, you can email directly to the Roopu at:
Survey Project
Two meetings have been held of the Survey Committee, comprising three reps from Central, two from Southern and 1 Board rep.
We’d love any interested Northern reps to volunteer. Contact your delegate or boardkiwi@aa.co.nz.